Today you should read: Esther 1:1-9
Today we begin a new book – perhaps one of the most fascinating books in the Old Testament – the only book in the Bible, in fact where God is not specifically mentioned but is clearly seen – the book of Esther. If you haven’t already – read chapter 1:1-9 now.
The book of Esther tells the story of a Jewish girl named Hadassah (Esther) who became the queen of Persia and thwarted a plan to commit genocide against her people. It is set in the third year of Ahasuerus, a king of Persia. This story is treasured by the Jewish people – it’s the basis and an integral part of the Jewish celebration of Purim. It’s an incredible book showing God’s protection of His people, His sovereign hand, and the value of making a stand for Him.
The verses we read today just get us started. I hope you enjoy our trip through this exciting book.
What can we learn from today passage?
We think we’re running our lives – the way we choose. The fact is – we’re not – and neither is this king. God is!
The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1
This is true of the president’s heart – the bosses heart – my teacher’s heart – any authority in my life’s heart. They’re not in charge – even if they think they are – God is. He’s sovereign – which means He’s the boss of all the bosses. That can bring real peace – especially when you believe authorities are making wrong choices. Now, what about that – if God’s in charge of everyone and everything – why does He allow authorities to make wrong choices? Answer… all for His glory – and sometimes even for our discipline.
So where does that leave me? Do I just discount them – curse them – and move on? NO! The Bible speaks clearly about this…
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Many Christians disobey God and sin in this area by their disrespect of the leaders that God has appointed. They do this in word and on Facebook, Twitter, and email…
What about us – do we ever try and control things in our lives rather than looking to God? How about all the time… but it’s not right.
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” James 4:13-15
You and I have the privilege of living in the peace of KNOWING that God is good – God is all-powerful – and God’s in control of everything. So… stop kicking and fighting – live under His hand and in His peace today.
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
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