RPG Adults
WHO DO WE CRY TO?
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Esther 4:1-3
Jeremiah 29:11-13
"Then shall ye call upon me…
and I will hearken unto you."
WHO DO WE CRY TO?
Upon knowing the details of the decree that had gone out for the coming mass execution of the Jews and that none would be spared, Mordecai mourned greatly. He tore off his garments and replaced them with sackcloth and ashes. Such actions symbolized immense anguish and repentance. He did not do this privately but wept loudly and bitterly in public in the city. He was not allowed to enter in because of his mourning attire. And every place where the extermination edict was received, there was tremendous grief among the Jews. They cried bitterly and fasted. Many donned sackcloth and prostrated themselves in ashes.
The scene must be heart-wrenching. It is hard to imagine the distress, sorrow and terror that were going through the hearts and minds of the Jews. In moments like that, such emotional responses can certainly be understood. But to whom was Mordecai crying? He went into the city and the king’s offices. Was it for man to hear and see? Was he seeking pity? Was he punishing himself? After all, the whole episode came upon the Jews because of his actions. His mourning at the king’s gate was likely to get Queen Esther’s attention. He knew that the edict was irreversible. Hence crying to the king’s office was useless. But whatever the case, it would have been more important for Mordecai to first cry to God instead of running to everyone else. In his fasting, did he turn in agonizing prayer first to God?
We must learn always to first run to God and plead at His Throne of Grace, instead of crying on the phone or resorting to email, Whatsapp or Facebook to people in positions of power to get help. Calamities must drive us first to God. All too often when we face trouble, we run to find help and comfort from man rather than God.
THOUGHT: Is running to God or man my first instinct?
PRAYER: Lord, teach me to pray to Thee without ceasing.
Posted in Adult RPG
Esther 4:1-3
Jeremiah 29:11-13
"Then shall ye call upon me…
and I will hearken unto you."
WHO DO WE CRY TO?
Upon knowing the details of the decree that had gone out for the coming mass execution of the Jews and that none would be spared, Mordecai mourned greatly. He tore off his garments and replaced them with sackcloth and ashes. Such actions symbolized immense anguish and repentance. He did not do this privately but wept loudly and bitterly in public in the city. He was not allowed to enter in because of his mourning attire. And every place where the extermination edict was received, there was tremendous grief among the Jews. They cried bitterly and fasted. Many donned sackcloth and prostrated themselves in ashes.
The scene must be heart-wrenching. It is hard to imagine the distress, sorrow and terror that were going through the hearts and minds of the Jews. In moments like that, such emotional responses can certainly be understood. But to whom was Mordecai crying? He went into the city and the king’s offices. Was it for man to hear and see? Was he seeking pity? Was he punishing himself? After all, the whole episode came upon the Jews because of his actions. His mourning at the king’s gate was likely to get Queen Esther’s attention. He knew that the edict was irreversible. Hence crying to the king’s office was useless. But whatever the case, it would have been more important for Mordecai to first cry to God instead of running to everyone else. In his fasting, did he turn in agonizing prayer first to God?
We must learn always to first run to God and plead at His Throne of Grace, instead of crying on the phone or resorting to email, Whatsapp or Facebook to people in positions of power to get help. Calamities must drive us first to God. All too often when we face trouble, we run to find help and comfort from man rather than God.
THOUGHT: Is running to God or man my first instinct?
PRAYER: Lord, teach me to pray to Thee without ceasing.
Posted in Adult RPG