RPG Adults
NOT SEEKING GLORY
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24
Esther 9:24-25
1 Corinthians 4:6-7
"… what hast thou that thou
didst not receive?..."
NOT SEEKING GLORY
Haman’s background as the son of Hammedatha the Agagite was brought up again. Being an Amalekite, his animosity towards all the Jews was highlighted here. The reminder was of how he had plotted and sought to destroy, consume and ultimately to annihilate the Jews. But when Esther approached the king, the king commanded by royal edict that what Haman plotted wickedly against the Jews be reciprocated upon Haman himself. Moreover, the king also had Haman’s sons publicly hanged as a result.
Here is a recollection and reminder by Mordecai, through his letters to all the Jews, of what led to the deliverance of the Jews. Esther 9:26 tells us that "for all the words of this letter," they ordained celebrations. It is interesting to note in all the words, Mordecai did not seem to mention himself at all. He highlighted to the Jews that they were about to be annihilated by their powerful and influential arch enemy "when Esther came before the king." The name "Esther" was not in the original. But the verb "came" is in the third person feminine singular, meaning "she came," which definitely refers to Esther. Mordecai did not elaborate on how he was instrumental in moving Esther and, if not for him, she would not have gone to see the king because she was afraid at that time. Neither did Mordecai’s words in the letter say that it was he who wrote the new edict himself and sent it out in the king’s name. He simply said that it was the king who commanded by letters. Some believe that Mordecai was a self-serving man who manipulated Esther for himself. But this ending shows otherwise. He could have bragged about his important involvement that led to such a great salvation to become a national hero. But he did not. He gave credit to Esther instead for her bravery. It is little wonder that God would make Mordecai greater and greater (Esther 9:4). The temptation to take glory upon ourselves is always great. It behooves us to know that it was God who used us, gave us abilities and helped us. It is the only way to be humble, and not brag.
THOUGHT: Am I secretly seeking my own glory?
PRAYER: Lord, help me to watch my proud heart.
Posted in Adult RPG
Esther 9:24-25
1 Corinthians 4:6-7
"… what hast thou that thou
didst not receive?..."
NOT SEEKING GLORY
Haman’s background as the son of Hammedatha the Agagite was brought up again. Being an Amalekite, his animosity towards all the Jews was highlighted here. The reminder was of how he had plotted and sought to destroy, consume and ultimately to annihilate the Jews. But when Esther approached the king, the king commanded by royal edict that what Haman plotted wickedly against the Jews be reciprocated upon Haman himself. Moreover, the king also had Haman’s sons publicly hanged as a result.
Here is a recollection and reminder by Mordecai, through his letters to all the Jews, of what led to the deliverance of the Jews. Esther 9:26 tells us that "for all the words of this letter," they ordained celebrations. It is interesting to note in all the words, Mordecai did not seem to mention himself at all. He highlighted to the Jews that they were about to be annihilated by their powerful and influential arch enemy "when Esther came before the king." The name "Esther" was not in the original. But the verb "came" is in the third person feminine singular, meaning "she came," which definitely refers to Esther. Mordecai did not elaborate on how he was instrumental in moving Esther and, if not for him, she would not have gone to see the king because she was afraid at that time. Neither did Mordecai’s words in the letter say that it was he who wrote the new edict himself and sent it out in the king’s name. He simply said that it was the king who commanded by letters. Some believe that Mordecai was a self-serving man who manipulated Esther for himself. But this ending shows otherwise. He could have bragged about his important involvement that led to such a great salvation to become a national hero. But he did not. He gave credit to Esther instead for her bravery. It is little wonder that God would make Mordecai greater and greater (Esther 9:4). The temptation to take glory upon ourselves is always great. It behooves us to know that it was God who used us, gave us abilities and helped us. It is the only way to be humble, and not brag.
THOUGHT: Am I secretly seeking my own glory?
PRAYER: Lord, help me to watch my proud heart.
Posted in Adult RPG