2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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UNITY THROUGH PERSECUTION
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Esther 4:15-16
Acts 8:1-6
"The praise of endurance
in obedience to the will of God."
Esther returned her answer to Mordecai’s call for her to see the king. But she told Mordecai that he must bring together all the Jews in Shushan to fast specifically for her. They were not to eat or drink for three days and nights. And she would do so likewise. Moreover, she would also call her maidens to fast with them at the same time. After that, she would go and see the king, though uninvited, to seek help for the Jews’ predicament. Upon this answer, Mordecai went away and did exactly as commanded by Esther.
Mordecai reminded Esther that she was still very much a part of the Jewish people despite being the queen of Persia now. So she needed to have a concern for the crisis her people were facing. Esther rose to the occasion and decided to obey Mordecai to plead to the king on behalf of her people. Her first thought was to have the Jewish people in Shushan to be consolidated in fasting for her before she sought the king for them. These Jews that remained in Shushan were the ones who had not returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. They were living in luxury and were carefree, including Esther. They had probably forgotten their purpose as God’s people. This crisis served to awaken and unite them.
No one likes troubles and impending calamities. We often view them negatively. But God would at times use such events to rally us together in unity as a family, a church and among believers. United around a common cause in crisis time binds hearts and minds in purpose. Trivial things that used to matter are no longer important. We begin to be more understanding and supportive to encourage one another. Sometimes an extraordinary event (such as a severe sickness or a financial crisis) can bring family members together like nothing else could. Often when persecution arises from without, the church becomes stronger in unity. This is attested to in Acts and in Church history.
THOUGHT: How do trials cause me to set my eyes upon eternal things?
PRAYER: Lord, help us to be united for Thy cause.
Posted in Adult RPG
Esther 4:15-16
Acts 8:1-6
"The praise of endurance
in obedience to the will of God."
Esther returned her answer to Mordecai’s call for her to see the king. But she told Mordecai that he must bring together all the Jews in Shushan to fast specifically for her. They were not to eat or drink for three days and nights. And she would do so likewise. Moreover, she would also call her maidens to fast with them at the same time. After that, she would go and see the king, though uninvited, to seek help for the Jews’ predicament. Upon this answer, Mordecai went away and did exactly as commanded by Esther.
Mordecai reminded Esther that she was still very much a part of the Jewish people despite being the queen of Persia now. So she needed to have a concern for the crisis her people were facing. Esther rose to the occasion and decided to obey Mordecai to plead to the king on behalf of her people. Her first thought was to have the Jewish people in Shushan to be consolidated in fasting for her before she sought the king for them. These Jews that remained in Shushan were the ones who had not returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. They were living in luxury and were carefree, including Esther. They had probably forgotten their purpose as God’s people. This crisis served to awaken and unite them.
No one likes troubles and impending calamities. We often view them negatively. But God would at times use such events to rally us together in unity as a family, a church and among believers. United around a common cause in crisis time binds hearts and minds in purpose. Trivial things that used to matter are no longer important. We begin to be more understanding and supportive to encourage one another. Sometimes an extraordinary event (such as a severe sickness or a financial crisis) can bring family members together like nothing else could. Often when persecution arises from without, the church becomes stronger in unity. This is attested to in Acts and in Church history.
THOUGHT: How do trials cause me to set my eyes upon eternal things?
PRAYER: Lord, help us to be united for Thy cause.
Posted in Adult RPG