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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THE RIGHT TO DEFEND
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14
Esther 8:11-14
Psalm 139:22-24
"… he that doeth wrong shall receive
for the wrong which he hath done..."
THE RIGHT TO DEFEND
Though Mordecai gave the command to the scribes, yet it was as good as the king granting the Jews everywhere the decree, because the rulers and governors had to recognize the authority of the king’s seal. The royal edict sanctioned the Jews to stand up for their lives. They could kill and eradicate people in the provinces. It did not matter if it were women or even children who had made themselves enemies to them. And the Jews could kill and take over the properties of anyone who would harm them — all on that twelfth month which Haman’s edict had previously set for their annihilation. This edict was for the Jews to prepare themselves for that day and authorized them to act and defend themselves.
Some say that Mordecai was just as wicked as Haman in crafting such a gruesome decree against others. He seemed to have just "cut and pasted" Haman’s wicked plans. But this was not true at all. Unlike Haman’s decree, note that this new decree was not a permission to kill indiscriminately. It was only to kill when attacked. It was for self-defence when their lives were endangered by someone who had the intent to kill them. It was hence also a strong signal to deter and prevent the others from thinking of attacking the Jews on the twelfth month. It served as a warning to them of the consequences. And it was fairly announced to all, nine months ahead. Mordecai and Esther continued to be at their best, even when they could have acted vengefully now. It is important that believers learn to react rightly when they are allowed to respond. After being delivered and given the opportunity to rectify a situation, we must take action but with godly principles. Having the right and especially the power to take action can become a temptation. We may want to exact maximum personal revenge, eg. get someone fired, make someone fail, or cause others to be injured. Our responses must be tempered and only for our own protection, not to hurt others. Check our motives carefully and seek God’s wisdom.
THOUGHT: Am I a vengeful person?
PRAYER: Lord, teach me to defend justly without vengeance.
Posted in Adult RPG
Esther 8:11-14
Psalm 139:22-24
"… he that doeth wrong shall receive
for the wrong which he hath done..."
THE RIGHT TO DEFEND
Though Mordecai gave the command to the scribes, yet it was as good as the king granting the Jews everywhere the decree, because the rulers and governors had to recognize the authority of the king’s seal. The royal edict sanctioned the Jews to stand up for their lives. They could kill and eradicate people in the provinces. It did not matter if it were women or even children who had made themselves enemies to them. And the Jews could kill and take over the properties of anyone who would harm them — all on that twelfth month which Haman’s edict had previously set for their annihilation. This edict was for the Jews to prepare themselves for that day and authorized them to act and defend themselves.
Some say that Mordecai was just as wicked as Haman in crafting such a gruesome decree against others. He seemed to have just "cut and pasted" Haman’s wicked plans. But this was not true at all. Unlike Haman’s decree, note that this new decree was not a permission to kill indiscriminately. It was only to kill when attacked. It was for self-defence when their lives were endangered by someone who had the intent to kill them. It was hence also a strong signal to deter and prevent the others from thinking of attacking the Jews on the twelfth month. It served as a warning to them of the consequences. And it was fairly announced to all, nine months ahead. Mordecai and Esther continued to be at their best, even when they could have acted vengefully now. It is important that believers learn to react rightly when they are allowed to respond. After being delivered and given the opportunity to rectify a situation, we must take action but with godly principles. Having the right and especially the power to take action can become a temptation. We may want to exact maximum personal revenge, eg. get someone fired, make someone fail, or cause others to be injured. Our responses must be tempered and only for our own protection, not to hurt others. Check our motives carefully and seek God’s wisdom.
THOUGHT: Am I a vengeful person?
PRAYER: Lord, teach me to defend justly without vengeance.
Posted in Adult RPG