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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A GOOD TESTIMONY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21
Esther 9:15-16
Matthew 5:13-16
"… if the salt have lost his savour,
wherewith shall it be salted?..."
A GOOD TESTIMONY
It was specifically stated that after killing their enemies, the Jews "laid they not their hand" on the properties of those killed in Shushan (Esther 9:10). It was again highlighted that they "laid not their hands" to plunder the prey of the seventy-five thousand in the other provinces (Esther 9:16). This was despite the decree issued by Mordecai in the king’s name which did allow Jews to confiscate the properties of those who were killed for attacking them (Esther 8:11).
It was no small number of people killed in both Shushan and the provinces. If the Jews took their properties, they would have had a windfall. There would not have been anything wrong, after all it was in the new decree. The rulers and governors would not have protested should the Jews take possession of all those properties. But in both instances the Jews did not touch any possessions of their enemies. This would truly testify of their integrity — that they did not kill to get rich but purely to defend themselves. If they took their properties, their intentions would then be questioned, though it was permitted. What a careful testimony by the Jews. What made them behave so? Could it not be because of the testimony of their leaders Queen Esther and Prime Minister Mordecai? The decree they delivered sent a clear message. The Jews were to kill only those who attacked them, not indiscriminately or arbitrarily. This was consistent with the law of their God concerning protecting life. Their reaction reflected their God’s character throughout the empire. What a day for the glory of God in these foreign provinces. A good testimony is critical. As long as God continues to leave us in this world, it is for the purpose that we shine forth for Him. We are to be Christ-like. Our behaviours and our reactions represent our God. Moreover, our testimony sends a strong signal and encouragement to others to behave in a godly way too. If we were greedy and grabbing, we put God’s Name to shame. Even if we are allowed to do something, and just because we can, we should carefully consider how it reflects on God.
THOUGHT: Will I forgo personal gain for testimony’s sake?
PRAYER: May I always be mindful of upholding Thy light, O Lord.
Posted in Adult RPG
Esther 9:15-16
Matthew 5:13-16
"… if the salt have lost his savour,
wherewith shall it be salted?..."
A GOOD TESTIMONY
It was specifically stated that after killing their enemies, the Jews "laid they not their hand" on the properties of those killed in Shushan (Esther 9:10). It was again highlighted that they "laid not their hands" to plunder the prey of the seventy-five thousand in the other provinces (Esther 9:16). This was despite the decree issued by Mordecai in the king’s name which did allow Jews to confiscate the properties of those who were killed for attacking them (Esther 8:11).
It was no small number of people killed in both Shushan and the provinces. If the Jews took their properties, they would have had a windfall. There would not have been anything wrong, after all it was in the new decree. The rulers and governors would not have protested should the Jews take possession of all those properties. But in both instances the Jews did not touch any possessions of their enemies. This would truly testify of their integrity — that they did not kill to get rich but purely to defend themselves. If they took their properties, their intentions would then be questioned, though it was permitted. What a careful testimony by the Jews. What made them behave so? Could it not be because of the testimony of their leaders Queen Esther and Prime Minister Mordecai? The decree they delivered sent a clear message. The Jews were to kill only those who attacked them, not indiscriminately or arbitrarily. This was consistent with the law of their God concerning protecting life. Their reaction reflected their God’s character throughout the empire. What a day for the glory of God in these foreign provinces. A good testimony is critical. As long as God continues to leave us in this world, it is for the purpose that we shine forth for Him. We are to be Christ-like. Our behaviours and our reactions represent our God. Moreover, our testimony sends a strong signal and encouragement to others to behave in a godly way too. If we were greedy and grabbing, we put God’s Name to shame. Even if we are allowed to do something, and just because we can, we should carefully consider how it reflects on God.
THOUGHT: Will I forgo personal gain for testimony’s sake?
PRAYER: May I always be mindful of upholding Thy light, O Lord.
Posted in Adult RPG