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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FROM OPPRESSION TO GLADNESS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22
Esther 9:17-19
Psalm 30:5
"… but joy cometh
in the morning."
FROM OPPRESSION TO GLADNESS
The Jews in the provinces killed their attacking enemies on the thirteenth day and rested on the fourteenth of the twelfth month. The Jews at Shushan killed on the thirteenth and fourteenth day and rested on the fifteenth. On the rest day, they celebrated with feasting and gladness. Those in the villages sent presents to each other.
This thirteenth day was supposed to be a day of plundering the Jews by their enemies. Recall the great mourning, fasting, weeping and wailing of many Jews who laid in sackcloth and ashes. And this was so in every province because of the royal permission to kill, loot and exterminate the Jews. How the scene changed: from an oppressed people facing sure death to a good day of gladness. Gladness and feasting were repeated in verses 17 to 19. One cannot but almost experience the great relief and joy. It must be realized that the old edict was still in place on the thirteenth day of Adar. The new edict could not cancel it since it was passed. The Jews knew they could still suffer great casualties on this day. So, though the new edict was passed, these nine months were not easy to bear. But we are told that "no one could withstand them" (Esther 9:2) and the Jews had a resounding victory over their malicious enemies. What a day!
Very often, sitting and waiting for the outcome of something can be a most difficult thing to bear. Especially when there is nothing you can do during the time leading up to it. You may keep guessing what it would be like or what the results would be when the time eventually comes. Or perhaps there are people who are just waiting for the moment to attack you at work, in school, even in church. Such a situation may even last for months. It can be very oppressive. In such a time, remember that worrying does not help. Do not fret. Remember this lesson in the Book of Esther. If you are doing right and walking in His will, deliverance will come in time. Be patient. Do not sin. Have faith in God. Then gladness will fill your heart.
THOUGHT: Am I feeling helpless while waiting for something?
PRAYER: Lord, teach me to trust in Thy deliverance.
Posted in Adult RPG
Esther 9:17-19
Psalm 30:5
"… but joy cometh
in the morning."
FROM OPPRESSION TO GLADNESS
The Jews in the provinces killed their attacking enemies on the thirteenth day and rested on the fourteenth of the twelfth month. The Jews at Shushan killed on the thirteenth and fourteenth day and rested on the fifteenth. On the rest day, they celebrated with feasting and gladness. Those in the villages sent presents to each other.
This thirteenth day was supposed to be a day of plundering the Jews by their enemies. Recall the great mourning, fasting, weeping and wailing of many Jews who laid in sackcloth and ashes. And this was so in every province because of the royal permission to kill, loot and exterminate the Jews. How the scene changed: from an oppressed people facing sure death to a good day of gladness. Gladness and feasting were repeated in verses 17 to 19. One cannot but almost experience the great relief and joy. It must be realized that the old edict was still in place on the thirteenth day of Adar. The new edict could not cancel it since it was passed. The Jews knew they could still suffer great casualties on this day. So, though the new edict was passed, these nine months were not easy to bear. But we are told that "no one could withstand them" (Esther 9:2) and the Jews had a resounding victory over their malicious enemies. What a day!
Very often, sitting and waiting for the outcome of something can be a most difficult thing to bear. Especially when there is nothing you can do during the time leading up to it. You may keep guessing what it would be like or what the results would be when the time eventually comes. Or perhaps there are people who are just waiting for the moment to attack you at work, in school, even in church. Such a situation may even last for months. It can be very oppressive. In such a time, remember that worrying does not help. Do not fret. Remember this lesson in the Book of Esther. If you are doing right and walking in His will, deliverance will come in time. Be patient. Do not sin. Have faith in God. Then gladness will fill your heart.
THOUGHT: Am I feeling helpless while waiting for something?
PRAYER: Lord, teach me to trust in Thy deliverance.
Posted in Adult RPG