THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 3:12-15
“The couriers went out, spurred on by the king’s command…” (Esther 3:15)
Why is it that gossip or bad news seems to travel so fast.
Why is it that we are so hesitant to compliment, but so quick to criticize?
Why is there so much more bad news than good news on the evening news?
I am thinking about these couriers, spurred on by the king’s command…
And the reluctance of many disciples to share the good news about Jesus?
Granted, these couriers were probably motivated by fear, or possibly wanting to please their king.
But the underlying question for me is why bad news seems more contagious than good news.
How can we spur on the couriers of King Jesus to be more eager to convey the good news.
Jesus did not use fear to motivate His disciples, but love for God and love for people.
Each one of us has to look within at our own reasons?
Why am I reluctant or hesitant to be a messenger of hope or love or encouragement?
The sad thing is, too many non-Christians only think of the negative message Christians bring.
Judgment and condemnation seem to be what people are hearing from us.
This alone ought to spur us on to get the true message out, of God and Jesus, mercy, love and hope.
This is a message that will bless, not bewilder (v.15).
Our king has commanded us to go out with the King’s edict of mercy.
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, may I be a messenger of hope and love today. May people not be bewildered but blessed by the message of my life.
Observations/Application
As sheep to the slaughter.
This cruel act without any reason or cause except for the desire of Haman and a king who ratified the order by his seal not knowing what he was doing was obnoxious.
The people would be perplexed. The spoils were whose? And of all he intermarriages – would they hare the same fate? What kind of king would ever order such a decree? No wonder the news traveled so fast. The devastation would be great indeed. And all because of insecurity and wounded pride.
What about my pride? Does it get in the way of my actions? My service to the King?
I must remember at all times I am a servant of the King and His will needs to be done.
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.