THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 7:1-4
“Grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request.” (Esther 7:3)
Esther puts her own life into jeopardy for the sake of her family.
Understandably, she cares for her family, for her people.
“Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” (Romans 10:1)
Paul, a Jew, also is eager for the salvation of his people.
Though his ministry is to the Gentiles, he has not forgotten his roots, and his family.
Can you relate to this passionate prayer for your own family?
Is there someone that is sick, or lost in life, or far from God?
It is natural to love, and be concerned for, our own flesh and blood.
Paul’s passion is so strong, he is willing to die, to be cursed, for their sake.
“I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel.” (Romans 9:2-4)
Jesus’ loves us this way, as His own family, His flesh and blood.
All people are His family, God’s children, therefore they are our family too.
Esther’s concern for her people, Paul’s love for his kin, this is an echo of God’s love for all.
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16)
This is the kind of love we were saved by, the kind of love we were saved for.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to look at all people as my brothers and sisters, worth caring for, loving for, dying for. They were to you, as I was!
Observations/Application
God at work.
How do I see the hand of God at work in my daily happenings?
Haman thought only of himself and hen Esther revealed that she too was a Jew, he became unraveled. The king also realized that he had been duped. The king could not revoke his previous edict but by the power and authority given to Mordecai, he could created another edict to counter it – give the Jews the right to counter their opposition.
Haman built a trap for others yet he fell into his own trap.
And God used this persecution of His people to bring many more into His fold.
Many a time we may ask why is this happening? Where is God in all of this?
And
it is only in His timing we will see how God is bringing all things together for His good, His glory.
I need to look for His presence in the happenings of my life this day as I live for Him.
All around (all around)
up and down (up and down)
Here and there (here and there)
God is everywhere (God is everywhere)
In and out (in and out)
all about (all about)
God is near (God is near)
God is here (God is here)