THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 8-10
“Haman cast (the lot) for their ruin and destruction.” (Esther 9:24)
In the past, the lot was used to determine the will of the gods.
This is similar to drawing straws, or tossing coins (head you win).
On the one hand, this reflects how we were designed.
To include God in our decision-making!
But when humans sinned, we became alienated from God, and from His will.
Instead of doing what God wanted, we do what we want.
Haman did not cast the lot to decide whether to kill the Jews.
He was using the will of the gods to justify and support his will.
This makes me ponder how I make my decisions, and whose will I seek?
Jesus knew God’s will, and did it even if it meant suffering and death.
He was open about His own will, but was determined to do God’s will.
He entrusted His whole life to God, and God directed the outcome for Him.
And as with this story, God turns the tables on the self-willed humans.
Whose will am I casting my life with; will I throw my lot with God?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I sense You challenging me to reflect on how I make my decisions, on whether I honestly want to do Your will all the time, or only when it suits me.
Lord, I need to make this practical for me, for today.
What am I doing today that I should be checking Your will on?
What is Your will for me as I lead this workshop?
What is Your will for me as I drive to Ajax?
What is Your will for me as I relate to my family?
What is Your will for me as I talk about… politics… money… others?
I may not know the specifics, but I do know Your will in general.
I know You want me to be loving, kind, patient, generous, hopeful, forgiving.
I know You want me to include You, to rest in You, to check in with You through prayer.
I know You do not want me to be mean, selfish, boastful, arrogant, close-minded.
I know You want me to admit when I’m wrong, be gracious and not judgmental.
Can I do what I do today in a way that reflects Your character, Your love?
Knowing and following your general will, will affect my specific words and actions.
Lord, may You be a part of my day today, and may I walk in Your will!