Esther 4-7

Wicked Haman proposed a plan to the king that would annihilate the Jews. Mordecai and Esther had all the Jews fast and afflict themselves for 3 days before Esther would approach the king to beg for mercy. God gave her favor to intercede for her people. The king reversed the edict and had Haman impaled on the pole he designed for Mordecai. God reversed the tables.

When impending doom threatens God’s people, they should likewise fast and pray that He would mercifully spare them. God can turn the fortunes of their oppressors and cause their devices to backfire.

What is meant for evil can turn to good.

Esther 1-3

Haman’s political ambition achieved a favored status for him with Persian king Xerses (Ahasuerus). One of his driving passions was his hatred of the Jews. Mordecai, Queen Esther’s uncle and guardian, refused to bow to Haman. This infuriated Haman to the degree that he coerced the King into proclaiming a death sentence upon all Jews.

In all the political strife we are witnessing today, Anti-Semitism crops up frequently. Sadly, some political leaders who decry racism out one side of their mouth turn and express hatred for Jews out the other side. Such a hypocritical scenario is discrediting.

Authentic Christians should “speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.” [Titus 3:2]

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Neh. 13

Nehemiah rebuked the families of God’s people for allowing their children to intermarry with the children of ungodly nations. He even “Smote some of (the fathers) and plucked off their hair,” he was so incensed. He cited Solomon’s backsliding because of his many foreign wives.

Christian families should discourage their children from being “unequally yoked” in marriage with unbelievers. Yes, mates can eventually come to Christ, but damage to the spiritual destiny of the children may have already been done. The lifelong price to pay for marrying someone for the wrong reasons is costly. Conversely, the rewards for marrying a believer from a Christian homelife are off the charts.

David said, “I’ve been young and now I’m old. I have NEVER seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread.”

Nehemiah 11, 12

When the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem was dedicated with a special ceremony, a great musical expression was performed by singers, two choirs, and instruments. This great sound of rejoicing was so loud it could be heard far away. I believe the enthusiasm and heartfelt joy of all transcended the limits of artistic expression. Yes, it was no doubt done with excellence, but God loves a sincere heart above all else. Now, sincerity with excellence is over the top.

Paul encourages us to do everything “Heartily, as unto the Lord.”

Nehemiah 9, 10

It seems that everyone likes to give God the last consideration rather than the first. The exiles of Jerusalem recommitted to God’s law and precepts in the revival led by Ezra and Nehemiah. Giving God the first and best was a fundamental element of that commitment.

We give God the first day of the week, the first tenth of our income, our first child, the first part of our day etc. … He gave His Firstborn, preeminent Son to us to redeem us from our sin and death penalty.

Nehemiah 7, 8

When Ezra, perched atop a wooden platform near Jerusalem’s Water Gate, began openly reading the Book of the Law of Moses, the people all stood and gave acute attention. They even stood through the pouring rain. They wept when they heard its contents. Then, the Joy of the Lord overwhelmed them and they feasted and enjoyed the reward of obeying God’s Word.

I have seen many preachers ask the congregants to stand for the reading of God’s Word when a sermon begins. To me this is a gesture of reverence for God’s Word and would be a spiritually healthy practice for New Testament Christians. When Christ Jesus began quoting Isaiah in the synagogue in Nazareth, he rose up to stand before the people. When Peter made his famous Day of Pentecost speech in Acts 2, he and the eleven all stood up before the crowd in Jerusalem. When Paul made his witness of the Gospel to the Athenian philosophers at Mars Hill, he stood boldly to address them.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus ye soldiers of the cross.

Nehemiah 4-6

During the period of time Nehemiah was rebuilding the broken down walls of Jerusalem, there was a famine. He also endured the persecution of enemy neighboring nations. Food was in shortage and financial pressure affected many. All apparent circumstances were providing resistance to his endeavor. Nevertheless, he steadfastly persevered in his goal. He merely devised strategies to continue the work while evading resistance attacks.

2020 has dispensed multiple challenges to the Christian community. Even government resistance to conducting worship gatherings has occurred … the first and only time I can remember in my lifetime THIS happening. When you approach someone to begin a casual conversation with hopes of sharing your faith, you are looked at with guarded suspicion for fear of contracting covid. Believing in Jesus is branded a laughable weakness by TV personalities.

Despite these and other forms of resistance, the Work of the Kingdom of God MUST go on. Christ’s return is not delayed. What can be done to serve Him and bring others into the Faith must continue.

Work for the night is coming when man’s work is through.

Nehemiah 1-3

Nehemiah was cupbearer to Artaxerxes, King of Persia. He was a Jew and was downcast before the king when he heard about the disrepair of the walls and gates of Jerusalem. He prayed, and boldly asked the king for permission to go back to Jerusalem and repair the wall so the city could be secure. He also requested materials to complete the project. His requests were graciously provided.

His prayer is a model of contrite humility and visionary boldness. We are wise to take note and let our requests be made known to the God of Heaven. Be sure to ask in Jesus’ name.

Ezra 9, 10

Ezra as a priest was pierced in his heart because the exiles had so fallen from God’s standards of conduct, especially in their adopting the practices of the heathen nations. He was openly undone and publicly wept and prayed before the Lord. His remorse was contagious … the leaders picked up his spirit and a large crowd gathered. They too began to weep before the Lord, establishing an attitude of contrition that paved the way to repentance.

Leaders and parents all provide the example for their followers in what to love and what to hate. Because sin can so easily devastate lives, their open distaste and remorse for it can become the righteous influence necessary for holy living in their followers.

When correcting children, open remorse is a powerful deterrent to ungodly living.

Ezra 7, 8

God gifted Ezra in areas of teaching and details ( he is credited with writing the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles ) so that the Jewish laws and traditions could be renewed after the exile period of their punishment. Whereas Nehemiah was concerned with rebuilding the city of Jerusalem, Ezra’s passion was for the temple and God’s laws.

Was it just chance that these men were instrumental in their specific function, or was it God’s design and purpose for their lives? Most assuredly, God equipped them to do what they did.

What makes you tick? As you read His Word daily and observe what needs to be done to further His Kingdom, proceed with the confidence that His gifts resident in your life are USEFUL. Be a doer of the Word. Faith and purpose will come more clearly into focus.