Mar 29

“Yet all this availeth me nothing…” Esther 5:13

Pride and self-importance causes many individuals to be totally consumed with themselves, and tormented with envy and malice towards anyone else who may, even without knowing take away attention from them, on their self-established pedestal. Haman was such a man. In spite of having the honour of the king, an enviable position of employ in the king’s palace, and clearly the respectful fear of most people around him, the sight of Mordecai refusing to give him the obeisance he felt he deserved, caused him to lose sight of all else! He made it his life’s ambition to destroy the one individual he could not control. How can one become so consumed with selfish, egotistical motivation that he sees nothing of all the privilege, blessing and provision he already has? Well actually this is not so far from what happens with many today, who are taken with a spirit and mind set of material accumulation, and pursuit of wealth, to such a degree that they enjoy none of it, see no blessing in it, nor can they rest and be content for even a moment, in their money-rich but miserable lives! Jesus teaches us the mind-blowing concept of preferring others to ourselves! Giving not only of what we have, but of who we are, for the benefit of others. This is so contrary to our natural bent, that it revolutionises our thinking, and blasts us out of our comfort, when we begin to consider it. Taking care of me, my, mine and everything to do with me, is often the natural response we give to life, but when we do, we soon discover there is no joy, personal fulfilment or lasting enjoyment, in this self-consumed approach to life. When we do it the Lord’s way, giving others their place, genuinely honouring them ahead of ourselves, giving respect and trust where it has been earned and being interested in others more than in ourselves, we find a different and higher level of purpose in living our lives. The ‘Haman approach’ to life will end the way it did for him, in sad, pitiful and shameful death. The way of Jesus, on the other hand, results in life more abundant here on earth, and in heaven for ever! 

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Mar 12

“…it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.” Esther 7:2

Persia was at this time an immense and powerful kingdom. Some have pegged Ahaseuerus, with the rather unwarranted reputation, of being a frivolous, gluttonous drunkard, given to flights of fancy, and childish tantrums! A careful reading of the story of Esther, without personal bias or pre-conceived ideas, will show a very different picture. This man was not petty, childish and given to peevishness, but a wise man and one who carried a great deal of responsibility. He was king over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces and ruled with firmness and fairness. In fact because of the love, wisdom and generosity he displayed, as relayed in the story of Esther, he has been deemed by some commentators, as an apt type of the Most High God. The scriptures describe how that fearing for her life, Esther came unsummoned in the presence of the King. The law of the country stated this was not to be done, and could merit punishment by death! Instead of the judgment she was dreading, she found favour, audience and assistance with the king. The statement before us, shows the largeness with which the King was willing to meet her request – even before he heard it! The parallel for us, is discernible, when we think that we too, came as needy sinners before the King of Kings. He was in the position to judge and destroy us, but in pity and love, he stretched forth the sceptre of His power and authority and provided for us the solutions and answers for our souls! He gave us what we needed to rid our souls of sin, the only and greatest fluid capable of washing away sin – the blood of Jesus! Like Esther, we came trembling and left triumphant - He kept nothing from us! Not only made us new, and granted us new life here and now, but has also made available for us, in His great wisdom, love and power, the kingdom of heaven for eternity! We serve a great God and Almighty King!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion