What’s obvious. May not be so obvious.

Scripture Read: Esther 8:11-17 In them the king granted the Jews who were in each and every city the right to assemble and to defend their lives, to destroy, to kill and to annihilate the entire army of any people or province which might attack them, including children and women, and to plunder their spoil, ¹² on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar). ¹³ A copy of the edict to be issued as law in each and every province was published to all the peoples, so that the Jews would be ready for this day to avenge themselves on their enemies. ¹⁴ The couriers, hastened and impelled by the king’s command, went out, riding on the royal steeds; and the decree was given out at the citadel in Susa. ¹⁵ Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white, with a large crown of gold and a garment of fine linen and purple; and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. ¹⁶ For the Jews there was light and gladness and joy and honor. ¹⁷ In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree arrived, there was gladness and joy for the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the dread of the Jews had fallen on them.

 

Application: God is always at work in so many directions at the same time. Talk about multitasking. You are the best at it Lord. I am amazed just looking at this story in Esther. Here was a girl with needs. You lifted her up into the position of Queen, which at the same time lifted her family also. Here was Mordecai caring for his dead brother’s daughter – hoping the best for her I am sure. You brought her into the palace, far beyond what Mordecai could have thought of. Your people were in captivity and still in great danger, You worked out a plan to save and protect them while at the same time judging the evil found in the leader Haman. You lift Mordecai up to a position of power that would be used to protect Your people, all of this and I am sure much more that only You can see, while at the same time giving those that were lost in the Persian culture an opportunity to come to salvation. We have no way of knowing how many became Jews, just in name only to protect themselves, that is not the point. There are always tares among the wheat. What is important is that people who would never consider what they believed in were forced into that situation as they witnessed the hand of an Almighty God bringing down Haman, lifting up Mordecai and protecting His people. We will not know until we are in heaven also how many of these gentiles, that worshiped in fear and bondage false gods, that asked them to sacrifice their children, came to salvation through these events. You were there the whole time as You always are, orchestrating and controlling events, while guiding those that seek You. You are God, Lord. No one can understand Your plans or frustrate them. All that come to You will find the One person in all of the universe that truly knows what is best and desires to give that to them. Father, draw us close to You, so we too may stand back in awe at Your works!

Meditation Questions: Do you really believe Rom 8:28 – all things will work out for good? Why? What does that show you? What is your definition of the word “accident”? How is it different than the definition the world gives it? Why? If it is the same, why? Do you believe God makes all things to happen or allows all things to happen? What about your sin? What does your answer say about God’s control and your free will? When was the last time you saw God do something obvious, only to find later there were several other issues He was dealing with at the same time.