Verses: Esther 3 : 1 - 15
My thoughts about the verses:
King Xerxes decides to give power to the Haman. King Xerxes made him the head of all the leaders. The people were to bow down and honor him. Mordecai came every day to the gate. Yet, he would not bow down to Haman.
This infuriated Haman. The guards asked Mordecai why he would not bow to Haman. His simple answer is that he was a Jew and would only bow down to God. The guards and Haman could not understand this. The days passed and still Mordecai would not bow down to Haman.
Haman finally decides the only way to get revenge is to kill Mordecai. Yet, that isn't enough he wanted all the Jews dead. The plot was simple convince the King that there were a group of people under his rule that would not obey his commands. This would force the King to go along with his plan. Remember Xerxes was a very flamboyant King. There could be no one that did not do as he desired. To do this was totally against his authority and that had to be stopped.
So the plan was put in motion. It could not be reversed because the law of the King was the absolute law of the land. Haman chose a date to kill all the Jews. This would end his pain and humiliation that Mordecai had brought him. It would show others that they could not stand against the King or himself. Simple you do not do what the King wants and you and your people will die.
I can remember standing my ground on an issue that I thought was worth fighting. I could not see any more people suffering due to their HIV status. I wanted to end the disease anyway I could. I can remember the nights that I would show up in the local bar handing out Condoms. I remember working a hot line to help people who were scared about the disease that so little was known about. I didn't do it for glory or praise. I did it because it was the right thing to do.
My friends and family were in shock. Some even question if I had the disease. They didn't understand that there are times that you have to stand up for a cause. I felt like every time I helped someone I was doing the work of God. I was ridiculed by some because they thought this was a punishment sent from God to stop what they felt was bad behavior. I knew simply that people should not be sick. I did lose a few friends yet I think back now and realize that they must not have been friends if they would not stand with me.
Look in your life have you ever taken a stand against something? We all have something that we will fight for. When your fight surrounds growing the Realm of God you will receive great rewards. The reward might not be gained here on Earth. Yet, know that God sees in your heart and if you are taking a stand because of the love you have for the ultimate Ruler of the world you will get your reward in Heaven.
Prayer:
Dear God we thank you for showing us how to stand up. We thank you for the times that you have put a burning desire in our hearts to fight back against tyranny. We thank you for Jesus who taught us that sacrificing for others is a worthy cause. May we always remember those that you sent to help us along our path. Dear God we ask that you help us stand up for a cause that helps grow the Heavenly Realm. May we always be reminded that someone stood up for us and that we need to do the same for others. In the Name of the Most High we pray. Amen
Questions:
Have you ever stood up for a cause? Did you get backlash because of your stance? Did you cave in to the neigh Sayers and stop doing the right thing? Are you willing today to stand up for injustice? What reward is waiting you in Heaven?
My thoughts about the verses:
King Xerxes decides to give power to the Haman. King Xerxes made him the head of all the leaders. The people were to bow down and honor him. Mordecai came every day to the gate. Yet, he would not bow down to Haman.
This infuriated Haman. The guards asked Mordecai why he would not bow to Haman. His simple answer is that he was a Jew and would only bow down to God. The guards and Haman could not understand this. The days passed and still Mordecai would not bow down to Haman.
Haman finally decides the only way to get revenge is to kill Mordecai. Yet, that isn't enough he wanted all the Jews dead. The plot was simple convince the King that there were a group of people under his rule that would not obey his commands. This would force the King to go along with his plan. Remember Xerxes was a very flamboyant King. There could be no one that did not do as he desired. To do this was totally against his authority and that had to be stopped.
So the plan was put in motion. It could not be reversed because the law of the King was the absolute law of the land. Haman chose a date to kill all the Jews. This would end his pain and humiliation that Mordecai had brought him. It would show others that they could not stand against the King or himself. Simple you do not do what the King wants and you and your people will die.
I can remember standing my ground on an issue that I thought was worth fighting. I could not see any more people suffering due to their HIV status. I wanted to end the disease anyway I could. I can remember the nights that I would show up in the local bar handing out Condoms. I remember working a hot line to help people who were scared about the disease that so little was known about. I didn't do it for glory or praise. I did it because it was the right thing to do.
My friends and family were in shock. Some even question if I had the disease. They didn't understand that there are times that you have to stand up for a cause. I felt like every time I helped someone I was doing the work of God. I was ridiculed by some because they thought this was a punishment sent from God to stop what they felt was bad behavior. I knew simply that people should not be sick. I did lose a few friends yet I think back now and realize that they must not have been friends if they would not stand with me.
Look in your life have you ever taken a stand against something? We all have something that we will fight for. When your fight surrounds growing the Realm of God you will receive great rewards. The reward might not be gained here on Earth. Yet, know that God sees in your heart and if you are taking a stand because of the love you have for the ultimate Ruler of the world you will get your reward in Heaven.
Prayer:
Dear God we thank you for showing us how to stand up. We thank you for the times that you have put a burning desire in our hearts to fight back against tyranny. We thank you for Jesus who taught us that sacrificing for others is a worthy cause. May we always remember those that you sent to help us along our path. Dear God we ask that you help us stand up for a cause that helps grow the Heavenly Realm. May we always be reminded that someone stood up for us and that we need to do the same for others. In the Name of the Most High we pray. Amen
Questions:
Have you ever stood up for a cause? Did you get backlash because of your stance? Did you cave in to the neigh Sayers and stop doing the right thing? Are you willing today to stand up for injustice? What reward is waiting you in Heaven?
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