The new law was given
throughout the vast kingdom of the Persian empire that all the Jews
in every province were to defend themselves against anyone who might
attack or abuse them according to the former law inspired by Haman.
Although Haman was dead, the law he instigated to destroy the Jews
was not able to be changed. However, between Queen Esther and her
cousin Mordecai the king allowed for this new law to be written, and
in chapter eight and verse twelve we see that it was written for a
specific day. We read:
Upon
one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon
the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is
the month Adar.
The verse begins, “Upon
one day...” Mordecai knew
there needed to be a specific time when the Jews could defend
themselves. It was not as if it would be every day special provisions
should be made, but the alloted day would have them ready to defend.
Preparations in advance for this day would be necessary, and those
who took heed throughout the kingdom would know the exact timing for
their defensive exploits.
The
verse goes on to say, “...in all the provinces of king
Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day
of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.”
Mordecai knew the first law that
was given back in chapter three and verse thirteen of Esther where we
read:
And
the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to
destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and
old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the
thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month
Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.
For
a moment we might be able to imagine if there was an exact date for
our demise. The Jews throughout all the provinces of the Persian
empire knew this new law, and the thirteenth day of the twelve month
was burned into their minds. Mordecai's new command was written for
the precise day of the first edict for destruction, and those who
were troubled over that first law would now be attentive to defend
because of the second one.
Isn't
it amazing how “one day” makes all the difference in situations?
Things can be going a certain troublesome way, and then “one day”
turns the events completely. We might recall the time when Mordecai
was sitting in ashes and fasting before the Lord as the first law was
sent out, and now God has placed him in a position to directly affect
what happens in response to that law. As we think about this, let us
keep in mind at least two lessons: One, God is always in command even
when it does not appear that He is. He always has a plan, and his
rescue may only be one day away. Two, the position of humility
expressed by Mordecai as he fasted before the Lord allowed for him to
be used greatly throughout the situation at hand. We too must know,
God is in control, and we must humble ourselves before Him that we
may be used to fulfill His purposes in our lives.
Next
time the edict will be published for the Jews to defend themselves,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want
to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
No comments:
Post a Comment