Devotion
Hamamatsu, the evil antagonist of Esther
David Jacobs
You might think that anti-Semitism is a modern development. "Perhaps it came about right before World War 2. Perhaps it came about as a result of Christ's crucifixion." While these thoughts are logical, the Jews have attracted enemies that wished to destroy them since their existence.
The primary antagonist of Esther is named Haman. Haman is appointed by the king to a position above all the other princes (Esther 3:1). As the king's "right-hand man," all the servants should show their respect and bow to Haman when he approached. One man named Mordecai, refused to bow. Haman discovered that Mordecai was a Jew, and began plotting a way "to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus" (Esther 3:6). Scholars debate the reason why Mordecai did not bow to Haman, which was certainly a risky maneuver, but let us not ignore what happens next: Haman approached the king with a plan for genocide. A plan to eliminate all Jews, because they did not keep the same laws as the king. Haman offered to pay the king ten thousand talents of silver, to which the king replies to Haman to keep his money and do with the Jews as he pleases. It is truly terrifying.
There are certainly differences between people: different sizes, religions, cultures, language, and laws.
Prayer
Are we not all equals in the sight of God? Are we not to be judged the same way by the one true Lord? Whether a person be Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, atheist, Hindu, or Jewish, as Christians we have been given a new commandment by Christ himself: love each other as he has loved us. Go from this place to serve the Lord, the people, to love the Lord, and love the people. Leave the rest of it to God.
Night Prayer
And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.
Inspiration
Samson's power came from God, not from his beautiful locks of hair! He knew the origin of his strength and called out to the Lord to help him abolish his enemies. We have the power to overcome obstacles and hardships in our earthly life. We must remember that our strength comes from the Lord and contribute our tenacity to Him. We are grateful for His gracious character as He gifts us with skills to battle our enemies.
Prayer
Dear Father, We are grateful for the strength You have instilled in us. We could not stand against sin alone and we praise You for gifting us the power to conquer our sin. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
Allowing The Scriptures
To bring Joy To My Life
Frances Taylor
The beginning of Luke's Gospel has always been one of my favorite readings. It makes me feel confident that I can believe what I have been taught. It also gives me peace because I know that God's promise has been fulfilled. We have been set free from fear. Of course, we will know fear of the unknown in this unpredictable world, but not fear of death because we can be sure that death is not the end, only the beginning of a new life. Otherwise, how could we continue to experience happiness and joy in the face of suffering? This freedom of fear, this belief in the good news – this Gospel message – is what made the early Christians so willing to face suffering in the name of Jesus. It is what motivated them to spread the good news to anyone who would listen. Is our world any less in need of the Gospel than theirs? I doubt it. Considering how we work so hard to be happy! How hard we work to avoid pain or suffering! So ...
