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.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
