Day 20 – Esther 8:1-17
Opening Prayer: Father, I pray for an eternal perspective when everything goes badly. Fill me with joyful expectation as I wait on You.
Read: Esther 8:1-17
In your 4R journal:
- Record: After reading this short story, what verse stood out to you?
- Respond: Write a short prayer of praise in response to what God has shown you.
After his death, Haman’s property was given to Queen Esther. Mordecai is then ushered into the presence of King Xerxes because he was Esther’s Abba. In short, Mordecai replaces Haman as second in command, is given the king’s signet ring and bestowed all the wealth of Haman by Queen Esther. What a difference a day makes!
But there was still a dark cloud of dread overshadowing the pageantry. The Jews were still scheduled to be annihilated! I love Queen Esther’s boldness here. Now that she believes she has the king’s favor she doesn’t hesitate to speak. She fell at his feet, wept, and implored the king to “avert the evil scheme.” (Verse 4 says he extended the golden scepter to her which means she once again risked her life to save her people!)
Reflection:
- Share a time when you boldly asked God for mercy.
- How did He answer?
My Verse: Esther 8:11, “The king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children, and to plunder the property of their enemies” (NIV).
My Response: LORD, Your Word and Your Spirit empower me to annihilate the enemy. Thank You for never leaving me or forsaking me and always giving me a way to defeat the enemy.
I think it’s fitting that God allowed the enemies of the Jews to remain armed with the edict allowing them to kill the Jews and take their possessions while, at the same time, arming the Jews with words from the king that enabled them to defend themselves against their enemies. It’s fitting because there was still a battle.
Likewise, we are in enemy territory and the battle rages. We have enemies who attack us, raising knives of doubt, fear, and condemnation. But God has given us His Word and it blocks the blows and heals the cuts caused by our enemy. We must still prepare for battle and stay alert, but it is God who has already given us victory. He has made us ambassadors for Christ and given us His Holy Spirit. We already wear the robe of righteousness and our heads are adorned with a crown of glory. Like Mordecai, we are equipped to not only face the enemy but annihilate him!
Father, when I feel overwhelmed by fear and the enemy is looming, remind me that I too, am dressed in royal robes and a golden crown. You have already conquered the enemy and Joy and peace are mine to enjoy today!
The next step:
When the Spirit leads, in the comment section below, chose a response to share:
- Share a time when you boldly asked God for mercy.
- How did He answer?
Or
- Share your 4R Response
