Pastor Bob DuPar
August 19, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Esther 4:1-7:10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-26; Psalm 36:1-12; Proverbs 21:21-22

Observation

In Esther chapter 4 we read about the tradition of never coming into a king’s presence unless summoned. And, that if a man or woman did so without being invited it resulted in death. The only exception to this practice was if the king happened to extend his scepter – meaning that the person had found favor with the king, and their life would be spared.

I’m impressed by Mordecai’s faith in God’s sovereignty as reflected in his advice to Esther in 4:14,

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place …but, who knows that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

Esther’s plan to fast for 3 days and her resolve to put her life on the line for her people is inspiring: “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (4:16)

I am humbled by the account of how God caused King Xerxes to be restless in his sleep; and, how He led Xerxes to choose the book of the chronicles of his reign for leisure reading – thus resulting in Mordecai’s life being spared!

The fact that justice caught-up with Haman and that he was hung on the very gallows which he had built to execute Mordecai, is proof that God has a sense of humor.

As I was reading Psalm 36:1-4 in today’s reading I felt like I was reading a description of Haman:

1 An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked:
There is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin.
3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and to do good.
4 Even on his bed he plots evil; he commits himself to a sinful course
and does not reject what is wrong.

Finally, I loved Psalm 36:8-9,

“They feast on the abundance of Your house; You give them drink from Your river of delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.

Application

Through Jesus we have the privilege and ability to come before God at any time, knowing that we will be received and will find favor in His eyes. This truth is affirmed in Hebrews 4:16,

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

I would love to have Esther’s courage to put my life on the line for God and His people. Mordecai’s words, “For such a time as this,” remind me that leadership and position are not merely blessings to be enjoyed personally; they are divinely appointed platforms from which we fight for justice & God’s will.

Psalm 36 really spoke to me, especially the following phrases:

“…in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin. …he has ceased to be wise and to do good. …He commits himself to a sinful course and does not reject what is wrong.”

Arrogance and self-absorption blind us from even seeing our own sin, with the result that we cease to be wise and we lose the ability to do good. That’s scary! When we commit ourselves to a sinful course it’s hard to reject things which are wrong and sinful. We lose discernment, judgment, common sense.

Prayer

“God, would you allow me to ‘drink from Your river of delights’ this week? This year? For the rest of my life? Thank You for Your love which reaches to the heavens, for Your faithfulness and righteousness which are eternally unshakeable.”