Closer Day By Day

When we started reading the book of Esther, I mentioned that God’s hand was evident in the book although His name was not mentioned at all.

Today, as we read the other half of the book, let us consider the ways through which God worked to save His people and punish the wicked.

Bible Passage:  Esther 6-10

Seeming coincidences

That night the king could not sleep. So one was commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.  (Esther 6:1)

How many times have we said the words, “哇！好巧哦！”(So coincidental!)

While there are such things as coincidences, we also have to be sensitive to God so that we don’t treat everything as just a coincidence or we may miss appreciating the work of God and forget to give thanks to Him.

A tract is given to a person in search of a church? Someone happens to hear our hymn singing while walking past the church building? Or turns out that the person you just met in class happens to be a Christian too?

Sometimes, these ‘coincidences’ are really God’s arrangements so that people can be encouraged, reminded and saved. Let’s not overlook them.

Those in positions of authority

And on the second day, at the banquet of wine, the king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!”

Then Queen Esther answered and said, “If I have found favour in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. (Esther 7:2-3)

Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, “Indeed, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows because he tried to lay his hand on the Jews. You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for whatever is written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s signet ring no one can revoke. (Esther 8:7-8)

God also puts people in authority to do the right things.

Are you in a position of authority? Seek God’s will and do what He gives you authority to do.

If you are not in a position of authority, obey those in positions of authority and trust that God is in ultimate control. Pray for these people, like Paul encourages us and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you (Heb 13:17).

You!

The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people. (Esther 9:2)

Thus the Jews defeated all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, with slaughter and destruction, and did what they pleased with those who hated them. (Esther 9:5)

The remainder of the Jews in the king’s provinces gathered together and protected their lives, had rest from their enemies, and killed seventy-five thousand of their enemies; but they did not lay a hand on the plunder. (Esther 9:16)

Most importantly and closest to our heart, we should know that God works through each and every one of us.

Like hymn 219 tells us, we have to brighten the corner where we are.

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar,
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear,
Let not narrow self your way debar,
Tho’ into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Here for all your talent you may surely find a need,
Here reflect the Bright and Morning Star,
Even from your humble hand the bread of life may feed,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Brighten the corner where you are!
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbour you may guide across the bar,
Brighten the corner where you are.

May we all allow God to work through us in order to shine forth His light and brighten the corners where we are so that we can lead the people living in darkness to His everlasting light.