“…And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the fear of the Jews [and their God] had fallen on them.”
Esther 8:17b AMP
When Paul was brought before King Agrippa to explain himself, he spoke with such zeal concerning the Good News of Jesus Christ, that King Agrippa commented on the persuasiveness of his words.
“Then Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time [and with so little effort] you [almost] persuade me to become a Christian.” And Paul replied, “Whether in a short time or long, I wish to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become such as I am, except for these chains.””
Acts 26:28-29 AMP
As we know—and as is confirmed by Paul‘s response—this was the purpose of all of Paul’s teaching: to persuade those who were not yet persuaded concerning Jesus Christ.
It seems that many Christians underestimate their responsibility, as well as their ability, to persuade others concerning Christ. Additionally, we can be sure that there are many Christians who are aware that their way of being and doing is not bringing glory to God in the way that Jesus commanded.
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 AMP
In a letter to the church at Corinth Paul perfectly articulates our role in bringing people to Christ:
“But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him], that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation [that is, restoration to favor with God]. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.”
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 AMP
In another place Paul speaks of the ability of behavior to convince others to come to Christ.
“In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives.”
1 Peter 3:1-2 NLT
In our opening scripture we see that—having heard the decree giving the Jews the right to defend themselves—many people embrace Judaism because of their fear of the Jews and the Power behind the Jews.
Now, as Christians we are not trying to make people afraid of us; but, our words and our behavior should instill in them reverential fear of our Lord and King Jesus Christ. It doesn’t speak well of our Lord when we live sloppy lives, indicating we have no respect for Him.
“God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.”
Hebrews 2:10 NLT
It seems only fitting, in view of all that God did through Jesus Christ to bring us salvation, that we make sure our testimony, along with our lifestyle, reflect Him properly.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
“…and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. For [at this time] the Jews had light [a dawn of new hope] and gladness and joy and honor. In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king’s command and his decree arrived, the Jews celebrated with gladness and joy, a feast and a holiday. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the fear of the Jews [and their God] had fallen on them.”
Esther 8:15b-17 AMP
Chances are you’ve probably never heard of a person in the Bible named Jahaziel. So, let’s meet him:
There was a time under King Jehoshaphat of Judah when the people who had been left in the land given to Israel by the Lord decided to come against Israel. In fact, three armies were preparing to take Israel out.
Facing these incredible odds, Jehoshaphat turned to the Lord, presenting his petition. The Lord heard his plea and answered him through Jahaziel.
“He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!””
2 Chronicles 20:15, 17 NLT
Now, bear in mind, nothing about their situation has changed except that they have heard a word from the Lord. And yet, the king and the people began to praise the Lord and rejoice.
“Then the Levites from the clans of Kohath and Korah stood to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud shout.”
2 Chronicles 20:19 NLT
Not only did they rejoice with only the word of the Lord to encourage them, they went into the battle with singing and rejoicing.
“After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!””
2 Chronicles 20:21 NLT
And, as the people began to sing and rejoice, something amazing happened:
“At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other.”
2 Chronicles 20:22-23 NLT
When the army of Judah finally got to the place of battle, no one was left to fight against them. The Lord had fought the battle for them! Additionally, the plunder left, took 3 days to collect.
In our opening scripture we see that the people—having just heard the good news giving them the right to fight their enemy—immediately respond with joy and gladness. Now, they WILL have to fight, but they have the assurance that they will be victorious. Just like the people of Israel in Jehoshaphat’s day, they didn’t wait till the battle was over, they rejoiced just at the word of the decree.
You may be thinking that it would be easy to rejoice ahead of seeing the answer to your prayer if only you had a word from the Lord. Well, you have a book called, “The Bible,” in which there are many great and precious promises. As well, each of these promises is made sure through Jesus Christ.
“For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] “Yes.” So through Him we say our “Amen” to the glory of God.”
2 Corinthians 1:20 AMP
This being the case, what are you waiting for? Don’t wait until the battle is over, shout now! After all, victory is assured for those who belong to the Lord.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
“Then Mordecai left the king’s presence, wearing the royal robe of blue and white, the great crown of gold, and an outer cloak of fine linen and purple. And the people of Susa celebrated the new decree.”
Esther 8:15 NLT
As we have discussed many times before, it’s difficult to watch evil people get what you would like to have for yourself. In fact, this is the theme of Psalm 37. As I have shared before, this was one of my grandfather’s favorite scriptures to suggest for meditation. What I would like to point out here (in terms of Psalm 37) is that part of the encouragement offered for those who are having difficulty with the success of evil people, is the promise that one day—when it’s all sorted out—our righteousness will shine forth for all to see.
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.”
Psalms 37:4-6 NLT
Indeed, trusting in the Lord is the best “beauty treatment” any of us could employ. Asking the Lord for what we need and trusting Him to answer it will lead to a radiance no amount of cosmetics could approximate.
“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.”
Psalms 34:4-5 NLT
I like the portion of the above scripture that says “no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” Now, if you watch much live TV (for example, news programs), you will notice that there is a vast amount of light shining on the hosts’ faces to make sure there are no shadows and to “erase” all lines and imperfections. Just imagine how the light of the Lord shining upon us can change our dark countenance into a glorious visage!
In fact, we see this special “light treatment” offered to all those who do the Lord’s bidding in terms of reaching out to the poor, needy, and afflicted.
“Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your healing (restoration, new life) will quickly spring forth; Your righteousness will go before you [leading you to peace and prosperity], The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.”
Isaiah 58:8 AMP
In our opening scripture we see that Mordecai has been adorned with all the trappings of royalty. Once doomed to death by his enemy, he is now glorious, and all the people can see it.
Now, in our daily lives we may not see the kind of vindication and exaltation that Mordecai saw, but make no mistake, in terms of eternity, that exaltation will happen to those who trust in the Lord.
So, don’t worry about how the wicked may be temporarily showing off. Remember, their “glory” is like that of a flower that blooms and fades after just a few hours. On the other hand, the true glory, the beauty, the radiance, God will bestow on His own, will last forever.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!