Please read your Bible text: Esther 8:1-17
‘The king’s decree gave the Jews in every city authority to unite to defend their lives’ 8:11 (NLT).
What a contrast between these two decrees: the first was to annihilate the Jews; the second was to protect them. This came about because God was graciously present to work for His own. God specializes in turning evil for good and this should encourage us as we go through life’s trial.
This happy ending to what was so nearly a tragedy for the Jews has all the ingredients of a fairy tale. Yet those who have experienced the amazing goodness of God in answering prayer will know that He still turns tragedy into triumph.
1) Rewarded – vs.1-6
Esther was given Haman’s estate and Mordecai was appointed manager of the estate. The king gave Mordecai his signet ring. The ring symbolized royal power and authority and by this sign Mordecai was suddenly raised to the position formerly held by Haman. The courage of Esther and Mordecai in standing up against injustice paid off. The just shall be rewarded.
2) Reworded – vs.7-9, 11-13
Because of the permanence of the custom and laws of the Medes, it was impossible to reverse the royal proclamation, which had decreed that the Hebrew people should be exterminated. So the king granted Mordecai permission to send letters to his people, allowing them to arm and defend themselves. The first decree to eradicate could not be reverse but certainly by divine providence, the second decree could be reworded to protect.
3) Rushing – vs.10, 14
The rush to send out the decree of good news for the Jews was as swift as was the first decree of death. The speed with which the circulation of the royal decree was carried out is a rebuke to the Church of God, which has been entrusted with the Gospel of salvation. More than 2000 years have passed and still there are multitudes who have never heard the name of Christ or the love of God. Let us at least strain every nerve to pass on the joyful news, overtaking the tidings of death.
4) Rejoicing – vs.15-17
At first there were the grieving over the decree of death; for whichever provinces the king’s decree was proclaim – there was great mourning among the Jews (4:3). But now there was the rejoicing; in every city and province, wherever the king’s decree arrived, the Jews rejoiced and had a great celebration (8:17). I am sad that in the midst of their rejoicing – not a record of thanksgiving or praise to God. Yet their rejoicing was because God had turned their tragedy into triumph!
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THINK: God is still in the business of turning TRAGEDY into TRIUMPH!
PRAYER: Lord, help me to trust you to vindicate me. Amen.
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