"Our Mighty God" July 24 Readings: Esther 7-8, Acts 19:1–20, Psalm 87, Proverbs 18:11–13

Today's Readings - Esther 7-8, Acts 19:1–20, Psalm 87, Proverbs 18:11–13

Devotional - Our Mighty God

Having recovered from his humiliation when he was forced to parade Mordecai around the city in honor, Haman's spirits were lifted by his invitation to again dine with the king and Queen Esther. By himself. How many people get invited to an intimate dinner party with those two? His ego was strengthening after the severe blow it had just taken.

He sat through the dinner, enjoying the food and the wine until at the end the king once again asked Esther to tell him what she wanted as a reward for the excellent repast (and his general regard for her). "Whatever you seek, even half the kingdom, will be done." He was jovial and generous.

But her request was different. It was not for power, prestige or possessions. It was for the protection of her people from one who was attacking them. Esther 7:3-4 records her plea.

“If I have found favor in your eyes, Your Majesty, and if the king is pleased, spare my life; this is my request. And spare my people; this is my desire. 4 For my people and I have been sold to destruction, death, and extermination. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept silent. Indeed, the trouble wouldn’t be worth burdening the king.”

Now the king was incensed. Who was this scoundrel who was seeking the destruction of his beloved queen and her people? Who dared to do such a thing? You can almost imagine Esther turning, pointing her finger and saying, in verse 6,

"The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman."

Suddenly, all of Haman's plots and schemes came crashing down on his own head. He had not secured the destruction of God's people, but he had placed his own life in jeopardy. Esther was a Jew. Who knew? And now he was in big trouble.

The king left the room to cool down and Haman fell at the feet of the queen to beg from her the forgiveness and mercy he had planned to withhold from all Jewish people. But he stumbled and fell upon the queen as she reclined at the table. The king walked in and saw him, assuming that he was trying to molest the queen. That was pretty much it for Haman.

In a divinely-ordained irony, he was hanged on the gallows he had constructed for Mordecai's execution. And the Jews were protected by a royal decree from the attacks Haman planned. And Esther was given ownership of all of Haman's property. And Mordecai was given Haman's ring and place as a trusted adviser.

The lesson is pretty clear.

Don't mess with God's people. 

God loves his people and will act to protect them when they are doing his work. That does not mean that we will never suffer harm - sometimes God allows our suffering for his purposes. But it does mean that those who come against the people of God come against God himself, and that is not a wise choice. Ever. Child of God, know that you are never abandoned by God and that as you serve him, he will be your rock, your fortress, your deliverer, your protector - your mighty God.

Father, thank you for the certainty I have that you will not abandon me and that you will work in your power when this world comes against me. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Do you trust God in spite of whatever circumstances confront you?
Remember that he is more powerful than your enemies, than those who would harm you.