Glorious Victory

Background:Esther 9,10 The Jews went through tough situations from the time they and their kings began disobeying God (Book of Judges, Book of Nehemiah, Book of Ezra) from the time David's kingdom got divided and then through various captivities by many rulers among whom this Persian king was one. Yet in all this, the book of Esther ends on a positive note for the Jews. They went in as captives under the king of Persia (though many years ago) yet they come out gloriously victorious through the obedience of Esther and Mordecai, to doing the right thing. I loved the book of Esther, because it portrays silently the work of God, who didn't forget His people even in the midst of their captivity under a non-Israelite non-believer king and turned what was meant for harm into glorious victory for His people who called out to Him

Lessons

1. Captivity can be turned to victory-Captivity & weeping may last for a time but victory and joy come for those who will stay their ground for the Lord and do the right thing even when they are in captivity.
2. God is able to turn harm into good, for those who love Him-Nothing demonstrates Romans 8:28 better than the book of Esther. When Haman thought he could get the Jews annihilated, God turned tables on him through the obedience and prayer of the Jews.
3. God can move unbelieving hearts in your favor even when you are in captivity especially when you choose to do the right thing and walk with God, no matter whether you feel like it or not.
4. There is freedom from bondage and captivity no matter who caused it-The freedom is definite for those who correct their ways and walk rightly before God and God i able to bring them out on top, always.
5. Glorious Victory-You will see the triumph with which God brings out the Jews from this episode, Esther 10 (must read to get the picture). God never brings out His people from captivity or bondage in a just-escaped or a mediocre status, but in a glorious, honored, rich, royal manner. Remember when the Israelites came out of bondage from Egypt, Exo 12:35-36 says "35 The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. 36 The LORD had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians." For Esther and Mordecai, their captive situation not only changed but God propelled them into a place of authority and royalty.

Conclusion-When you set your face like a flint and determine to follow God no matter what captivity you are in, no matter what is keeping you tied down, no matter what reason you went into captivity-God can change your situation and bring you out unscathed, honored, respected, in authority, in royalty. The only thing between your captivity and freedom is your walk with God in total obedience to the guidance and ushering of the Holy Spirit.

What Happens When You Know the New Decree

Background:The New Decree is now being spread in all the regions, the king of Persia ruled over. As a result of this "15 Mordecai left the king's presence wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration. 16 For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. 17 In every province and in every city, wherever the edict of the king went, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them." (Esther 8:15-17).

Lessons

1. Go in dressed poorly, come out royally-"Mordecai left the king's presence wearing royal garments " Just by having been in the presence of the king, Mordecai was transformed in his appearance to the world, he went in a regular Joe, got introduced to the king through Esther and the next thing he knows, there's a new edict he's writing and his appearance has changed. Thats what happens to us when we come out of the presence of the King of kings 1 Peter 2:9"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."


2. Knowledge of the decree brings joy -"For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor". When they came to know that the king was on their side they found strength, courage and honor. Similarly when we read the Word of God especially what Jesus says on our behalf, as in Isaiah 61:1 [ The Year of the LORD's Favor ] The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners," we will have the joy that comes from knowing Lord Jesus.


3. Power to change other people- "And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them" Its amazing to me that this one edict was so powerful that people from other nationalities changed their nationalities even. As the news of the decree spread all around, the Jews celebrated its knowledge and non-jews knew there was something these Jews had which they didn't have and shifted gears immediately. If we as believers are doing it right with the decree that Jesus Christ has given us, people around us would be doing the same, wanting what we want. Our life should look like a celebration of the knowledge of what Jesus Christ has done for us. The least we can do is to rejoice and be grateful for the awesome power Jesus our Lord has bestowed upon us through His sacrifice on the cross.

Conclusion:If we truly would understand the weight of the power, the new decree that Jesus has written down for us, has for us who believe in Him, our lives would be transformed into a celebration, we would be so glad that Jesus set us free and it would show through our lives, as we face every situation boldly, knowing we've got the right and power to fight the enemy of our souls and come out winners all the time. No matter what the enemy may try to do to quench out our celebration of our power through the new decree, let us never forget the precious sacrifice of our Lord Jesus that has enabled us even now to stand against and come out victorious through any attack of the enemy. Know the decree through Jesus and be joyful, for the joy of the Lord is our strength and see the people around wanting what you've got.

A Day to Avenge

Background: Is there something that the Lord has promised and you are waiting for it to come to pass. I am. These verses from Esther 8:12,13 encouraged my heart today.Esther and Mordecai have recently managed to change a decree that their enemy Haman had written, to annihilate the Jews, into defending themselves and now the new decree has gone out into the kingdom which gave the Jews a day to avenge themselves from their enemies."12 The day appointed for the Jews to do this in all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar. 13 A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. "(Esther 8:12,13). Now here are the lessons that blessed me



Lessons

The lesson that stood out from these verses is this,- though the decree was issued and the Jews had been given authority to fight and annihilate anyone who would attack them, this was not to happen until a certain appointed day. Why was it supposed to be that way? Why another day? Why not on the day the decree was issued?

You know why-Esther 8:12-13 say "12 The day appointed for the Jews to do this in all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar. 13 A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. "

1. The decree had to be made known to the people of every nationality
2. The Jews had to get ready for that day
3. Also, probably to tell the enemies of Jews ...beware, the Jews are now empowered to defend themselves

Conclusion:The lesson points out two special messages it hints at the Big day when Satan and his hosts will be fought and defeated once and for all and all this time we have is that we may get ourselves ready and bring in all the souls we can into the Kingdom of God by letting them know of the awesome decree giving humans(sons and daughters of Adam and Eve) the power to fight and resist any enemy that attacks them, through the sacrifice of the Son of God

In a more specific manner it empowers a believer in Jesus Christ with the message that , if you've been dragged down by situations of defeat through the enemy's attack on our life, be it spiritual, physical, mental or any other, we have a New Decree through our Lord Jesus Christ which has turned the tables on the enemy and empowered us even now to fight back and that THERE IS A DAY APPOINTED FOR US TO SEE VICTORY in every situation in our lives. So if there has been something you have been petitioning before our Lord the King, take heart a day of its fulfilment has already been declared, victory is inevitable.

Now what ...its for us to be ready for that day of victory, it will not come without a fight and we've got to be strong that we may be able to stand the enemy's last attack on our life, the final moment of battle before we become victors...so GET READY