another Joseph

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0848Esther 9-10

There are some clear parallels between the life of Mordecai and his ancestor Joseph.  Like Joseph, Mordecai begins as a mere servant in a foreign land.  Joseph received special revelation through dreams; Mordecai overheard a secret. Both men engage in an act of rescue, which leads to the preservation of their people, and to their being appointed as second in command to the foreign king (10:3).  Both men saw the danger before them, and dared to be part of the solution, no matter what it might cost.

LORD, make us rescuers.

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the ear planter hears, the eye former sees

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0034Psalm 94 

The psalmist cries out for the God of vengeance to wipe out his enemies, who wantonly attack and destroy his people and claim that God does not hear or see them.  God planted the ear. He can hear.  He formed the eye. He can see.  Knowing who God is can keep us from despairing when we are under attack.

LORD, I am in the wilderness again this morning, I cannot see my deliverance. But You hear my cry because you planted the ear;  you see my need, because you formed the eye. Thank you for reminding me who you are. I will rest in you until my prayers are answered by you. I pray for all my friends who are also waiting. May they also know who you are as they look ahead in faith to your deliverance.

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saved to share

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0035Esther 8

Mordecai had been rescued from the gallows so that he could make the decree that would allow his people to defend themselves from sure destruction.  Just as Esther had been providentially placed so that she could make a significant choice, so now Mordecai is saved to share salvation.  Every believer stands in the same situation.  We have been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and promised eternal life.  Now all the angels in heaven watch to see what we will do with our new status.  God loved us, sending his Son to die for us.  Do we love the lost enough to share this blessing?

LORD, give us your heart to rescue our kindred from sure destruction.

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mightier than the waves

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0032Psalm 93   The LORD is king of the universe. He reigns, and his reign is a majestic one that will last for eternity. 

The trouble we encounter often tempt us to forget who he is. Troubles will come like a storm, but he is mightier than the storm. Trouble come in mighty waves, but he is mightier than the waves. 

LORD, we confess that we have been worrying about the future. We have not been living like those whose father controls all things. Forgive us for doubting your sovereignty.

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Hang him on that

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0033Esther 7

The story of Esther’s intervention to save her people is not a story of revenge.  It is a reminder to all those who would seek to do a great injustice that God has a way of turning treachery around.  Haman still awaits judgment.  He will stand before Jesus Christ who will judge him for all of his evil works, including his plot to commit genocide.   But those like Haman who would seek their own success at the cost of others should know that sometimes God allows a sneak peek of that judgment.  He allows consequences to come to those who do evil.  The gallows Haman had prepared for Mordecai is a symbol of those consequences.

LORD,  when we are tempted to get our own way at the expense of others, remind us of Haman’s gallows.

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indoor plant

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0712Psalm 92  I can picture a believer worshipping  at the temple in Jerusalem on the Sabbath and thinking about his fate compared to that of unbelievers. They are like patches of grass, which flourish for a time, but are doomed to destruction forever (7). He is a tree growing inside God’s temple courts. He expects to bear fruit in his old age — to be ever full of sap and green.  Day and night he lives to declare the faithfulness of the LORD.

LORD, how great are your works, your thoughts are very deep!  May we grow where we are planted, and declare your faithfulness.

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well made plans

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0031Esther 6

Reading stories like this reminds us of two things about God. He is sovereign over the affairs of men, and he sometimes shows that sovereignty by orchestrating events which turn the plans of men upside down.  Those moments of irony where God upsets the schemes of people like Haman encourage us.  Even if things seem to be going according to someone else’s plan, we can still pray, and God can turn things around.

LORD, thank you for spoiling the enemy’s well-made plans.

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safe in the center

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0021Psalm 91

A loving and confident relationship with God is described here as a refuge.  It is not a promise that no storms will come to our lives.  It is a promise of a place to rest and a place of protection during those storms.  If you have a refuge, it does not matter how many storms come.  If you are safe under his wings, it does not matter how many dangers there are to the right and left.  You are safe in the center of God’s will.

LORD, you are our mighty fortress, our refuge.  We trust in you.

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the blindness of envy

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0030Esther 5

Haman had many accolades. He admitted that himself.  But he could see nothing but his envy of Mordecai.  When his wife and friends suggested that he have a gallows made upon which to kill Mordecai, he could not see the possibility that the plan would backfire, leading to his own death.  Such is the blindness caused by envy.  God’s people should be content, not only with what they have, but also with what others have.  Many a person and ministry has been destroyed by envy of others.

LORD, strengthen our hearts so that we stand before you, unhindered by other people’s possessions and positions.

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for such a time as this

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

c2k0019Esther 4

An enemy has convinced the king to make a decree that could result in the extermination of her people.  Queen Esther is in turmoil.  Interceding for her people could cost her life, because the law prohibits approaching the king unless bidden by him. She has only once chance — if the king holds out his scepter, allowing her approach. Her uncle asks “who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”   Mordecai’s question suggests that there is a sovereign God moving the pieces around the board just so that she can make a strategic decision that honors him. It is not every day that we are called on to make such decisions. But we must be ready on any day.

LORD, may we live our lives honoring you, so that when the time comes for us to make a difference — we are ready.

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