It is said, “Great things comes in small packages,” such as Esther, a “Small Book” of ten Chapters, Yet a “Big Book” that testifies to JEHOVAH’S SECRET WATCH CARE over Israel which includes YOU AND ME. We are JEHOVAH’S covenant people as believers in Christ (KJV Reference Bible). Just to mention Esther’s Hebrew name was Hadassah 2:7 meaning “Myrtle” (MacAthur Bible Commentary).
Let’s begin with the Nation of Israel. A remnant returned to Jerusalem. However most of the people preferred the easy and lucrative (rewarding) life under the Persian rule. Remember they were previously taken into captivity under king Nebuchadnezzar into Babylon. But God had not forsaken them.
Evidence of YAHWEH, another name for JEHOVAH’S unchanging nature. Malachi 3:6 “For I Am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed;” and as a “Promise Keeper” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 “Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it.”
HEADLINER: God’s Unchanging Nature and a Promise Keeper means what He did for Judah in a land away from their home Jerusalem, God will do for you and me in the midst of trouble situations, in addition to His favor. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Which includes God’s love, favor, grace and mercy towards you and me.
Earlier it was stated, we are also God’s “Covenant people”-the Gentiles. Scriptures of the promise-new covenant are: Jeremiah 31:33 “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Luke 22:20 “Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you.” Note still valid today. Romans 6:14 “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 7:6 “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.” As believers in Christ, His Spirit of righteousness lives in your heart and mine. We are reminded to put God’s Spirit in practice.
Many are familiar with the Book of Esther. Read it again or read it for the first time as we share the intended acts of “JEHOVAH’S SECRET CARE WATCH” and the key points related to Esther, Mordecai and Judah.
JEHOVAH’S SECRET CARE WATCH was divinely orchestrated by JEHOVAH, Himself just like ours. Similar to this lesson sometimes your life and mine seems as though God is/was silent but, He is/was definitely present. The LORD’s will and purposes are frequently revealed quietly, invisibly (we don’t see Him at work), as well as patiently (in God’s own timing). Then there are times when we cannot hear His voice, we may be going through some stuff and/or sometimes too busy to listen. Quiet time with God is needed. Listen to the lyrics “Be Still” by Yolanda Adams. Yet God remains faithful to you and me.
2 Peter 3:8-9 “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the LORD as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The LORD is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Esther an orphan was described as fair skin and beautiful. Both her parents were dead, thus Esther’s first cousin, Mordecai took her as his daughter. Look at the love, family devotion, Esther was obedient to Mordecai’s instructions and wisdom to include not sharing her Jewish heritage. Paraphrasing the Persia king got rid of his queen due to refusal to obey his command, she disrespected the king, every husband in the kingdom sent “A bad message” to all the wives in the kingdom. Ladies let us remember to respect our husbands and/or men friends. Then Esther was blessed abundantly by listening and obeying Mordecai’s instructions.
Now the king in search for a queen. Mordecai took Esther to the palace, she was chosen to remain, assigned to Hegai, the keeper of the women and Esther had to purify her body with oils of myrrh including sweet odors. To make a long story short Esther an orphan, became the queen of the wealthy and prosperous king. It’s like she move from the “Poor house to the White house.” The king loved and highly favored Queen Esther.
None-the-less Esther did not seek power or influence; and Mordecai did not seek recognition. They were simply faithful where they were planted. Yet their obedience shaped the destiny of an entire nation. A plot was devised by Haman, the enemy since Mordecai refused to bow down to Him. Haman stirred up some mess with the king resulting to an agreement and a decree to genocide the Jews in the land. Due to Esther’s courage despite her fear, she risked her life to save Israel-her people of Judah from being killed through the king’s decree. These events were not coincidental but, all divinely coordinated by God. Finish reading this “Small” Book of Esther and the “Big” testimony of JEHOVAH’S SECRET WATCH CARE over Israel.
God uses ordinary people like you and me too who are willing to carry out His will. Not for “Show and Tell,” but for His glory! As always love, joy and peace. Share your thoughts Neatbooks4u.com
