Sustainer of Life

O. T. #1088  "Sustainer of Life" 
Oct. 27, 2017
Esther 2-Part 6
For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.  Luke 19:10

LET IT GLOW

First, I want to give thanks and praise to our Almighty God. What has He been doing this week for you? I'll share what He has been doing in the lives of a precious young couple at our church.(Both sets of their parents are in our church, also.) The expectant mother went into labor Monday, but baby girl was only 22 weeks along in development. This is their first child. They were air vaced to a hospital miles away. Prayers continued for them all week, for a doctor there said if the baby came so early, they would not try to save it. So we have been praying day and night for God to sustain these two. And He has. Baby is 23 weeks along now, but mom is so tied from being in labor so long. Will you join us in praying for N. and baby? Thanks.

Our lives are in God's hands, from birth to death and in between. We are so blessed with 7 healthy grandchildren. I remember the excitement of the birth of the first one, yet the disappointment of the miscarriages of several.

God is Lord of all. What would we do without Jesus to strengthen, comfort, and help us through the trials? Lift your head, it ain't over yet, as the song says.

LET IT GROW

Let's pick up in verse 21.the story of Esther changes from a celebration of her becoming queen of Persia to Mordecai sitting at the king's gate. What is going on there?

• Mordecai heard about the plot to murder King Xerxus, while he was on duty at the king's gate.
• It was the two eunuchs, chamberlains, of the king's called Bigthan and Teresh that plotted to assassinate the king.
• Mordecai informed queen Esther. If the plot was carried out, then Esther might be in danger, too. Certainly she would no longer hold such a position in all of Persia.
• Esther rushed to tell the king of such a plot. 
• She gave Mordecai the credit.
• Mordecai's report was investigated and found to be true.
• The two men found guilty were both hung on a tree.
• This was recorded in the king's records. (Keep this on the back burner of your mind because it will come up later as a pivotal point in the story.)

The king's gate was the place where city officials conducted civil, legal, and business affairs. The two men were impaled and hung on a large, tall stake. It stood as a reminder that evil will not prevail. Notice that the king forgot to recognize or reward Mordecai for uncovering the plot.
Darius, the father of King Xerxus, was known to have once impaled 3,000 men.

How quickly life can turn from a celebration to the death of one or two, as is the case here. Rage, murder, greed, lust, abuse, all attempt to destroy our faith in God. Don't let it, friend.

As believers, are we warning people to prepare for death? Our enemy, Satan, is lying in wait to cut our life short. Preparation involves asking Jesus Christ to be our Savior. He is our sustainer, too.

LET IT GO

Be the witness of Jesus' mighty deeds.
Prepare for the evil deeds in this world.
Proclaim God's goodness.