One More Day

O. T. #1103  "One More Day"
Nov. 24, 2017
Esther 9

LET IT GLOW

If only I had one more day. What a difference it would make. Who couldn't use one more day? Perhaps it would be used in preparation for the Christmas dinner or shop and prepare gifts, as well as decorating. (Maybe rest) When the 24th comes, I think we all might request that. Well, Queen Esther did request one more day for her Jewish family to defend themselves. Did it make a difference?

The dreaded day finally came. It was the day designated as the Jews' execution (our March 7). The enemies of the Jews hoped to overpower them, but it did not happen. The Jews were prepared to defend themselves against any attack, as well as assembling together to support each other. Mordecai's new decree allowed this.

The Jews fought back all right. What occurred on that day?

• The Jews only killed those who wanted to kill them.
• All of the rulers helped the Jews, including lieutenants, deputies, and officers of the king throughout the provinces.
• In Susa the capital, 500 of the enemies were killed.
• They killed the 10 sons of Haman.
• However, the Jews did not take the property of those they killed, even though they were allowed to do so.

The Jews survived the Holocaust launched against them. On the dreaded day, things worked out for God's beloved people. Shouldn't we think the same for us? God will work it all out for us. He's our rescuer and deliverer.

LET IT GROW

When the king was informed of the victory in Susa, Xerxes called for Queen Esther. He was so pleased that he asked her what more she wanted, if she had another request. Of course, it would be done. Esther asked for permission for the Jews to have one more day to do as they had done that day and let the bodies of Haman's 10 sons be impaled upon the gallows.

The king agreed, so the decree was announced in Susa. On the next day, the Jews killed 300 more men, but took no possessions. Throughout the provinces the Jews killed 75,000 enemies that hated them.

Even this pagan king served the cause of utterly blotting out the Amalekites in accord with God's original decree (Ex.17:14) by allowing a second day of killing in Shushan to eliminate all Jewish enemies.(MacArthur)

So God has granted us one more day in which to live. What will we do with it? Will we share His love with others or do for our self?

LET IT GO

Thank God for one more day to live and love Him.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord He is God.
It is He that has made us and not we ourselves.
We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving , and into His courts with praise:
be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.
For the Lord is good.
His mercy is everlasting.
His truth endureth to all generations.
(Psalm 100 tweeked)