- And drinking was according to this edict: “There is no compulsion.” For the king had given orders to all the staff of his palace to do as each man desired. Esther 1:8 – At first this mindset seems appealing, to freely do as they want. Like that “freedom” a college freshmen has when they leave the parents and can make their own choices on how to live. What we see unfolding in the chapter is some of the results to living in the false freedom. The queen is degraded, their relationship is over, the queen is kicked out from her home, and this is just the beginning. Living in this mindset that you can do whatever you want is not freedom. Be aware that mindset has the result of destroying so many things in your life. Sometimes the most freeing thing for you to do is limit yourself from some things some other, better things can flourish in your life. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 910
- On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha, Zethar and Carkas, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, 11 to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was lovely to look at. Esther 1:10-11 – After 180 days of showing of his riches, the king throws another feast for a week for the people. At the end of that week of partying, and while being very drunk from the wine, the king made the command we see in our verse. This one drunken decision led to the rest of the story of Esther unfolding. While we are grateful that Esther was able to step up into the position of Queen as a result of this, the king ruined his marriage and Queen Vashti’s life because of his actions. Never underestimate the damage one action that is fueled by sinfulness can create. Families can be destroyed, churches can crumble, and lives can be turned upside down because of one choice made in sin. How often do we see and hear stories of individuals who long to be able to go back and undo what they did because their sinful choices ruined something beautiful. Dwell then today on the possible outcomes your sinful choices could have. If what you are doing in secret was out in the open, what damage would it cause? Sin never takes place without someone being hurt because of it. If you love the people in your life, and if you love Jesus, make whatever changes are needed to end the sinfulness in your story. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2517
Daily DEVO 