- The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. And in every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them. Esther 8:16-17 – Where the news that the message from the king to not destroy the Jews reached there was joy among the Jews. What about though where it didn’t reach? What about the places where the message didn’t get to yet? There the Jews would have been still under the fear of death, not being able to have the joy God was giving. All because the message hadn’t reached them yet. We too have a message to get out as fast as we can. We have people fearing death when they could be tasting God’s joy. Today you are a messenger getting the good news of Jesus to the people. Who then can you share it with? They need to know life is being given to them by God, you make sure they know that. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 917
- So the couriers, mounted on their swift horses that were used in the king’s service, rode out hurriedly, urged by the king’s command. And the decree was issued in Susa the citadel. Esther 8:14 – If you haven’t been following along with our reading, or are unfamiliar with the story of Esther, an original command from the king was sent out all over his kingdom that on a certain day all the Jews ought to be killed. While unable to take back that original command, this new decree allowed the Jews to defend themselves from their certain doom. Imagine the stakes if you were one of these mounted mailmen carrying this message. You would have people who were going to die if you didn’t get to them with the message you were carrying quick enough. An enemy was coming after them, hope was lost, but you have in your hands the message of life for them. Of course you’d ride as fast as you can! How different though is this from our mission to share the gospel? We’re a mailman with a message of life in our hands. There is an enemy coming after people, their hope is gone, and if the message we carry doesn’t get to them it’s certain doom. Put that way, maybe that TV show or game isn’t as important. Maybe the uncomfortableness of talking about sin with them is something we can get over. Maybe them hearing about Jesus is worth the effort and sacrifice. Be willing to saddle up, ride hard, and get the message of life to those around you that need to hear it. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2524
Daily DEVO 