This is the story of something that happened
in the time of Xerxes, the Xerxes who ruled
from India to Ethiopia—127 provinces in all.
Esther 1:1
For six months he put on exhibit
the huge wealth of his empire and
its stunningly beautiful royal splendors.
Esther 1:4
On the seventh day of the party,
the king, high on the wine, ordered the seven eunuchs
who were his personal servants
(Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha,
Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas)
to bring him Queen Vashti
resplendent in her royal crown.
He wanted to show off her beauty
to the guests and officials.
She was extremely good-looking.
Esther 1:10-11
But Queen Vashti refused to come...
Esther 1:12
•
According to the world, this king had everything!
Power, wealth, a beautiful wife.
He was seemingly generous
and knew how to throw a great party.
He was "god" in his own world.
All he commanded happened.
He could control everything and everyone.
Except his wife.
According to God, this man had nothing.
He relied on himself, a mere man.
He relied on his power, and military strength.
He relied on wine to make him happy
and the approval of his advisers for guidance.
Apart from You, we can do nothing that lasts.
Fear and intimidation and control
are used to force others to do what we want.
But only You, Lord, can change hearts and minds.
With You all things are possible.
When I separate myself from You
trying to create my own kingdom
where my word is law
I am setting up castles of sand that will
crumble and fall.
Help me to rely on You completely
for all things in my life.
•
According to the world, this king had everything!
Power, wealth, a beautiful wife.
He was seemingly generous
and knew how to throw a great party.
He was "god" in his own world.
All he commanded happened.
He could control everything and everyone.
Except his wife.
According to God, this man had nothing.
He relied on himself, a mere man.
He relied on his power, and military strength.
He relied on wine to make him happy
and the approval of his advisers for guidance.
Apart from You, we can do nothing that lasts.
Fear and intimidation and control
are used to force others to do what we want.
But only You, Lord, can change hearts and minds.
With You all things are possible.
When I separate myself from You
trying to create my own kingdom
where my word is law
I am setting up castles of sand that will
crumble and fall.
Help me to rely on You completely
for all things in my life.
No comments:
Post a Comment