Just Wondeirng…

I was just wondering, what are you living your life for? I drove by the old house one of my mentor’s lived in for many years. He and his wife are with the Lord now, but his story is one of courage, trust, and triumph. They both left everything and everyone they knew to come out to the Northwest to plant Baptist churches. He was a gentle and remarkable man for the Lord.

It got me to thinking about others who have impacted my life over the years, who stood out in their faith, risked it all to serve the Lord. One young man left a career as a surgeon to become a pastor. He had worked hard through medical school, maintained a 4.0, but never missed a Sunday. In fact, he worked in his church’s children’s department. He is now serving in Canada.

I had a professor in Seminary who had several degrees and deliberately quit teaching so he could pastor a small California congregation. Then there was a young lady who left her home, family, and friends here and went to the mission field. Her longest journey before doing so was down South to receive her training. She had never be farther than a few miles from her home before.

I remember others who worked full time at other jobs so they could serve in their churches as Pastors on the weekend. Some loaded up everything they owned in trailers and brought their new wives to the mission field, stayed, and began churches all over the Northwest.

I have had the joy of meeting college students who came here for the summer, were impacted by what they experienced, went home to tell their families they were going to come back north to serve. They are a blessing and a wonder to me.

We live in a day and age where much of our lives are focused on us, whether it is in picking a church, finding life’s companion, or living our faith. Far too many live shallow and hollow lives of faith. They will leave little behind that will last for future generations. If you are reading this and you are trying to decide what to do with your life, nothing could be greater than giving it away, risking it all, and sacrificing yourself to serve the Lord where He desires.

I am reminded of the words of Paul, who at the end of his extraordinary life wrote, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6-8 NIV)

What and for whom are you living your life for? Makes one wonder…
—
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Pastor Lee Hemen has been the outspoken pastor of the same church for 27 years in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly on spirituality and conservative causes and maintains several web blogs. This article is copyrighted © 2013 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.

Courage triumphs with truth and justice! — Esther 7

Courage triumphs with truth and justice! — Esther 7
By Pastor Lee Hemen
May 19, 2013 AM

Esther had invited King Xerxes to bring Haman and attend a special banquet she had prepared. Haman’s status appeared to be secure. This new development seemed to reinforce his reputation. Haman must have thought only the king rivaled him in power and prestige. Haman’s morale had soared. Then, he encountered Mordecai, who “didn’t rise or tremble in fear at his presence” (v. 9). Mordecai remained seated. When Haman told his wife and friends what occurred, they advised him to build a gallows 75 feet high on which to hang Mordecai. He did so and that night Haman slept soundly, secure in his plans to bring about the demise of Mordecai and in his elevated status.

In contrast, King Xerxes was restless. Seeking reprieve from his insomnia, he requested his servants read to him from his chronicles; and was reminded how Mordecai had exposed a plot to assassinate him. Xerxes sought Haman’s counsel. Ironically, Haman thought he would receive the honor and greedily suggested the honoree be dressed in the king’s garment, placed on the king’s horse, and paraded through the king’s city while a member of the king’s court proclaimed the individual’s praises. Betrayed by his conceit and humiliated, Haman was forced personally to lead Mordecai throughout the city of Susa Haman was summoned to the queen’s second banquet before he could recover. There matters would only grow worse. In what transpires next, we discover that courage triumphs with truth and justice! Let’s discover how…

READ: Esther 7

In the past several days, we have learned of the IRS being used as a means of intimidation; that the American people were lied to about what occurred in Libya and the murder of our Ambassador; and how the Administration tapped the phones and emails of the press without their knowledge. My father used to say, “You can always tell when a politician is lying, when their lips are moving.” Things sure have not changed much since Esther’s time, have they? However, we discover that…

I. The truth will set you free! (Vv. 1-6)

1. The writer noted the king was drinking. While the alcohol content of wine in the ancient world was much less, than in today’s wine, nonetheless intoxication was common. Alcohol causes the portion of the brain that determines appropriate conduct to function improperly. Hence, a self-absorbed and powerful individual like Xerxes might be uninhibited. Whether he wished to impress Esther with his greatness or to please her with his love is irrelevant. At that moment, he was willing to listen to any report she made and give her anything she asked. God had orchestrated the moment. The honor paid Mordecai earlier that day, indicated to Esther this was the right time to speak. So without hesitation Esther spoke, “If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request.” Her request shows the courtesy typical of oriental protocol and it also links the queen’s request to the king’s promise. Esther is tacitly reminding the King that three times in two days Xerxes had promised to give her “even to half the kingdom.” What she said next must have stunned him, “For I and my people have been sold for destruction and slaughter and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.” Haman must have realized the implications of Esther’s response! Esther revealed that she and all her people had been marked for death. She quotes from his edict but is careful in choosing her words. She avoided the origin of the edict, Xerxes’ rash promise to Haman, and focused instead on its consequences. Her words imply betrayal. The king had been deceived. The king is enraged. Any plot that involved killing his wife was a personal affront to the king. And he was angry over being duped. Since Esther had not yet mentioned the Jews, the king did not realize she was referring to Haman. So he asked the obvious question, “Who is he? Where is the man who has dared to do such a thing?” Esther truthfully answers, “The adversary and enemy, is this vile Haman.” Haman was terrified before the king and queen. The truth will set you free!

EXAMPLE: “Just tell the truth,” my father would remind us, “and you will not be in as much trouble as if you lie to me.” Telling the truth was extremely important to my Dad. Henry David Thoreau said, “Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.” Imagine the difference it would make in our world if that theme were heard as often as those catchy and memorable advertising jingles. Truth is essential to all our interactions, from the halls of government, the classroom, the workplace, or the home. My father understood that truth-telling builds trust. It has been said, “If you tell a lie about one thing, it will be tough to believe you about anything.” God is truth and this is why He told His disciples, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 NIV) Haman could not handle the truth, but Esther and Mordecai would quickly realize the truth will set you free!

David would correctly deduce, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalms 20:7 NIV) Haman learned too late to not trust in his own schemes. In fact, Haman’s scheme would be his death. Esther and Mordecai learn that…

II. Justice comes to those who trust in God! (Vv. 7-10)

1. The king becomes enraged, “left his wine and went out into the palace garden.” However, “Haman, realizing that the king had already decided his fate stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life.” Haman is true to his character to the end, he begs like the dog he is. His begging comes to no good because “Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, ‘Will he even molest the queen while she is with me in the house?’ As soon as the word left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.” This means as soon as the king spoke an angry word they covered Haman’s head, as a condemned man, not worthy any more either to see the king or to be seen by him; they marked him for execution. On learning of Haman’s treachery by “Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king”, the king commanded that Haman be hanged on the gallows he had built for Mordecai. While the height of the gallows (75 feet) may seem exaggerated, it was consistent with Haman’s vanity. Or it may imply the gallows were erected on a high hill. Either way, the gallows was certainly intended to show everyone in the community that Haman had destroyed the person who dared to humiliate him. Ironically, Haman would die on the gallows and the community would know the Lord had destroyed the person who dared to try to destroy His people. Xerxes had heard enough. He ordered the immediate execution of Haman. His death was poetic justice, dying on the gallows built for Mordecai’s death. An object Haman erected to show his power and prestige disclosed his absolute lack of both. This decision to put him to death alleviated the king’s personal anger. But it did not grant Esther’s request or desire. The edict to rid the empire of the Jews remained in effect. Yet, it proves that justice comes to those who trust in God!

EXAMPLE: David McCasland writes, “In our life of faith, our resources can become the enemy of trust. God wants us to depend on Him, not our own strength, whether physical, financial, or intellectual.” Haman absolutely trusted in himself, in what he could do, and in his wealth. There are those in our world that believe that their life should be built on trusting in education, in their wealth, or in their fame, but ultimately we need to realize God desires that we depend totally on Him alone. We cannot say we believe in God and trust in other things instead of Him. He calls it idolatry. Haman would learn too late that justice comes to those who trust in God!

Conclusion:

The truth will set you free and justice comes to those who trust in God!
—
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Pastor Lee Hemen has been the outspoken pastor of the same church for 27 years in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly on spirituality and conservative causes and maintains several web blogs. This article is copyrighted © 2013 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.

Courage triumphs when we are vindicated by God! – Esther 6

Courage triumphs when we are vindicated by God! – Esther 6
By Pastor Lee Hemen
May 12, 2013 AM

Over the years, I have learned to listen more intently to what people say because the words they use reflect what they truly believe about themselves and others. Recently, I listened to a speech given by a national political figure and began to count the number of times he used the terms “I” and “me.” In a 20 to 30 minute speech, he referred to himself over 20 times and for the people and nation he is supposed to serve, he only offhandedly referred to them twice. What do you think this politician’s speech says about himself? We truly live in the “me first” generation. Interestingly today we celebrate mothers who often do not have that kind of luxury.

Haman was a “me first” kind of guy. Again, how he came to power or into the King Xerxes’ circle we are not told, but we can speculate that it was probably due to the fact he was very wealthy. Remember, Haman was not Persian but rather an Agagite. He was more than likely descended from the royal family of the Amalekites, the bitterest enemies of the Jews, as Agag was one of the titles of the Amalekite kings. He or his parents were brought to Persia as captives taken in war like Esther and Mordecai were. Esther and Mordecai display this for us this morning that courage triumphs when we are vindicated by God! Let’s discover how…

READ: Esther 6

The Scottish poet Robert Burns penned the phrase that “the best laid plans of mice and men, often go awry.”Steinbeck later borrowed it for the title of his short story, “Of Mice and Men.” Haman and his plans prove the same concept as does Burn’s poem. However, we discover that courage triumphs when we are vindicated by God. In fact, we find that…

I. Those who live under God’s vindication, realize life is not about “me”! (Vv. 1-9)

1. When Haman told his wife and friends what had transpired, they advised him to build a gallows 75 feet high on which to hang his enemy. He did so without delay. No doubt Haman slept soundly, secure in his plans to bring about the demise of Mordecai and in what he thought was his elevated status. In contrast, Xerxes was restless. Seeking reprieve from his insomnia, he requested his servants read to him from the official court chronicles. They read to him about the occasion Mordecai had exposed a plot to assassinate the king (Esther 2:21-23). “‘What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?’ the king asked. ‘Nothing has been done for him,’ his attendants answered.” Discovering that Mordecai never had received an appropriate reward, Xerxes determined to rectify the oversight the next morning. The King wants to know who was in attendance in the King’s court at the time, and rather deliciously, “Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows he had erected for him.” Is God’s timing perfect or what? The King orders Haman be brought before him, and you never refused the Persian King. “When Haman entered, the king asked him, ‘What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?’ Now Haman thought to himself, ‘Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?’” (After all, for Haman, it was all about “me”!) The King seeks Haman’s counsel without identifying who was to be rewarded. Ironically, Haman thought he would receive the honor. There are those who always think life revolves around them, because of education, wealth, prestige, or power. See how men’s pride deceives them. So Haman arrogantly answered the king, “For the man the king delights to honor, have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’” Haman would soon learn that those who live under God’s vindication realize life is not about “me”!

EXAMPLE: My mom used to remind us, “Life is not about you.” Her life exemplified it. We live in a day and age where many believe that everything in life is supposed to be about them. The Jewish religious leaders of Jesus’ day studied the Old Testament with great diligence. They believed that if one could comprehend the words of the text, he would gain a share in the world to come. God’s word began to be all about them. Similarly, many people today think worship is all about them rather than a means leading to the knowledge of God and godliness. Jesus told them bluntly, “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. I do not accept praise from men, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?” (John 5:39-44 NIV) Translation: It’s not all about you. Nor was what was about to occur all about Haman. It was all about God being glorified. In fact, we discover that those who live under God’s vindication realize life is not about “me”!

We live in a microwave theological age. We want deep theology in sixty seconds or less. Yet, the deep truths of God are most often learned over a lifetime of failures and successes. While shows like Revenge cater to our sinful desire to get even, the Bible teaches us something quite different, namely, that vengeance is God’s alone. Curiously, did you know that both Don Corleone of The God Father and Kahn, from Star Trek’s The Wrath of Kahn, have the same phase in common, that, “Revenge is a dish best served cold”? No one is certain where the phrase comes from, but Haman would have liked it. He will soon learn, however, that…

II. God’s people will always be vindicated! (Vv. 10-14)

1. Haman greedily suggested the honoree be dressed in the king’s garment, placed on the king’s horse, and paraded through the king’s city while a member of the king’s court proclaimed the individual’s praises. Haman concludes that he himself is the favorite intended, and therefore prescribes the highest expressions of honor that could, for once, be bestowed upon a subject. His proud heart presently suggested his own tribute. “Go at once,” the King, commanded Haman. “Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended.” Betrayed by his conceit, Haman was forced personally to lead Mordecai throughout the city of Susa! Can you imagine how Haman felt? “So Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’” Humiliated by the sudden reversal in his fortune, “Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief, and told Zeresh his wife and all his friends everything that had happened to him.” A deeper mortification he could not have experienced than that of being obliged, by the king’s command, publicly to show the highest honor to the very individual whose execution he was just about to propose to him. The covering of his head is a token of deep confusion and mourning. Haman’s wife and friends offer little consolation and tell him, “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin!” Wow! What had started out as a great day for Haman, had now turned into a real bummer of an afternoon! However, before he could ponder on such a pronouncement, “While they were still talking with him, the king’s eunuchs arrived and hurried Haman away to the banquet Esther had prepared.” There, at the banquet, matters would only grow worse! Haman would soon learn the truth his wife and his advisers told him, God’s people will always be vindicated!

EXAMPLE: If someone were to judge my mother’s life as one of achievement, they might come away thinking she did not accomplish much. Only a seventh grade education, never earned more than minimum wage, and lived in poverty most of her life. Yet, she worked very hard as a single mother, raise three ornery kids into adulthood, and just turned 92 years old. If we were to judge Jesus’ life at the moment of His death on the cross, we would have to conclude it a failure. However, if we were to wait three days and then view the empty tomb we would come away with a far greater knowledge of who He is! God reminds us that, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV) We can never judge how God is working in our lives when we are in the moment. Esther and Mordecai knew this to be true, remember Mordecai had told Esther, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14) Haman’s arrogance and his eventual downfall teach us that God’s people will always be vindicated!

Conclusion:

Those who live under God’s vindication, realize life is not about “me”! God’s people will always be vindicated!
—
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Pastor Lee Hemen has been the outspoken pastor of the same church for 27 years in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly on spirituality and conservative causes and maintains several web blogs. This article is copyrighted © 2013 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.

Courage triumphs when we step out in faith! – Esther 5

Courage triumphs when we step out in faith! – Esther 5
By Pastor Lee Hemen
May 5, 2013 AM

My wife is a great cook; she comes from a long line of great cooks. She had to develop her cooking ability and there were a few experiments along the way but for the most part her trials have been great. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everything in life could work out like great cooking? Of course, we know it can’t, but it makes one wish it could, especially if pie was involved! It is during the times of trial that courage triumphs when we step out in faith.

Xerxes had elevated Haman to high office in the Persian court. Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, had not shown Haman the admiration the vile Persian official craved. Haman then used his status with the king to seek revenge against Mordecai. Haman sought payback by wiping out the entire Jewish population. When Esther learned of Haman’s plot, it was not as easy as pie, she eventually decided to intervene for her people. She faced a tremendous decision. Esther’s courage was displayed in her willingness to step out in faith! Let’s discover how…

READ: Esther 5

The stakes were high and the risks were great. Even the queen could be put to death for coming into the king’s presence without being invited, but she had not seen the king in a month! Therefore, Esther prepared herself through fasting and praying. The Jewish people did likewise. After three days, Esther went into the king’s court without being summoned. Esther teaches us that…

I. Courage triumphs when we willingly take a risk for God! (Vv. 1-8)

1. Xerxes recognized Esther’s visit meant she had some request for him. However, when he inquired, she did not immediately reveal what her motivation was. The third day would have been after Esther and the Jews had completed their fasting. This reference emphasizes that whatever Esther did next either was guided by God or was at least what had been promised in His presence. Esther’s attire reminded Xerxes of her status as his wife and his queen. It also drew attention to her natural beauty. Esther’s God-given beauty had first brought her to the king’s attention. Instead, she curiously invited the king and Haman to a banquet. By publicly coming before the king, she was putting her faith in God to the test. Would she receive life or death? The king would decide without deliberation. But Esther’s future was not really in the hands of a Persian king; her fate was in the hands of Almighty God. The king carried a golden scepter as a symbol of his royal authority. The gesture of extending his scepter normally signaled permission for a visitor to approach. The Lord still wants His people to take risks in order to help others. God expects His people to step out in faith when He asks them to do so. Failure to do so reveals a lack of faith in God. God is greater than any danger that obedience might entail. On this occasion, the gesture also indicated King Xerxes would spare Esther’s life. He makes a promise to grant her up to half his kingdom. Half the kingdom was a figure of speech, not a literal offer by the king. Bestowing half his kingdom on Esther would have made her his equal. The phrase conveyed both his comprehension that Esther’s need was not trivial and his willingness to grant her petition whatever it might be. So the king attempted to set his queen at ease and indicated he would do everything possible to grant her request. The idea of a banquet pleased King Xerxes, and there he again offered to grant Queen Esther any petition she might ask. Still she did not mention Haman’s plot. Instead, she invited the king and Haman to another banquet the next day. Courage triumphs when we willingly take a risk for God!

EXAMPLE: Courage is not always popular, especially when it concerns spiritual truth. It makes people uncomfortable. It shows them for what they truly are, sinners. Society has made heroes of anyone who dies before their time, unexpectedly, or who seems innocent in the eyes of others. While it may be sad when someone dies unexpectedly, they are not heroes unless they sacrificed themselves for the greater good or to save another person’s life. In every sense of the word, Esther was not only courageous, she was a heroine! There are very few believers in our day and age who are willing to risk it all for the Lord. We have become comfortable in our church pews, taking our mission vacations of convenience, and serving in camouflaged safety. Esther was courageous. . Courage triumphs when we willingly take a risk for God!

Don’t you just hate the weenies of the world? You know what I mean, those who get angered, hurt, or offended because they were not recognized, exalted, or praised for their ungodly contribution to life. We live in a world whereby many demand recognition of the insignificant. And it seems as if the insignificant are trying to become more and more significant in of themselves! Haman was like that. In fact, from his example we discover that…

II. Cowardice comes when we put ourselves first! (Vv. 9-14)

1. Haman took the two invitations as proof of his exalted importance. When Mordecai still did not honor him, Haman erected a gallows that same night. Not all the best laid plans of mice and men are the best laid plans. While for the moment Haman was secure in his plans for the morrow and likely slept well, the King was restless. However, remember why Haman was so overwrought and angered about Mordecai that he could not enjoy his good position. He was prideful and arrogant. On this occasion, to relieve himself of his personal rage and anxiety about Mordecai, he gathered his family and friends and spent time boasting about the wealth he had amassed and the family he had raised. There are those in our world today that do the very same thing. I have always found it curious that those who are the most vocal about their unbelief are angered and often enraged if you do not believe the way they do. Folks who do not trust in God have to find solace in the things and people of the world. This is why Jesus warned his disciples, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters–yes, even his own life–he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26 NIV) Jesus did not mean that we had to intensely dislike our parents, wife or kids, what He meant was that one had to consider the cost in following Him. One cannot say he loves God and love others more. One’s life must be totally given over to the Lord in order to follow Him. Haman was totally given over to himself, felt he deserved his position and the recognition that came with it. Notice the difference in attitude between Haman and Esther: ” If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request,” and then Haman: ” I’m the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave… But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.” When we are full of ourselves we often fill ourselves with the wrong advice. Haman does. His wife and others suggest, ” Have a gallows built, seventy-five feet high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go with the king to the dinner and be happy.” Of course, ” This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the gallows built.” Cowardice comes when we put ourselves first!

EXAMPLE: We live in a world whereby those who are ungodly not only want you to agree to their personal perverted proclivity, but they want you to agree with their twisted way of living. Much of what is being proclaimed as tolerance in our day and age has none for those who may disagree on theological, moral, or personal grounds. Isaiah warned us, ” Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.” (Isaiah 5:20-21 NIV) Peter wrote, “They mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.” (2 Peter 2:18-19 NIV) When the wags of the day were sneering at Jesus’ teaching, He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.” (Luke 16:15 NIV) Haman teaches us that cowardice comes when we put ourselves first!

Conclusion:
Courage triumphs when we willingly take a risk for God! Cowardice comes when we put ourselves first!
—
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Pastor Lee Hemen has been the outspoken pastor of the same church for 27 years in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly on spirituality and conservative causes and maintains several web blogs. This article is copyrighted © 2013 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.

Just Wondering…

I was just wondering what you thought about slavery. You know what I mean, a wise man once said that  some folks promise freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. We live in a day and age whereby there are those who deceptively call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness. They are enslaved to their lusts, renaming it love, and want others to be enslaved as well. If you disagree with them, then you are the one who is misguided, perverted, or phobic. However, slavery is still enslavement even if you willingly acquiesce your moral self to it. It demands a high price and its wages is death both physically and spiritually. Shackles are still shackles even if you think you are free. Makes one wonder…
—
Pastor Lee Hemen has been the outspoken pastor of the same church for 27 years in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly on spirituality and conservative causes and maintains several web blogs. This article is copyrighted © 2013 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.

Just Wondering…

I was just wondering what you thought about risk. You know what I mean, when was the last time you stepped out of your comfy zone to risk anything for the one who died for you? Risk involves living your life differently from the world around you, which includes going against the grain of what the world sees as “normal.” Which, by the way, is truly abnormal and evil. Risk means you might have to forego your wants, needs, and desires to fulfill what the one who created you has created you for. I am reminded of a young teenage girl who risked her life and position to fast, pray, and approach a king who could have killed her instantly. When you think about risk, think about Esther. Risk is more than giving up your latte, your ungodly relationship, or what you think you deserve. Makes one wonder if you have risked anything at all…
—
Pastor Lee Hemen has been the outspoken pastor of the same church for 27 years in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly on spirituality and conservative causes and maintains several web blogs. This article is copyrighted © 2013 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.

Following God includes trust, understanding, and risk! — Esther 4:1-17

Following God includes trust, understanding, and risk! — Esther 4:1-17
By Pastor Lee Hemen
April 28, 2013 AM

Tyler felt that after his call from God he should have been given a clear sign. When he sought the advice of others, they cautioned him as to his calling. Most did not see that God was actually calling Tyler to be a pastor. In fact, one of the deacons in the church who taught at the local seminary bluntly told him that he needed to work on his interpersonal skills first. Tyler went ahead, signed up for seminary, and soon was working at a nearby church. Within the year, Tyler had quit seminary and was let go from his church position. Occasionally folks expect God to do everything and then blame Him when things in life do not turn out the way they think they should; this is not only unrealistic, it is unbiblical.

Whatever had been Mordecai’s reasons for not bowing to Haman, he was now in great mourning. His feud with Haman, whether legitimate or not, had caused a great crisis for his whole nation. He feared that God’s Chosen People would be destroyed and God’s program thwarted. He knew the amount of money Haman had agreed to spend on this vast project as he had a copy of the edict, and now he would have to learn that following God includes trust, understanding, and risk. Let’s discover how…

READ: Esther 4:1-17

Julie Ackerman writes, “Spring is the time of year when God reminds us that things are not always as they seem. Over the course of a few short weeks, what appears hopelessly dead comes to life. Bleak woodlands are transformed into colorful landscapes.” She continues, “The faithful arrival of spring every year comforts me when I’m in a situation that seems hopeless. With God, there is no such thing. No matter how bleak the landscape of life may look, God can transform it into a glorious garden of color and fragrance.” Mordecai had reached a winter life experience. He needed to learn that…

I. Following God includes trusting! (Vv. 1-7)

1. Haman had succeeded in passing an irrevocable law authorizing the massacre of all Jews living in the Persian Empire. Because of his favored status with Xerxes, Haman was given great latitude in drafting the legislation. In return, he promised the king an enormous bribe. Haman cast the lot to choose the day for the Jews’ destruction in the first month of the year, which supposedly was the time to find the best day for important events of the coming year. When Mordecai learned of the edict, he immediately mourned the Jews’ fate. Where was God in all of this? Mordecai would learn trust. This mourning involved wearing sackcloth as a public demonstration of grief and pouring ashes on his head. He also went into the center of the city and wept bitterly. Other Jews joined him and expressed their anguish in like manner. Because of his apparel, Mordecai could not enter the royal palace. Anyone wearing sackcloth, according to Persian law, was “prohibited… from entering the King’s Gate” (v. 2). Nevertheless, word spread to the palace concerning Mordecai’s behavior. Esther’s servants and eunuchs told the queen what was happening, and she took steps to learn what was behind it. Esther sent some servants with clothes to replace the sackcloth, wanting Mordecai to stop the public display and to explain the situation. When Mordecai refused, Esther then turned to a trusted servant, a eunuch named Hathach, to secure the desired information. She likely sent him instead of going herself due to the restrictions of Persian law and culture for the wife of a king. Esther soon learned the sensitive nature of this information. Esther had to learn trust as well! She literally had put her life in Hathach’s hands since her identity was still a secret. Both Mordecai and Esther learned that following God means trusting!

EXAMPLE: Bill Crowder wrote that, “Although I try not to be shocked by the things I see these days, I was caught off-balance by the message on the woman’s T-shirt as she walked past me in the mall. The bold letters declared: ‘Hope Is For Suckers.’ Certainly, being naïve or gullible can be foolish and dangerous. Disappointment and heartache can be the tragic offspring of unfounded optimism. But not allowing oneself to have hope is a sad and cynical way to view life.” As those who follow God we must learn to trust Him in every area of our lives. Both Mordecai and Esther learned that following God means trusting!

Why is it we like to hear bad news before we hear good news? There have been TV shows that failed within weeks because they tried to sharing only good news. We not only like getting the dirt on the rich and famous, we like to get the dirt on others in our lives, whether it is relatives, friends, or others. This has infected us within the church as well because before we get all the information we often go on what we think we know instead of what we truly understand. Mordecai and Esther dared not do such a thing. They learned that…

II. Following God includes understanding! (Vv. 8-9)

1. Mordecai fully informed Hathach of Haman’s plot and sent word, through the servant, urging Esther to plead with the king on the Jews’ behalf. The problem seemed impossible to resolve. The Jews could not overturn Haman’s offer. They surely could not outbid what Haman had promised to give the royal treasury (v. 3:9). Mordecai and Esther provide good examples for gaining understanding in order to follow God. When investigating a problem, a wise person restricts the analysis of the problem to facts and does not deal with speculation. Mordecai provided Esther with a copy of the edict. His information was devoid of speculation or hype. When a problem exists, go to the one most in a position to impact the situation. Mordecai sent word to Esther. (As a Jew and condemned to die, he did not want to personally approach the Queen of Persia). Hence, he followed the protocol of Persian society and went to her indirectly. Offering positive, helpful suggestions, Mordecai encouraged Esther to approach Xerxes. The verb “instruct” literally means to command and is used for the instruction of a father to a son. Hathach lacked the authority to command the queen. However, as her former guardian, Mordecai was within his rights to instruct his adopted daughter to take certain actions. Therefore, Hathach’s statement to the queen would convey Mordecai’s command to her. In contrast, the language to be used toward the king was that of an entreaty. Neither Hathach nor Mordecai had the authority to command Xerxes, and neither did Esther. Hathach returned to Esther and told her exactly what he had learned. Living by faith is not living in ignorance. We render to the Lord the most effective service possible by being informed. We need to gain as much information as we can about opportunities of service to which the Lord may be leading us. Following God includes understanding!

EXAMPLE: How many of you read the entire warrantee for some of the things you buy? Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Missy Sullivan noted that many user agreements, warranties, and disclaimers that come with products are nearly unreadable. Intentionally set in very small type, they actually discourage people from understanding them. Because of this, many people don’t read all the terms of contracts before signing them. A university professor of graphic communication pointed to a 32-page user agreement that came with his new smartphone, and said of the company, “They don’t want you to read it.” They do not want to read it because they do not want you to understand it. God desires that we not only try to understand Him, but that we go the extra mile in understanding one another. Following God includes understanding!

There are those in life that are risk takers. These are the folks who start businesses from scratch, work hard, and are not afraid to fail. Often failure teaches us the most in life. God desires that we become risk takers for Him and His kingdom. Mordecai and Esther would learn that there is no such thing as safety in life, especially when is concerns following God. They learned that…

III. Following God includes risk! (Vv. 10-17)

1. Esther continued to employ an intermediary in conversing with Mordecai. Although he was familiar with the danger Esther faced, Mordecai still asked Esther to intervene with the king. As her adoptive father, his instinct was to protect her, but his faith in God led him to place her life at risk for her people. Xerxes possessed life and death authority over his wife. Coming to him without a summons was a serious breach of protocol punishable by death. Since she had not seen the king in 30 days, Esther may have assumed she no longer was in favor at court and she could not understand how her death would improve the situation. When Esther responded fearfully about approaching the king uninvited, Mordecai challenged her by suggesting she perhaps was made queen to save her people. Mordecai warned Esther her status, as queen did not protect her from Haman’s edict. All Jews were to be killed, and she was a Jew. Since she already was sentenced to death, Esther had nothing to lose by approaching the king unbidden. One cannot run away or hide from problems. Not even Esther’s royal status could exempt her from the king’s edict. Her only hope was to approach the king and to risk receiving his wrath. At this moment, the entire purpose of Esther’s life and existence was at stake. Becoming the liberator of her people was more important and significant than being queen, or even than just staying alive. God had made her queen so she could deliver His people. God always places people where they can risk it all for Him. Esther had been more concerned with her safety than with that of her people. Mordecai’s logic had enabled her to make the right choice. Esther decided to risk her life for her people and approach the king. So she requested the Jews in Susa join her in spiritual preparation for her seeing the king. They were dependent on Divine intervention so the preparation involved fasting. The people were to neither eat nor drink for a 72-hour period. Esther promised to do the same, and in doing so, she learned that following God includes risk!

EXAMPLE: Manuel Gonzalez was the first rescue worker to reach the 33 miners trapped for 69 days in a Chilean mine explosion in 2010. At great risk to his own life, he went underground more than 2,000 feet to bring the trapped men back to the surface. The world watched in amazement as one by one each miner was rescued and transported to freedom. We are told of one of the most amazing rescues in history concerning God’s people. It involved great risk for Esther. It teaches us that in following God, it includes risk!

Conclusion:
Following God means trusting! Following God includes understanding! Following God includes risk!
—
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Pastor Lee Hemen has been the outspoken pastor of the same church for 27 years in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly on spirituality and conservative causes and maintains several web blogs. This article is copyrighted © 2013 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.