September 21

(God Will Search & Seek His Sheep)

Today's Reading - Ezekiel 34 - 36

(Ezek 34:11 KJV) "For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out."

In today's reading, we come across the heart of the True Shepherd. Here is God giving a prophecy that He Himself is going to search for His Sheep. The True Shepherd is always cognizant of where His Sheep are at all times. God will be searching out the world for all His Redeemed. Now, of course, this is only a figure of speech, because God knows the Beginning from the End. He also knows who everyone of His Sheep are. Since God already named them before the foundation of the world, He will save them as they come into existence through birth.

(Rev 13:8 KJV) "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."

Man in his spiritual dead condition is unable to even know of his need for salvation, unless God first opens up their eyes to the fact they are lost. God, in His mercy, has taken on the task of regenerating all those whom He chose before the foundation of the world. God not only plans on searching for His Sheep, but He also plans on feeding those Sheep the Truth. We see in verse 15 that the Sheep will be able to lie down. This means there is going to be a sense of a Final Rest, in that God's Children shall be satisfied in His Son and will never need to roam and seek other pastures. In this case, the grass is not greener on the other side.

God also says that He is going to bring His Redeemed into their own land (Vs. 13). What is the great land that the believer dwells in? It is not of this earth, but it will be the new Heaven and the new Earth. Until then, we still wander as strangers and pilgrims. There, we will dwell forever, and we will never wander from the fold, because all temptations will have been removed into Hell, and it will be a place of serene, holy peace. This is part of the great inheritance that the believer will experience throughout all eternity. Since the Covenant that God made with Abraham was an eternal one, an eternal Home was needed for the dwelling place of all God's Children. We may call it the land of Canaan, or the Promised Land, which will flow with the true milk and honey.

As we go through the trials of life, we are able to look to the future with great hope that someday, we will be dwelling in a place in which there will be no more pains and sorrows. All these things will pass when the Lord calls us Home on that Great Day. Our trials will have been completed, and the tools of our labor are permanently laid to rest. Today, let us take a part of that Rest, as we travel through trials with peaceful hearts, always looking unto the Author and Finisher of Our Faith.

(Heb 12:2 KJV) "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

September 22

(One Shepherd For The True Israel Of God)

Today's Reading - Ezekiel 37 - 39

(Ezek 37:24 KJV) "And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them."

In today's reading, we come across this verse within a chapter, which details in symbolic language the formation and establishment of the eternal church. Many have relegated this entire chapter to the physical Nation of Israel, but that interpretation cannot stand. The only reason many do this is because prophecy books tell them to. The majority of prophecy books only derail true biblical interpretation. As we see in this passage, we see that David will be ruling over this single body of people. Now, David has already been dead about four hundred years, so it cannot be King David. The named "David" means "beloved" and is also applied to the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice in the above verse, it tells us there will be one Shepherd over this group of people. The one Shepherd in view is the Lord Jesus Christ, who is known as "The Good Shepherd." There is only one people group in the entire Bible that will walk according to the statutes of God, and that is the group of Redeemed Christians. This is so because the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the demands of God's Holy Law when He went to the Cross to die for those He came to save. In verse 23, God states that these people will be cleansed by Him, which is a synonym for becoming saved and having all our sins removed completely. As the hymn says: "My sin, not in part but the whole."

God says in verse 26 that He is going to make a covenant of peace with us, and that covenant shall be an eternal one. The only eternal covenant in the Bible is the Covenant of Grace. Ezekiel 37 is probably one of the most misunderstood chapters in the Bible. This chapter deals with the eternal covenant that God made with Abraham. Whenever we see the term "everlasting" or "forever" linked to the term "covenant," it is speaking about the Covenant of Grace, or the Gospel. This passage cannot be referring to modern national Israel, because the Gospel of Grace is not accepted there, and they are still in darkness. There is only a remnant of Jews who are being saved, but not the entire nation. Those Jews that become saved join the "Israel of God," which is the Body of Believers. The name "Israel" means "prince with God," and those who become saved are Children of God. Since He is the Great King, then we are Princes and Princesses of the Most High God. These terms can never apply to the unbeliever, whether they live in Israel, or in Iraq.

(Rom 9:6 KJV) "Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:"

One must be born of the Spirit to be the Israel of God. For not all are of Israel, unless they become saved. Political association has never been, nor will it ever be, a requirement for salvation. --So REJOICE, oh Christian! God has set up that One Shepherd over us --the Lord Jesus Christ-- for the fulfillment of His Everlasting Promises and Covenant!

(God's Spiritual Temple / The New Jerusalem)

September 23

Today's Reading - Ezekiel 40 - 42

(Ezek 40:2 KJV) "In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south."

In today's reading, we come across this verse, which gives us a little insight into what these passages in Ezekiel are speaking about. This temple is the body of believers, or the New Jerusalem. When we look at Ezekiel 42:16-20, we see a measurement of each side of the temple as 500 reeds. A reed is approximately 9 feet long and is made up of 6 cubits, which are about 18 inches long. When we look at these verses, we must realize that the size of the temple in view is approximately 4,500 square feet. Now, let us go to the book of Revelation and see if we can find a parallel passage to see if we are on the right track.

(Rev 21:16 KJV) "And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal."

In this picture, the new city is measured exactly in the same method as the temple in Ezekiel. They are both square in their dimensions. The new city is exactly 1,500 square miles, all sides being equal in measurement. There is another common denominator in these two pictures. Both of these measured entities are in visions. Actually, neither of these buildings are being given to any of God's people to build, and that is because they are both symbolic. In comparison, when God was ready to have the Tabernacle in the wilderness built, He gave the plans to Moses plainly, so there would be no confusion that it was to be physically built.

Many prophecy books have taken the temple in Ezekiel and have labeled it the Millennium temple. However, this is erroneous, because Ezekiel's vision is not one of the order to build, but more of a description of a holy place in a vision. Within the confines of this vision, we also see how specific God is in the description of this temple. Every minute measurement must be exactly followed to the letter, or else the building will contain faults. When we look at the specifics of God in His salvation plan, we find that if any of His additions to the temple are less than perfect, they will cause the temple to be weak in a certain area. This is why the Lord Jesus Himself had to die for the sins of His People, because no one could ever save themselves and place themselves perfectly into the temple of God. This is something that only God can do. If man was building the temple out of his own thoughts and religions, then that temple would not be perfect, but God says that the church will be without spot or wrinkle. The Redeemed of God will not even have any craftiness in their mouths before the throne of God. This is why God's spiritual temple --the body of believers-- will be a perfect temple, as we see in the visions of Ezekiel and John. Both are out of Heaven, and not of this world.


(The Inheritance Of God's Redeemed) -OR- (No Roots In This World)

September 24

Today's Reading - Ezekiel 43 - 45

(Ezek 44:28 KJV) "And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I am their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession."

In today's reading, we come across this verse, which teaches a great truth for the Redeemed of God. This portion of Scripture is speaking concerning the inheritance of the Levites, which were representative of the true believers. Their work was to be totally dedicated to the temple service. They were not to receive any of the physical properties, or basically any earthly type of inheritance, as the rest of the tribes did. They were to receive their sustenance in the form of offerings, as we read in the subsequent passages. All these offerings were made by the people to the temple. It is an interesting parallel with the believer. When the Lord Jesus Christ went to the Cross, He had fulfilled all the Old Testament ceremonial laws, and that included the offerings.

The Levites physically lived according to the offerings that were made by the people, but the Christian lives eternally by the one offering the Lord Jesus Christ made on Calvary. And the one offering on Calvary that the Lord Jesus Christ made was totally sufficient and needed only to be done once. The Christian, like the Levite, has no roots in this world. We are strangers and pilgrims in this world. This is why we previously saw that God is going to bring us into our own land, which is Heaven. We are just travelling through this world, and bringing the Gospel as we go.

(Acts 8:40 KJV) "But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea."

Philip was on his way to Caesarea, which was about sixty miles north of Azotus, but as he went, he preached the Gospel. He did not wait until he arrived at Caesarea, but while he went, he preached. This is what the believer does as they travel through this world. Wherever we have the opportunity to preach the Gospel, we do it. When the Lord calls us Home, then we have reached our final destination, and our wandering days are over. Until then, we must be like the Levites of old, and that means we are to concentrate on spiritual things. We do not neglect the physical things of earth, because we have to live here for a short time, but the things of earth do not become our primary focus. In my own life, I was collecting a roll of each of the 50 state quarters from circulation. Then I realized that because I am single, I have no one to hand them down to, so what was the purpose of collecting them? The money could be used for other things. You know, there is a great freedom that comes with relinquishing the hoarding of material goods. You have a freer spirit. Some are in financial bondage because of debt, but many others are in voluntary bondage, because of the collecting and saving of every item. God wants us free from the bondage of material goods, which allows us to spend more time dedicated to spiritual things. Hobbies are healthy, but they do not possess eternity's values.

(Gen 15:1 KJV) "After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward."

As God was the inheritance for Abraham, He is Our inheritance too. So let us all be busy in the Kingdom Work, and be very careful of any diversions which may come our way.

(The LORD Is There In The Temple Of Believers)

September 25

Today's Reading - Ezekiel 46 - 48

(Ezek 48:35 KJV) "It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there."

In today's reading, we end up the book of Ezekiel. The name "Ezekiel" means "the strength of God." If you notice, the Book of Ezekiel and the Book of Acts have something in common. They both close, but do not have an end. The Book of Acts ends with Paul speaking the Word of God to anyone without being hindered by the guards. This means that the Gospel would continue to go forth until the Last Day. The Book of Ezekiel ends with the picture of the temple, which is representative of the building up of the body of believers. We know that the age of temple sacrifice came to an end when the Lord Jesus Christ went to the Cross to pay for the sins of His People eternally. Therefore, God is not going to place His Name in a physical temple anymore. The temple where He has placed His Name is the body of believers. This is the eternal temple which is being built, one Redeemed soul at a time.

(1 Cor 3:16 KJV) "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"

This verse gives us one of the famous names of Jehovah in the Old Testament, "Jehovah Shammah," which means "The LORD is there." This name gives us the affirmation that the place where God is, is no longer a building, but in His Children. The Book of Ezekiel started out on a very somber note about the nation being in captivity, but closes with a great picture of the Grace of God.

We read how particular God is when He described not only the building of the temple, but also the workers. It is very descriptive of the body of believers. Every single believer has a part in that temple, and God blesses each individual believer with both spiritual gifts and talents. For example, isn't it nice when you come into church on Sunday morning, and you hear the organist playing the old hymns? Well, the Lord gave that person the ability to understand and play music. What talent do you possess that you have not developed? If God gives us a talent, it is not just to be used out in the workplace, but it is especially to be utilized in the work of building that spiritual temple. This is because with every saved person, they are not only a part of the temple building, they are a temple builder.

(1 Cor 3:6 KJV) "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase."

The work of the Christian is never-ending, but is transferred to the next generation. This is why the Book of Acts does not end with its focus on Paul, but on the unhindered propagation of the Gospel. And this is why the Book of Ezekiel closes with its focus on the fact that "the Lord is there." Where? --In the temple of believers.

September 26

(The Results Of Obedience To God)

Today's Reading - Daniel 1 - 3

(Dan 3:12 KJV) "There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up."

In today's reading, we come across a famous chapter, which should be read by every Christian who faces very difficult times. It speaks of the keeping power of God through these trying times. Nebuchadnezzar sent out a command that all were to worship his image when the musical instruments started. Well, the three associates of Daniel --Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego-- refused to bow down and worship the pagan idol. These three were totally sold out to God and would not turn from Him, even at the cost of their own lives. So the fire in the furnace was increased seven-fold. This gives us a great principle. If a person is going to obey God in their life, it is a guarantee that they will be subjected to the fire. Obeying God in this pagan-filtrated society is a guarantee that you will face the furnace of affliction and adversity.

In Verse 17, the king gave Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego one more chance to bow down to the image, but they refused and said that they were going to obey God, and that He is able to deliver them from the fire and will deliver them out of the king's hand. Then in Verse 18, here is the essence of commitment when they declared to the effect of, "Even if He doesn't, we will not serve your gods." Some Christians go into service with a back-door escape available, just in case the furnace gets too hot. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down, even though they knew what was coming. They were then tossed into the prepared furnace. Adversity is always prepared for the obedient of God. However, an unplanned occurrence took place. The king looked inside the furnace and saw four people walking around, instead of the three he had tossed in. Then he exclaims that the fourth person looked like the "Son of God"! --An interesting point made by a pagan king.

In verse 25, notice a single word that describes the activity of the four men in the furnace. It is the word, "loose." They were no longer bound. Here is another great principle we can learn: When we choose to be obedient to the Lord, whatever has bound us will be freed. Some are bound by greed, fear, incapability, or a plethora of many other things, which may hinder a Christian from being used to their fullest potential. When we wholly commit, those things that hinder or bind us, will fall away, and we will emerge from a cacoon Christian, into a committed Christian. Why is that? Because we see in this passage that the Lord Jesus Christ was in the furnace with them! They were not left alone. Whenever you face the hardest times in your life, the Lord Jesus is right there with you every step of the way. If you read the history of some of the martyrs that were tortured and burned for the Lord Jesus Christ, some of them went to their deaths almost dead from torture, but no pain. Some sang psalms, while the fagots burned under them, until their souls were released to that beautiful shore.

So what was the result of the obedience of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? As we continue to look on in the chapter, we see that the same pagan king, who forced the image worship, was now convinced that the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego was the real God. Nebuchadnezzar saw first-hand the deliverance of God's People. Their clothes did not even have the slightest smell of fire or smoke. This is another great principle: If we go through the fires of affliction, totally leaning on God, we, too, will come through those times of adversity unscathed. The only thing that would have changed will be our perspective on the keeping power of God, and how much He cares for His Children.

In our reading today, the result was that Nebuchadnezzar then makes a decree that all nations under his command are to show respect for the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then the three are promoted. Their faithfulness to God helped play a part in their spiritual prosperity. So remember, any time we are obedient to God, we will always spiritually prosper. --That is a guarantee!

September 27

(Obedience, Faithfulness, Courage --Despite Possible Consequences)


Today's Reading - Daniel 4 - 6

(Dan 6:10 KJV) "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime."

In today's reading, we come across this verse, which details another act of courage by one of God's choicest servants. Daniel, like his three friends, did not concern himself with being disobedient to the king's declaration. The declaration had stated that no petition was to be made to any god except the king. Of course, the king knew he was not God, but the idea of being a god appealed to the ancient monarchs. Daniel knew the strength and nature of God. He, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refused to neglect God because of some writing. Daniel had full knowledge of what had happened, but instead of fearing for his life, instead, he kept up his daily prayer time with his God. As Satan had made a test for the other three men, Satan was now trying to sift Daniel by the method of fear. Daniel also knew that disobeying the king's command meant the death penalty. These people obeyed God with the full knowledge that it would cost them their lives.

One of the great substances of Christian commitment is that if you are willing to die for the Lord, you are ready to live for Him. This is the mindset of many missionaries who pioneered fields all around the world in the last three centuries. Their burden for the souls of the lost Elect overshadowed their realization of the possibility of martyrdom. They were completely sold out to the Gospel and to the Lord Jesus who redeemed them by the same Blood, which empowers the Children of God today.

Daniel prayed and was arrested for violating the king's edict. His punishment was to be tossed to the lions. Personally, I think the king liked Daniel and was sorry that he had signed this ridiculous edict. Yet, the king had some knowledge of God that He could deliver Daniel from the jaw of the lions. We all know what happened. Daniel was placed in the lion's den and a rock was placed over the mouth of it, and it was sealed with the signet of Darius. The king could not sleep that night, as it was a somber time in the palace. Then early in the morning, the king went to the den and yelled for Daniel and was glad to hear his voice, because God rewarded Daniel's faithfulness with continued life. There was also another Person who came out of a cave early in the morning after a stone was rolled away, and that was the Lord Jesus, who blessed all His Children with eternal life.

I don't have any proof, but it would not surprise me that those lions probably snuggled up next to Daniel and kept him warm all night. Daniel was freed from the lion's den, but all those who perpetrated this act were thrown into the lion's den, along with their families. Now, the lions did not eat the night before, but they were surely about to have a feast of fresh conspirators. Daniel's defiance of the pagan edict has become a paradigm of obedience to God in the face of the enemy. This is how we must walk this earth. We must always be faithful unto the Lord, no matter what our task is, and that faithfulness will always be in the face of the enemy. But you know something? --The same God who shut the mouths of the lions will shut the mouth of the unbelievers.

(Psa 63:11 KJV) "But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped."

Oh, one more thing. There is another lion who is going to destroy unbelievers. It is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, who shall have all nations gathered before Him on the Last Day and shall pronounce sentence on them. So be thankful that God has shut the mouth of "the roaring lion" by Calvary.



September 28

(Satan's Methods In The Last Days)

Today's Reading - Daniel 7 - 9

(Dan 7:25 KJV) "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time."

In today's reading, we come across this verse, which gives us some good insights into Satan's methods of confusion during the End Times. The End Times, or Last Days, began at Pentecost, but I believe we are living in the last of the Last Days, as we see evil multiplying all around us. Never before in history has evil been so bold. First, this verse teaches us that Satan is going to speak great words against the most High. There has never been so many challenges to the existence of God, as there is today coming from all sorts of disciplines. The Evolutionist denies, the atheist denies, the man on the street has all kinds of philosophies of life, which in summary, means he denies. Satan has been using the intellectual community of this world to lead the charge against not only the existence of God, but the character of God.

Next in this verse, we read that in the End Times, Satan is going to wear out the Saints of God. Have you ever had a conversation with people who do not believe? They weary you out with their many philosophies. In the Day we live in, there are so many heresies being propagated. As soon as you confront one, another one shows up on your doorstep. There seems to be no end to the creation of false belief systems. If you raise an apologetic against each one, eventually, it will take its toll on you, and you will become wearied by all the battles.

Then as Satan wears out the Saints of God, he will also begin to change the biblical order of events and start to create his own timetables. One thing that Satan loves is when people try to guess the day of Christ's Return. This way, when the date passes and nothing happens, then the person is not only discredited, but the Bible is too, especially if the person claims they came to that date using the Bible. Probably one of the key dates in history for the change of biblical events was 1830. In Glasgow, Scotland, a lass by the name of Margaret MacDonald, trance-channeled the entire two-stage appearance of Christ theory, which we know today as pre-tribulationalism. The belief of the early church, as well as down through the ages, was that of one Resurrection, and one Return of Christ on the Last Day. However, since 1830, when Satan used the New Age technique of trance-channeling to change the set timetable of the Return of Christ, people have adopted this view as biblical, simply because the seminaries teach it to pastors, and pastors teach it to people. Since then, one thousand years have been added to God's timetable of End Time events, so this gives a sigh of relief that there will be plenty of time to "accept Christ," even after the Rapture. The problem with that belief is that a person who is dead in sin cannot "accept Christ," because those words and that formula do NOT exist in Scripture.

Secondly, the Rapture is on the Last Day of history, and NOT seven years before the Great Tribulation. Pre-trib timelines and picture books are so similar to those used by Jehovah's Witnesses and the Hindus, which show all these pretty pictures. But regardless of how famous some preacher is, the Bible teaches one general Resurrection and one Return of Christ on the Last Day. Satan has been so successful in changing the established order of events that Christians will fight against any idea that goes against pre-tribulationalism and the escapist idea of a pre-trib Rapture. However, just because Satan has twisted these Bible truths, it does not affect God's timetable. I believe that is why many will be surprised when the Lord consummates the Age without any more to come.

(Rom 9:28 KJV) "For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth."

Buckle up, brethren! ...for whatever the Final Tribulation is made up of, we are going through it!

September 29

(The Wise & The Wicked In End Times)

Today's Reading - Daniel 10 - 12

(Dan 12:9-10 KJV) "And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. {10} Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."

In today's reading, we come across these verses, which give us a little prophetic insight from Daniel's point of view concerning the coming age when the Gospel will go forth throughout the whole world. God's worldwide evangelism program is a mystery to Daniel right now, because all he knows is the keeping of the Law. But this prophetic statement, which is symbolic language for the Gospel, became clear in the End Times. First, we must understand what the End Times are and when they began.

(1 Pet 4:7 KJV) "But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer."

(Acts 2:17 KJV) "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:"

In these two verses, we can glean the timing of the End. The Last Days began at Pentecost. Even a few years later in the time of Peter, who was martyred in 67 AD, we read that he speaks of, "the end of all things is at hand." This means that Daniel's prophecy in verse 10 is focusing on the time from Pentecost to the Last Day. We read that many will be purified and made white, which means that we have become saved and are pure before the throne of God.

In verse 10, it is also prophesied that the true believer will be tried. Actually, every single day, the believer is tried in their daily Walk. But there is another aspect to this phrase of "and tried." For those destined to become purified and made white, they had to face a trial. That trial they endured was the Lord Jesus Christ, who was tried before Pilate and found guilty of all the sins that His Children had, or ever would commit. Jesus was found guilty and became our substitutionary atonement, so we would not have to stand trial for our sins. This is the essence of Free Grace. This is why we also see that the wise will understand. The wise are those who are saved through Christ and have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. He gives us the discernment of the wise man. This verse also tells us that the wicked are still going to act wickedly and that there will be no understanding in them. How many unbelievers understand the things of salvation? --None of them! If they understood, there would be no such thing as religion on this earth. So if you are saved, thank the Lord, you are part of the wise.

September 30

(Bow Not Before Man & Know God Is In Control)

Today's Reading - Esther 1 - 3

(Est 3:2 KJV) "And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence."

As we start the Book of Esther today, we come across this verse. It seems to be a continuation of the bravery of God's People, in the light of the temptation to save their own lives by falling into line with the rest of the people surrounding them. Haman was drunk with his own importance, and because he was number two, he felt that he should be bowed to. And the people did bow before him, except for one person, Mordecai. By not bowing, Mordecai risked being arrested and hanged for insolence. But God had a different idea concerning him. God was setting the stage in this scenario and was allowing Haman to become much more angrier. Haman hated Mordecai, because he did not bow the knee. As a good Jew, the only one Mordecai could bow the knee to would be God. This was also a motivating factor in the lives of Daniel and his three associates. God had forbid any involvement in the venerating of idols or false gods. This is what got Israel and Judah into trouble in the first place. Mordecai refused to bow before a mere man. He knew the caliber of Haman and how hate-filled he was.

The name of God does not appear in this entire Book. There were even some questions concerning the divine source of this Book. Yet, the entire Book of Esther conveys to us a great lesson for every Christian. Just because God's name does not appear in this Book, it does not negate the fact that He was indeed working on behalf of His People. God was setting up the circumstances by which He was going to deliver the Jews from the murderous plot by Haman. This Book expresses another situation like Job. It is God versus Satan on the battlefield all over again. In the Book of Job, the war took place in the heavens. In Esther, the war is taking place behind the scenes, as Satan is trying to marshal his forces, and God is beginning to set up the defense of the Jews. Eventually, the battlefield will be inside the palace.

In our own lives, sometimes we feel we do not have God fighting our battles. This is untrue, as there is never a time in the life of a believer that God is not doing something. God's plan in certain situations may or may not be revealed to us. And that is His business. Yet, always keep in mind that God is forever working on behalf of His Children. Haman thought he was in control of the situation, but as the story unfolds, we will plainly see that God is the One who was and continues to be in control --in Mordecai's life, as well as yours.


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