PRESERVED FROM THE EVIL ONE

YOUR DEFENSE POSITION

Today many are concerned about the recent law of same sex marriage and have taken various positions to defend their beliefs - for or against it.  They have their proof for their defense. Some end up in arguments, hateful acts and violent rallies. 

Let's take a look at the defense position of Mordecai in Esther 4: 1-3 (KJV) 

When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;

And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.

And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

This seems like a rally, but a different one. One that in one sense showed boldness as you will note that "none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth." Why they did may be controversial, but they did it in every province where the news came. A further reading of chapter 4 states that the news went to the Queen who sent clothes to clothed Mordecai, and he refused it.

Mordecai gave details of the situation to Esther's attendant, Hatach who she had sent out, including the decree so Esther could know the extend of the matter. Esther's response was the natural that she knew and feared for her life. But Mordecai made her aware that she too would be affected as she was also a Jew. The words came back again to Esther - that if she holds her peace deliverance can come from another place, but she and her household could be destroyed. These final words brought an awareness to the Queen.... Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther's final response in verse 16 was one that showed that she too understood her position of defense. She said, "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish." WHAT'S YOUR DEFENSE POSITION?

TODAY'S FOCUS: PRESERVED BY DESIGN

Whatever decree, statutes or law that have been set that affect your spiritual beliefs or whatever evil and wicked authorities may try to do to manipulate your faith and standards God can turn it around. You are preserved by design. 2 Timothy 4:18 (KJV) And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Esther and Mordecai knew how to challenge a decree that affected them. They didn't retaliate or use means of the flesh. What are some of the ways and actions have you taken or others have taken to deal with a decree or law that offended/affected you?

• Did you use Esther and Mordecai method of prayer and fasting?
• Did you take the matter into your own hands?
• Did you write a nasty letter or email to defend yourself or your faith?
• How about the telephone call or text?
• Did you get a group together and try to sabotage or create a riot?
• Did you try to manipulate or just agreed just in face to avoid conflict?
• Did you try to get through the decree by denying who you are like in Esther's first response?
• Did you just kept quiet because it doesn't affect you personally?
• Other ???

We have several examples of scripture that show us how The Lord delivered many from evil work. Job held his integrity, Daniel kept himself even when the decree was signed and the Hebrew Boys did not bow down. How are you demonstrating or have demonstrated that the Lord will or has preserved you? Share your story....

Remember, you are preserved by design. God has given you His promise of protection. Even when you walk in the midst of trouble He will revive you. You do not need to use the weapons of the flesh to fight back. Your position of defense should not be carnal. Esther and Mordecai's example of defense should be your model. That position of defense preserved them from the evil one and saved their lives and the lives of the whole nation. It also commanded respect to their God and their beliefs, promoted them and changed the law. God is faithful- He will preserve you from the evil one unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel