Our transcendent Hope

Read Job 17.

Job's spirit was broken.  It is one thing to experience great loss and be financially, emotionally, or even physically broken.  But a broken spirit is a destroying devastation of person-hood.

He just wanted to get it over with and die.  And, he was ready.  There was nothing left for which to live.  People only mocked him (v.2).  They seemed to hang around merely to divide up what would be left of his property (v.5).  He lost so much physically that he was only a shadow of his former self (v.7).  All his future plans and dreams were gone (v.11).  If his so-called comforters possessed anymore wisdom, they could bring it on.

Yet, there remained a glimpse of his faith in God.  He had done nothing wrong and, therefore, his faith should make him stronger. (vv.8-9)

Job's question, "Where then is my hope?" (v.15), has much more to do with his hope of recovering from all the losses, including his health.  The grave appeared to be the only place of peace, rest, and escape from the suffering.

In Psalm 42, the songwriter expressed one of the most graphic descriptions of brokenness in the entire Bible.

"As the deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.....My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me continually, 'Where is your God?'...Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."

Eventually, everyone looses everything, leaving it all behind.  The LORD alone is the only source of unchanging hope that transcends this life.

You've got a Friend!

Read Job 16.

Job was worn out (v.7).  He believed the hand of God came against him because the LORD "hated me" (v.9).  And, he felt everyone was against him.

As he told it, everything was fine until God "broke me apart" and "set me up as his target" (v.12).

In verse 18, Job looked around the earth and asked for vindication.  He did not want his cries to go without being resolved.  Next, he looked to heaven.  Since there were no friends to plead his case on earth, he longed for a friend in heaven who would advocate for him with God.

Several insights for today.

1. God is not mad at us.

We are His creation; we belong to Him.  "For God so loved the world..." (John 3:16)

2. God wants a relationship with us.

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

3. We do have a Friend in heaven.

"...we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ..." (1 John 2:1)

"...he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25)

You've got a Friend.  Just call out His name and you know wherever you are, He'll come.

Can a person be pure before God?

Read Job 15.

This begins the second of three rounds of speeches as these men interact.  Last time, Eliphaz began by complimenting Job before strongly advising him.  In this exchange he skipped the courtesies and accused Job of being a harden sinner, disrespectful to his elders, and defiant toward God.

Then, Eliphaz falsely detailed how the sufferings of Job were exactly what happens to all those who defy God.  The wicked will come to ruin and poverty.

Among the many questions he did ask was this one: "What is man, that he can be pure?" (v.14)  God is holy and cannot tolerate sin.  The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  Holiness and sin are eternally incompatible.

So, how can an unholy human being ever have a relationship with a holy God?  The answer is in the next verse in the book of Romans: "and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:24)

Such right standing with God cannot be earned.  It is a free gift.  It is not the result of what we can do, but solely upon what Christ has already done for us.  Our sin was paid in full on the cross. Our forgiveness and holiness before God is there for the asking.

Forgiven, we are pure before the LORD

The believer's hope and Home

Read Job 14.

Life is short.  Our days here on earth are numbered and determined by a sovereign and loving God.

But in his suffering, Job wonders when will it all end?  And, where is this going?

Further, Job observed that a tree may be cut down, yet with a little water, the stump can sprout life again.  But what about human life?  "If a man dies, shall he live again?" (v.14)

Life is not about reaching our goals but fulfilling God's purposes.  We are "the work of your hands" (v.15).  Job concluded that over time life simply wears down a person's body and hope until they die.

Does this sound futile?  Yes...if all of one's hope is wrapped up with things here on earth.  The Apostle Paul wrote, "If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied." (1 Corinthians 15:19)

The hope and home of the believer is not in this life, but in the one that is to come.  Indeed, Paul was encouraged and referred to it as going home!  "Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.  So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him." (2 Corinthians 5:8-9)

Godly confidence comes from a clear Conscience

Read Job 13.

By this point, Job was already weary of debating with these so-called friends.  They proved to be of no help.  Indeed, Job compared them to "worthless physicians".  Or, as Dr. Roy Zuck wrote, they were "worthless medical doctors with no prescription to alleviate his pain" (Bible Knowledge Commentary).  He wanted them to be quiet and just listen to him.

Again, he expressed his greater desire to argue his case directly with God.  Job understood fully the potential consequences of this request.  It had already been stated that no human being is a match for an all-powerful, sovereign God.  It could cost him his life (verse 15).

His confidence remained in the fact that he had done nothing wrong to justify this suffering.  In essence, Job continued to ask what every hurting person asks, "Why? What did I do wrong?  What did I do to deserve this?"  He even boldly asked that his sins be enumerated.

In verse 26, Job mentioned the sins of his youth and questioning the value of bringing that up against him.  God, of course, will not do that.

We who know Jesus and have experienced His forgiveness never have to worry about God dredging up the sins of our past.  Such plaguing thoughts do not come from Him.  Often the Evil One will remind us those things to impose false guilt and seek to destroy our confidence.  Our memories of the past should quickly shift to the grace extended to us by faith in Jesus.  To be forgiven by God means our record is clean with Him.

"'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; thought they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.'" (Isaiah 1:18)

Why doesn’t everyone worship God?

Read Job 12.

To Zophar's accusations, Job responded with three chapters of defense.  In the banter regarding wisdom and endeavoring to search out the meaning of this real life situation, Job first expounded on the true source of wisdom, all understanding, and ultimate control.

God's power and wisdom are immediately knowable to everyone.

1. All of humanity should know the LORD.

Job did not possess a Bible.  He had no theological training.  So, how could he have such understanding about God?

"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them."

(Romans 1:19)

How has God shown Himself to everyone?

2. All of nature could tell us.  vv.7-10

Job offered that if the beasts, birds, plants and fish could talk they would declare God's wisdom and power.

"For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.  So they are without excuse."

(Romans 1:20)

Then, why is it that not everyone worships Him?

3. All of life experience should tell us.  vv.11-12

Everyday God is at work shaping our lives for His purposes.  Believers trust Him and look for His faithfulness.  Others reject God's plan and go their own way to their detriment.

"For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Claiming to be wise, they became fools..."

(Romans 1:21-22)

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

(Proverbs 1:7)

The difference between mercy and Grace

Read Job 11.

Next, Zophar took a turn to judge and correct Job.  He accused job of spouting a lot of meaningless talk, even referring to him as stupid (v.12).  Further, he stated that it was too bad that God did not speak up so they could hear the real story.  It was the same erroneous thinking that Job's experiences were the result of some personal sin.

Though his applications to Job were not accurate, Zophar's statements about God are full of truth.

1. God is merciful.

"Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt." v.6

Aren't we all blessed by the fact that God does not render to us what we so rightfully deserve?  This is mercy.

2. God's knowledge is limitless and immeasurable. vv.7-12

Indeed, He does know every detail about our lives-what we have thought, said, and done.

3. God forgiveness is waiting for those who will respond to His grace.

If a person will turn from their sin and turn to Jesus for forgiveness, they will experience a fresh start in life. vv.13-20  Forgiven, cleansed of our sin, being right with God are things we do not deserve.  This is grace.

3 choices when bad things Happen

Read Job 9-10.

He knew he had done nothing to bring these miseries on himself, but Job also knew that no one is totally guiltless before a perfect and holy God.

In a marvelous series of statements, Job described God's absolute sovereignty.

-He is all-powerful.

-God can remove mountains, cause earthquakes, control the movements of the sun and stars. (9:5-6)

-He created all things.

-God made the constellations. (9:8)

-He is accountable to no one.

"Who will say to him, 'What are you doing?'" (9:12)

Job no longer liked his life and wished that it would just end.  Again, Job asked "why?"

When our treasured plans do not work out, when our losses are too great to bear, we have choices of how to respond.  Our choices will be reflected in our attitudes, speech and behaviors.  Note how Job processed his choices.

1. To be angry with God.

While this is a natural reaction by a hurting person, Job understood the futility of that thinking.  A mere human is no match for the Sovereign God.

"Who has hardened himself against him, and succeeded?" (9:4)

2. To argue with God.

Several times Job verbalized his desire to plead his case, as in a court of law or with someone to arbitrate between him and God.  Yet, he again acknowledged that the God of heaven is not answerable to him.

"For he is not a man, as I am, that I might answer him, that we should come to trial together.  There is no arbiter between us, who might lay his hand on us both." (9:32-33)

3. To trust God.

It is this third choice that is the struggle for Job and all the rest of us.  Can we trust that God has a plan and a purpose behind allowing our suffering?  Can we trust that God is at work behind the scenes, even when we cannot see it?

"You clothe me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews.  You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care had preserved my spirit.  Yet these things you hid in your heart; I know that this was your purpose." (10:11-13)

When you cannot see His hand, trust His heart.

Evaluating life versus Health and Wealth

Read Job 8.

Some comforter Bildad turned out to be!

1. He called Job a wind bag. (v.1)

2. He said Job's children had it coming to them due to sin. (v.4)

3. He urged Job to repent and God would restore his fortunes. (vv.5-6)

4. He concluded that where there is smoke, there is fire. (vv.11-12)

5. He accused Job of forgetting God. (v.13)

Bildad's theology was not wrong in itself, but his applications were incorrect.  He judged Job upon a false premise that did not allow for the fact that Job had done nothing wrong.  Bildad's thinking was that Job's suffering was the result of sin in his life.  And, if Job was truly living a godly life, then he would experience health, wealth, position and power.  This is simply not true and is totally false to anyone who knows their Bible.

On earth, Jesus possessed no wealth.  Paul experienced a physical problem that never went away.  The Psalmist observed that the wicked around him prospered.  Are all world leaders godly people?  It is easy to destroy Bildad's argument, yet so many continue to be sucked into that thinking.

Evaluating life only in temporal terms is to miss the very essence of truly knowing the God of heaven.  Like The Great Gatsby, it leads to living in a false and fantasized hope.  The results include a self-centered and rebellious life.  "It is all about me and what I can get from God."

What are the evidences of a godly life?

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." (Galatians 5:22-23)  These are the qualities that will be evident regardless of one’s life circumstances.  It is the work of God in a life and cannot be self-imposed by wishful thinking. 

The Source of a never ending Hope

Read Job 6-7.

Bewildered, trying to understand what God was doing, and frustrated by his three visitors, Job struggled to maintain any hope of things getting better.

1. He asked for justice.

"Oh that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!" (6:2)

2. His friends were of no help.

"For you have now become nothing; you see my calamity and are afraid." (6:21)

3. He maintained his innocence.

"How forceful are upright words!  But what does reproof from you reprove?" (6:25)

4. He could not sleep.

"When I lie down I say, 'When shall I arise?'  But the night is long, and I am full of tossing till the dawn." (7:4)

5. He would not be quiet about his pain.

"Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul." (7:11)

6. He repeatedly spoke of the brevity of life.

7. Three times he asked why. ((7:20-21)

Someone once commented that the human body may survive weeks without food, a week without water, but not a single day without hope.  Everyone needs a basis for hope that transcends this life.  Paul wrote, "If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most to be pitied." (1 Corinthians 15:19)  Any source of hope on earth will eventually become a disappointment.

When Jeremiah's world was crashing down around him and he faced losing everything, he wrote:

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'" (Lamentations 3:22-24)

Sometimes being slow is a good Thing

Read Job 4-5.

For a week, Job's three friends have said nothing.  But once Job broke the silence, they felt free to speak.  The conversation between these four runs all the way through chapter 37.

It is immediately obvious that Job's friends never took the 50 hours of training in Stephens Ministry.  While along the way the men speak nuggets of truth, their intent was most often misguided correction.  They wrongfully assumed that bad things happen to bad people.  Therefore, Job with all his outward signs of godliness must have some awful hidden sin that caused this calamity.

Eliphaz accused Job of being impatient and reaping what he sowed.  His advice: "As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number." (5:8-9)  And, "Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore, despise not the discipline of the Almighty." (5:17)

His theology is sound.  It is the application that is amiss.  He called upon Job to repent of sin, thinking that these tragedies were punishments from God.  Such was not the case.  This was a test of Job's faith, not a punishment.  The instigator was Satan, not God.

Unless there is some evidence of violation of God's word, we must always be careful and slow in our judgments.  Blatant disobedience needs swift correction.  But a tragedy is not always the result of personal sin.  Also, it impossible to know what God is doing or how He will chose to use this painful experience in the future.

Hurting people need the comfort and encouragement of a friend.

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." (James 1:19)

How to respond to a hurting Friend

Read Job 3.

Job's faith was strong, but the pain still hurt.  He wondered what happened.  Five times in this chapter he used the word "why".  In summary:

-"I wish I had never been born." (vv.1-10)

-"I wish I had been born dead."  (vv.11-19)

-"I wish I could die now." (vv.20-26)

How could a man of such faith say these things?

He was confused.  He did everything right and all of this stuff has happened to him.  He was physically tired, emotionally drained, and feeling trapped or "hedged in" (v.23).  Several times he mentioned that at least death would bring rest, an end to trouble, and freedom.

When his three friends came, they were so appalled by what they saw they sat in silence for a full week.  At least they showed up to be with him in his grief.

What should a person say and/or do for a hurting friend?

Many churches have trained people in Stephens Ministry.  Their response to "be there" is as an act of love and provides good insights for all of us.

1. Caring.

A friend cares enough for the hurting to be present with them.

2. Listening.

A friend listens.  Hurting people need to get it all out, to verbalize their feelings and questions, even if their assessment is not quite accurate.

3. Praying.

A friend intercedes.  They need someone who can pray for them and with them.

4. Supporting.

A friend discovers what emotional and practical needs there are and endeavors to meet them.

5. Encouraging.

A friend gives comfort and hope.  It is simply passing on the love, care and comfort "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort" has given to us.  "...who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (2 Corinthians 1:4)

God is good, no matter what

Read Job 2.

Satan, "the accuser" (Revelation 12:10), stated that the only reason Job worshiped God was due to God's many blessings.  In other words, Job only obeyed God for what he could get from Him.   Remove the blessings and Job would no longer worship the LORD.  But Job's faith was not in his temporal possessions but in the eternal, unchanging One who created him.  He held fast to his "integrity" (v.3).  Job practiced what he preached.

When that did not work, Satan approached God again to accuse Job.  Test number two extended to Job's physical health and pain.  Yet, Job held on to what he believed about God.  His analysis of the situation is not natural.  It is natural to question God's goodness when things go awry.  It takes some spiritual maturity to see beyond the circumstances to trust the LORD no matter what.

"'Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive (disaster)?'  In all this Job did not sin with his lips." (v.10)

It begs the question, if there were no earthly benefits and we suffered the loss of everything, would we still "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind"? (Matthew 22:37)

Job knew and was committed, not to the good things God does, but in the goodness of God's character.  Good is who God is.

Psalm 86:5-"For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you."

Psalm 100:5-"For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."

Psalm 106:1-"Praise the LORD!  Oh give thanks to the LORD, for his is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!"

A Perspective on Personal Pain

Read Job 1.

There is a difference between punishment and a test.  Punishment is the penalty for doing something wrong.  A test is an opportunity to prove one can do something right.  Sometimes, a test of faith may feel like punishment.  This is often true when a loss is involved.

The book of Job is about a test.  Job did not do anything wrong.  Just the opposite was true of him.  He lived a "blameless and upright" life.  He "feared God and turned away from evil."  Yet, he experienced great pain and the loss of everything.  Though allowed by God, the losses were not "acts of God".

This chapter provides a behind the scenes look at the spiritual war that takes place continually between Satan and God.  Revelation 12:10 calls him "the accuser" as day and night he comes before the God of heaven and makes accusations against believers. 

The Apostle Peter warned of this very thing when he wrote, "Be sober-minded; be watchful.  Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." But then Peter continued, "Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." (1 Peter 5:8-9)  The unbeliever has no faith to resist the plans of the devil.  The believer in Jesus does.

Did this test hurt Job?  Yes.  Deeply.  Pain and loss do not define our values.  Instead, they reveal the values we hold most dear.

How could Job endure such suffering and pass this test?

He acknowledged in verse 21 that the measure of life is not the things one accumulates.  Indeed, these are temporal blessings from God, at best.  They can be taken away and everything will be left behind at death.  The greater possession then is to live with an understanding of and a commitment to eternal values.

Job knew what was of lasting importance.  When this excruciating test came, his values never wavered.  "In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong."  The story was not over.  God's ultimate plan for his life was worthy of his trust.

God's Greatness on Display

Read Esther 9-10.

When the time came, instead to the Jews being annihilated, "the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them.  It proved to be a reverse victory all around.

-The orphan of slave parents became Queen of the Persian Empire.

-The man who was destined for the gallows became a powerful leader, second only to the king.

-Those who were hated gained honor throughout the empire.

To this day, devout Jews celebrate the Feast of Purim in mid-March.  The word "purim" refers to the lots that were rolled like dice to determine which day the Jews would be attacked.  It is a time to send gifts to friends and assistance to the poor.  A gathering includes a reading of the book of Esther.  When Haman's name is mentioned in the reading there may be a strong audience reaction of booing or yelling, "Let his name be accursed."  This followed by cheers for Esther and Mordecai.

Though the name of God is never mentioned in the book, dependence upon Him and the power of God is unmistakable.  He is always at work in the lives of those who trust Him.

Why?

"...that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe."

(Ephesians 1:18-19)

A reason to Celebrate

Read Esther 8.

Taking care of Haman was only a small part of the problem.  The king had issued a royal decree that would have annihilated all the Jews in the empire.  Once announced, the law of the Medes and Persian could not be revoked.

To countermand the decree, Ahasuerus allowed Queen Esther and Mordecai, now the king's right hand man,   full authority to write a new law.  The Jews could organize and defend themselves.  The slaughter was averted.  This resulted in fear of the Jews throughout the empire.  Some, having witnessed the power of God, joined the Jews in their faith.    For the Jews, it meant a time of "gladness and joy and honor."  So much so, they feasted and made it a holiday.

Proverbs 28:12-"When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves."

Since the time God chose Abraham and his descendants, the national faith of the Jews has been up and down.  But the LORD's unconditional covenant with them has not changed.

"Thus says the LORD; 'If the heavens above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth below can be explored, then I will cast off all the offspring of Israel for all that they have done, declares the LORD.'" (Jeremiah 31:37)

To the believer in Jesus, we have full assurance of His commitment and care for us.  It should bring us daily gladness and joy.

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)

The power of Preparation

Read Esther 7.

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."  Proverbs 16:18

The moment for Queen Esther to make her appeal to the king had arrived.  But the impact of her request was based upon all the preparation.

1.  She prepared personally.

Her character was unquestioned.

2. She prepared physically.

Esther always looked her best for her husband.

3. She prepared spiritually.

For three days she and the others affected had been fasting and praying.

4. She prepared socially.

As a good hostess, it was a pleasure to have a meal and spend time at her home.  Someone once said, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach."  Cooking good food is always an attraction.

5. She prepared emotionally.

It was self-discipline that kept her from showing her emotions too soon.  She did not cry.  She did not blurt out her request.  She waited for the moment.

6. She prepared verbally.

When the moment arrived knew exactly what she was going to say and how to say it.

She stated the bottom-line first.

She explained her willingness to accept hardship.

She revealed the personal consequences of his decision.

Her request was granted.

He is an on-time God

Read Esther 6.

The irony is incredible.  No movie script writer will ever be able to top this scene.

Multiple things were taking place at the same time.  Only God could have orchestrated this.

1. God was preparing the king's heart for what Esther would request later that day.

The timing and sequence of events is far beyond any coincidence.  That night he could not sleep.  He called for reading of the empire's historical records.  The readers just happened to read how Mordecai saved the king's life.  The king asked what had been done to honor Mordecai.

2. God was preparing Haman for his downfall.

One would be hard pressed to find a greater example of sinful pride in the entire Bible.  He just happened to be in the court that morning at the same time the king asked about honoring Mordecai.  His ego unleashed all of his vanity in answering the king's question.    King Ahasuerus ordered him to be a servant to Mordecai that day and at the very same time Haman the gallows had been completed upon which to hang Mordecai.

3. God was preparing Mordecai for his promotion.

He did a good deed and was never thanked.  Indeed, he was forgotten by others but not by God.  God waited until He could use that information for a much greater purpose.  Here was a Jew, a captured slave of the empire, being paraded through the streets wearing the king's garb, led by the man who hated him.

God is at work even when we cannot see what He is doing.

God will deal with the unrepentant sinner sooner or later.

God sees our circumstances and knows how to use them at the right time to unfold His plan for our lives.

Waiting is hard Work

Read Esther 5.

Esther listened.  She fasted and prayed.  She waited.

Waiting is hard.  We tend to either not want to wait so we can take immediate action or to be waiting in dread, postponing the moment as long as we can.  Waiting on God gives us an opportunity to reflect, to calm our emotions, and to effectively prepare.  Waiting also gives God opportunity to work in the other person's heart.

When the time came, Queen Esther dressed to look her best.  She had presented herself to the king before and won his heart.  She knew what he liked.  When she arrived, she did not barge in but simply stood in a place where he would see her.  It worked.  The king welcomed her and offered anything she wanted even before he heard the request.

It would have been so tempting to blurt out an emotional plea for her life and that of all the Jews.  But the request was filled with great danger and instability.  Instead, she waited and worked.  Esther carefully unfolded a step-by-step plan to build the relationship, to build the curiosity, and to wait for the right timing.  After all, God was working on Haman as well.

Haman's pride-filled heart and hatred of the Jews could not wait for the date of the king's decree.  He decided to hang Mordecai the next day.  Now, the stage was set.  Everything and everyone was ready.

Esther surely had heard Psalm 37:34-"Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off."

As we shall see the wait was worth it.

"Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!" (Psalm 27:14)

4 Elements of courageous Faith

Read Esther 4.

The total annihilation of the Jews had been decreed.  Throughout the empire the Jews were in public mourning, fasting, and prayer.  Living in the palace, Queen Esther had no idea what was taking place.  When Mordecai conveyed the proclamation to her, he requested that she go to the king to beg and plead on behalf of her people.  After all, ultimately Esther's own life was at stake.

Under Persian law, anyone who barged in to see the king would be put to death.  These two cousins provide some of the greatest examples of faith in the entire Bible.

1. Absolute trust in God's promises. (v.14)

If you do not intervene, God will use someone else.

Notice Mordecai's faith.  It was not in Esther.  He knew the covenant promises of God to Abraham and to David.  Though persecuted, one way or another, God would take care of His people.

2.  Absolute trust in God's timing. (v.14)

"Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

All of the events of her life, Mordecai's training of her, and her promotion to Queen of Persia came down to this one decision.  At the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Jesse Owens said, "This is it.  A lifetime of training for just ten seconds."

3. Absolute trust in prayer. (v.16)

Esther could not face this moment on her own.  She needed God's help to give her favor with the king.  Her preparation included three days of fasting and prayer by everyone involved.

4. Absolute trust in the outcome. (v.16)

Esther courageously went forward without knowing how it would turn out.  She believed so strongly that this was the right thing to do, she was willing to put her life on the line.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."  Hebrews 11:1

4 Character qualities that turned a woman into a Queen

Read Esther 2.

King Ahasuerus announced a Miss Persian Empire contest in order to replace Queen Vashti.

The Jews had been conquered, taken captive, and lived as slaves when the Medes and Persians defeated Babylonia.  Hadassah, commonly known as Esther, had been raised by her cousin Mordecai.  Being taken as a candidate for Queen of Persian, she never revealed that she was a Jew.  While the other women evidently asked for and received whatever they wanted, Esther did not.

Her different character and behavior did not go unnoticed.

"And the young woman pleased him (Hegai, the man in charge) and won his favor." (v.9)

"Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her." (v.15)

"...she won grace and favor in his (the king's) sight more than all the virgins..." (v.17)

There are at least four character qualities displayed by Esther in this chapter that set her apart from all the rest.

1. Discretion.

She was careful in what she said and to whom she said it.  She did not tell everyone all her business.  Some things she kept to herself.

2. Humility.

She demanded nothing.  She made do with what she had been given.

3. Relationships.

She connected with and earned the favor of those around her.

4. Obedience.

As a young woman, she was raised to respect those over her.  In the king's care, she listened to Hegai and followed his instructions.  Then, even as a queen, she responded well to her uncle's coaching and advice.

The only marriage design that Lasts

Read Esther 1.

King Ahasuerus ruled the Medio-Persian Empire from India to Ethiopia.  In his pride, he wanted to reveal to his leaders the wealth and the power of his realm.  After a six-month tour, he threw a seven-day party.  In an inebriated condition, he had nothing left to show-off but his wife's beauty.  Queen Vashti demonstrated greater character in her unwillingness to be paraded before a bunch of drunken men.  Her decision could have cost her life.  It did cost her marriage and her royal position.

The remainder of this chapter deals with how the king could save face in the light of his wife's refusal.  The best his advisers could suggest was to model the rule of his own home by putting away his queen and legislating marriage for everyone else.  There is no mention of a loving relationship.

God's design in marriage is found in Ephesians 5.  Without these elements put into practice, no marriage works or lasts.  Oh, the couple may continue to live under the same roof, but the true enjoyment of the relationship is found only in how the One who instituted marriage intended it to be.  Violation of these elements will not only ruin the marriage, but it will also bring enormous pain.  

"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her..." (Ephesians 5:25)

It is the husband's responsibility and privilege to demonstrate sacrificial love to his wife and, in doing so, model Christ's love for His people.  This is not an easy or task to be taken lightly.  Putting her needs before his own is what Jesus did for us.  (Philippians 2:5-8)

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord."  (Ephesians 5:22)

To those women who have been hurt or have their own agendas, this verse is not received well.  As a result, they won't have a lasting, loving marriage.  Often, they will bounce from one relationship to another.  I have never met a woman who would not gladly submit to the leadership of a man who would love her as Christ does.

A leader's Legacy

Read Nehemiah 13.

After all his hard work, after all the worship and celebrations, even after the public covenant they made, Nehemiah discovered the truth of Proverbs 29:18: "Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law."

Due to the wording of the King James Version, the above verse continues to be misused today.  The intent of that Scripture is that people need to hear God's word ( the "prophetic vision") and held accountable to keep it.  Otherwise, there will be no guard rails for living a life that pleases God.

Nehemiah needed to return to Babylon and report to the authorities of the empire.  While gone, those he trusted back in Jerusalem proved to be disloyal to him, but even more they were disloyal to the LORD.  Decisively and forcefully, he corrected each violation of the covenant they had made.  Each time he paused to pray and asked God to keep in mind all the good he had done.

Throughout his time of service, Nehemiah depended upon God and applied His word in real life situations.  Indeed, God did remember him for good and so do we.

Our legacy is what we leave behind for others to follow.  May all who come behind us find us so faithful.       

Music that Ministers

Read Nehemiah 11-12.

As governor, Nehemiah took the next steps in reestablishing the city of Jerusalem and resettling the people in the land.  While the national leaders lived in the city, 90% of the people did not.  There were fields to plant, herds to tend, and villages to populate.  These moves required all the leadership and organization skills that God had given to Nehemiah and others close to him.

The hard work of securing the city and organizing the people was complete.  Now, it was time to dedicate their work to the LORD and to celebrate in great praise and thanksgiving.

Musicians provided a key role in leading the celebration.  There were song writers, music leaders, instrumentalists and vocalists who were set apart for this ministry to serve alongside the priests and Levites.

They divided into two parading groups; one went south, the other north.  With leaders visible to the people on the wall, the instruments played and the singers sang the songs of David and Asaph (The Psalms).

Music is an indispensable part of worship.  It is not an add on to the service.  Rather, it is to be an expression of direct communication of the worshiper to God, give voice to personal testimony, and/or to encourage fellow worshipers.   Indeed, music is the only art form mentioned in the Bible that we will practice in heaven.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)

Moving from praying to Doing

Read Nehemiah 10.

The leaders took time to spiritually prepare the people before they made a public commitment to the LORD.  It was more than a list of promises.  It was a declaration of action steps that they would do immediately.  They were willing to step forward and write their names on a covenant for all to read.  The names of the leaders appeared on the seal of the covenant.

What were those action steps?

1. They separated themselves from unholy relationships.

This was painful, but they had mixed allegiance to the God of heaven with the paganism surrounding them.

2. They vowed to observe all the commands of the Scriptures.

Specifically here, they would honor God by putting the expectations of Sabbath into practice.

3. They began behaving like stewards, instead of entitled owners.

They made sure that the local ministry had the resources needed.

They took turns serving the practical needs of the local ministry.

They gave 10% of the first of their income to that local ministry.

They declared, "We will not neglect the house of our God."

Two insights that made this work:

-Leaders can never expect the people do something they are not doing themselves.

Positional leaders living in disobedience will divide and strangle a ministry.

-Notice that there is no "working toward" separation, tithing and the rest.  Grace?  Certainly.  But, either a person is living in obedience to God or they are disobedient to Him.

4 Elements of Spiritual Renewal

Read Nehemiah 9.

The process of spiritually righting the culture in Jerusalem continued.  They had listened and been taught the word of God.  They had celebrated the Feast of Booths for a week.  Now, it was time to go deeper in committing themselves to live for God wholeheartedly in the future.  But before making those public promises to God they devoted themselves to fasting, the Scriptures, confessing sin, and prayer.  These things were done publicly and together.

1. Fasting.

They came clothed in sackcloth with dirt on their heads as an outward sign of humility.  It was a reflection of their deep, inner feelings of sorrow for their personal sin and their national condition.

2. The Word of God.

They stood for a quarter of the day listening to the Scriptures.  An open heart, ready to hear what God has to say, is fertile soil for immediate obedience and spiritual growth.

3. Confession.

They stood for another quarter of the day acknowledging their nation's historical disobedience to the LORD and their own.  It was for these reasons that they continued to live in slavery.

4. Worship.

They prayed.  Not only is this prayer a succinct walk through the Old Testament up to this point, it is a marvelous treatise of theology.  The Person of God, who He is and how He interacts with His people, up close and personally, is not to be missed.  This is the God of the Bible.  This is the One before whom we bow.  This is the One who alone is worthy.  This is the One in whom we have entrusted our lives and our eternity.

3 Keys to Changed Lives

Read Nehemiah 7-8.

With the walls rebuilt and the gates closed, the city of Jerusalem was finally secure.  The exterior work had been completed and now it was time to go to work on the inside.

Nehemiah led in a full census of each person within the city, nearly 50,000 in all.  Proof of ancestry was required to serve in the priesthood.  The priests were organized under the leadership of Ezra. The next step would be to address the spiritual needs.

The people were called together for the purpose of hearing God's word.  The reverence and respect, even for preparing to listen to the Scriptures, in this chapter is noteworthy.  It was the inspiration for their worship.

With limited, hand-written copies of the Scriptures, Ezra read aloud.  This was followed by teaching priests helping "the people to understand the law."  How did they help the people to put the word of God into practice?  See the process in verse 8.

1. They read from the Scriptures.

What God said.

2. They explained the Scriptures. 

What God meant.

3. The applied the Scriptures.

What it meant to them.

When the people understood the application of God's word, they began to weep.  Someone said that good preaching should disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed.  Both are true here.  Once the leaders saw the impact on the hearers, they were quick to comfort. 

Then, the heads of households came together for further study so they could lead their families in obeying God.  By the next day, they were putting God's word into practice with the Feast of Booths.

All too often we tend to make the discipleship process complicated, worship services something other than worship, and preaching devoid of the basic yet powerful process outlined here.

Why not just Quit?

Read Nehemiah 6.

The wall had been completed in miraculous time.  All that remained was to hang the gates and the city of Jerusalem would once again be secure.  Yet, the surrounding enemies increased the pressure hoping to stop the completion of the work.

First, they tried to set up a meeting with Nehemiah.  But he recognized that this was a trap to kill him.  Five times they made unsuccessful attempts to get Nehemiah to stop the work for this meeting.  Next, they falsely accused him of self-promotion and outright rebellion against the Persian Empire.  Then, Nehemiah turned to those closest to him for counsel, but he quickly realized that their advice was wrong.  In fact, there were insiders leaking information to the enemy.  Tobiah and Sanballat not only paid some to be informants, but Nehemiah discovered that one of the top leaders was the father-in-law to Tobiah!

At that point, many leaders would have thrown in the towel and quit with multiple good reasons.

-I am being lied about.

-There are plots to kill me.

-The people I trusted the most are disloyal to me and to their own people.

-After all I have done to help them; this is the thanks I get!

-I have worked day and night.  I am tired and do not want to endure this any longer.

But such was not the character of Nehemiah.  Why did he NOT quit?  What sustained him?

1. He knew he was doing what God wanted done.

Knowing he was right where God wanted him to be gave him confidence in the face of opposition.

2. He made the work his priority.

Because he saw this as God's work, not his own, he would not waste time on meaningless discussions.  This was especially true when he knew their true motives.

3. He placed his absolute trust in the One who called him.

As God's man, doing God's work, his reliance was on God to protect him.  This was more than a daily prayer.  Reading through this book, there is a moment by moment calling out to God for help.

"Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people". (5:19)

"But now, O God, strengthen my hands." (6:9)

"Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to the things they did..." (6:14)

When the work was completed, the result was not accolades for Nehemiah.  The enemy "perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God." (6:16b)

To God be the glory as we do His will and work today.