1/5/20 - Mistreated For Doing The Right Thing

Esther 1:12-22 records an event where a person doing the right thing (Vashti) was mistreated by those around her. Vashti did the right thing by not submitting to her husband’s drunken demands (Est. 1:10-12). Instead of receiving praise for standing, or at least her husband acknowledging that wrong was done, however, she was mistreated by her husband and his advisors.

Sadly, this is not an uncommon response. Joseph was mistreated and imprisoned when he obeyed God and refused his mistress’ advances (Gen. 39:7-20). Elijah’s life was threatened when he obeyed God and withstood (and killed) the wicked prophets of Baal (I Kings 19:2). When we read the New Testament, we also see times when God’s people were persecuted, imprisoned, and even killed when they were faithful to God (II Cor. 11:23-28; II Tim. 3:12; Acts 12:1-3; Rev. 6:9-10).

Do we have the strength of heart to do what is right when others we know, and love oppose us? Will we stand for what is right at school, at work, and anywhere else? Jesus said that when we act like Him, the world will mistreat us the way they mistreated Him (Jn. 15:18-20). How are you being treated by the world? If you are a Christian (Acts 2:38, 11:26), does anyone know it?

1/4/20 - True Riches

Jesus said, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Lk. 12:15). Passages such as Proverbs 15:16, 16:16; Ecclesiastes 4:6, 5:10-16; and I Timothy 6:6-8 also remind us of the true riches of this life.

Contrast this with the life of Ahasuerus, or Artaxerxes, the king who would one day marry Esther. He had such an opulent lifestyle that he was able to stage a party that lasted six months (Est. 1:4)! When that was done, he had another one that lasted yet another week (Est. 1:5)! His earthly power, riches, and military strength would have impressed us, no doubt. However, these things said nothing about the condition of his soul. It told us nothing about whether or not he was ready for eternity.

Jesus asked one time, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26). This is still a valid question! It is a soul-searching question that demands an answer. If you could throw a six-month party for all the people you knew like Ahasuerus, if you had the money to stage a year-long party and impress friend and enemy alike, what does this say about our soul’s salvation? It says nothing! Prepare for eternity (II Cor. 6:2; Mk. 16:16)! Set your mind on pleasing God rather than man (Gal. 1:10; Col. 3:1-4). This is the most important goal we have in life (Ecc. 12:13-14)!

One thing that stands out to me about the book of Esther is God's depiction of bravery. Vashti and Esther showed bravery in their own way. Vashti refused to submit to the drunken demands of a king, her husband (1:11-12). Esther addressed a king uninvited and revealed her lineage/race when both actions meant certain death (4:16, 5:1, 7:1-6). Their bravery to stand and speak when needed changed the course of their lives and also teaches us how to act. (Rom. 15:4).

Think about your life. When you have been called to be brave in the past for the Lord and spiritual truth, what did you do and why? Were you brave like these two? Did you shrink away and allow fear to take over? What consequences did you face? How did you feel later when you cowered in fear? One never regrets being brave even when they see that others don't appreciate it. One will always regret giving in to fear.

Make 2020 a year of bravery for you as you serve God (Prov. 28:1; I Thess. 2:2; Acts 4:13; Phil. 1:20; Heb. 4:16, 13:6).

                   “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” These words are spoken to the Ephesian elders when Paul met them at Miletus (Acts 20:17-18). He reminded them of many truths he had taught them during his three years with them and encouraged them to continue to be faithful to God. As we put a “spotlight” on Acts 20:28, this verse reminds elders to watch for themselves as well as for everyone else in the congregation. Elders are men and can fall. This will be noted in the following verses (v. 29-31). Therefore, let elders take heed first of all to self and then to everyone else. This reminds me of the teaching of Matthew 7:1-5. Elders are to be overseers (“a man charged with the duty of seeing that things to be done by others are done rightly, any curator, guardian or superintendent,” Thayer’s) and must feed (“nourish, cherish, serve,” ibid.) the flock of God. Too many churches have elders that are mere “check-writers” and “door-lockers.” Elders need to make sure they are guarding and serving the church because Christians have been purchased with the precious blood of Christ (Matt. 26:28; I Pet. 1:18-19)! This makes them special, loved, and saved. Elders are Christians and are recipients of the same blessings. Thus, they have a “vested interest” in making sure the congregation is pure, for in doing this, they are also saving themselves!            – Jarrod Jacobs

            “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” When writing to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul reminded the Christians to “keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). In this letter, he did not merely tell them to be united, but by inspiration (I Cor. 14:37), he showed them (and us) the true “platform for unity” in the Lord’s church. If we are to be united, we need to respect the seven “one’s” (body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God) that needs to be among God’s people. These simple words are packed with meaning and truth that deserve more attention than we can devote in this short article. Just understand that when we remember the basis or foundation of religious unity, we will be able to withstand anything that Satan will throw at us! Satan tries to “divide and conquer” in order to get us away from Christ and devour us (I Pet. 5:8). Yet, in Christ, we have unity (Gal. 3:28) and victory (I Cor. 15:57)! Let us be active and fulfill Ephesians 4:3 by living Ephesians 4:4-6!

– Jarrod Jacobs