Bibledoorajar Likes Esther's Plan

"But when you fast, put oil on your head

and wash your face, so that it will not

be obvious to others that you are

fasting, but only to your Father,

who is unseen; and your Father, who sees

in secret, will reward you."

Matthew 6: 17-18

     While Mordecai's appeal was done in a very external way, Esther now called on God's people to fast privately wherever they were located within the kingdom. She did not spend a lot of time worrying about the situation the people were in. Nor did she feel that if she and the people were zealous in being religious( an external fast), she would surely be safe as she went before the king. Rather, she wanted the people to go privately to God with a genuine repentance of any sin and a serious concern about their impending calamity. Esther knew that deliverance by God was essential but she did not ASSUME on God. She asked for the fast, and reported that she would go before the king even though she had no assurance that he would extend his scepter. Having no assurance the people were fasting, she concluded that she would ask for an audience with the king and if  "I perish, I perish."

     Esther was a smart lady. She knew that if the people's fast was not genuine her life was in peril. But she will forever be remembered for her courage take action on behalf of God's people. I applaud all Christians throughout the world who are taking brave actions, trusting that millions of their brothers and sisters are praying for their safety. I am challenged to pray more along these lines and to trust the God of Mordecai and Esther to move mightily in our time in history. How about you?

Bibledoorajar Prays for All Believers Being Persecuted

"We had placed so much hope on the fact that

there was one place in Iraq where Christians

could find security and a future. That place was Dohuk.

Sadly, the violence in the last few days, this hope is

now gone. People are petrified and saying 'what happens

to us now?'

Faith shines a light into darkness, hope into despair, gives 

a future where there is no future."

Compass Direct News Report on Persecution of Believers in Iraq

     Esther has heard the full report from Mordecai and is well aware of the steps he has taken at the capital city gates. He and Esther both know that if a decree comes forth to harm the Jews it will have to come from the capital city. The palace within that capital city has been a safe place for Esther, a place where she has flourished and matured. But now, her thoughts are not just for herself. Her people scattered throughout the kingdom are asking the question 'what happens to us now?'

     While some Christians note the subtle changes going on in this country to secularize religion, at this time we still have the right to assemble and worship as we see fit. It is a wonderful gift of God and this Christian takes a moment to intercede for all those believers worldwide who are asking the question, 'what happens to us now?' May their pursuit of the God of glory and all the gifts given them by the Son in His death not only continue but gain ground. May they have courage even in trying difficulties and may their faith arise in dark places. May God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Bibledoorajar appreciates Esther's Dilemma

      DOES JESUS CARE?

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained.

Too deeply for mirth or song. As the burdens

press and the cares distress, And the way

grows weary and long.

Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares!

His heart is touched with my grief.

When the days are weary, 

the long nights dreary, I know my

Savior cares.

Frank E. Graeff

Esther had participated in all the appropriate beauty treatments and had won the position of Queen. She had accepted the king's power, his authority and she had relinquished her will to his. But to go before the King in biblical times without being summoned often meant being executed. Her agonizing decision stood before her. She would surely bow before the king's scepter, but it had not been extended to her in thirty days. Mordecai had done his part and now he was encouraging her to do hers even though he admitted that as a Jewess she was vulnerable too. Would Esther forever be known just for her great beauty or would she also be known for being completely obedient to her adoptive father? Mordecai challenged Esther. She should not think that her people would live just because she was Queen. If she did nothing, Mordecai said evil would enlarge against her people such that they could not survive without God's help. Though Mordecai thoroughly believed that God would help His people another way if Esther did not help, he challenged her with this powerful thought.

"Who knows whether you have come to the Kingdom 

for such a time as this?"

     In other words, Esther must remember that God puts in place His will and it supersedes decrees made by earthy kings. If He was summoning her to do His will, Mordecai called for heroism. (Remember when God SUMMONED Cyrus of Persia and told him he had been selected before birth to do God's will in the world? See Isaiah 45: 1 ff.)

     Jesus has done and is doing His part. Could God have placed you in the Kingdom for such a time as this? If you are burdened too much for mirth or song, Jesus cares, but He is also calling for heroism. We have been summoned to serve. How are we doing? Maybe we need to make a plan. Esther did.

Bibledoorajar transitions from 2011 to 2012

     By now, I hope all you readers have successfully transitioned to 2012. The last of our Christmas guests left on yesterday. At times our house was a home for Barbies and once a Barbie tea room. At other times, it was "Apt 4G" for us and two teenage girls. Our biggest transition for 2011 was a new second bathroom just in time for Christmas guests. It will continue to be a blessing in 2012 and beyond.

     Mordecai had a big transition take place in his life too. He spent a great deal of the eleven months on his knees in sackcloth and ashes pleading for his people. Esther had come to realize the deep meaning of his mission and had been affected by his sincere humility before God. But now, she sees Mordecai standing. He is erect, trusting for a better transition for his people, for a greater reward. He has placed the next part of the mission squarely in Esther's hands. If she succeeds, Mordecai's reward will be salvation and safety for his people when the troublesome eleven months have passed. How will she do? Will the people see a greater reward at the end of the eleven months?

"Time is filled with swift transition,

Naught of earth unmoved can stand,

Build your hopes on things eternal,

Hold to God's unchanging hand.

When you journey is completed,

If to God you have been true,

Fair and bright the home in glory

Your enraptured soul will view."

Lyrics by Jennie Wilson

"You have a mighty arm;

Strong is your hand, and high is your right hand...

Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound.

They walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance."

Psalms 89:13, 15

Bibledoorajar applauds Esther's increased understanding

     Esther now has news from Mordecai and it is serious. She has gone from not understanding why her beloved uncle was so upset to realizing she and all her people are in serious danger. Mordecai has appealed to her to use her influence with the king on their behalf. This is a troubling request as the king has not sent for her in some time. Unless the king extends his scepter, an uncalled for appearance could mean premature trouble for her.

     At this time of year, it is a good thing for all of us to realize that the child whose birth we celebrate is now THE KING OF KINGS. He extends his scepter to all who wish to come. No appearance is uncalled for. For those of us who have chosen allegiance to this King, He beckons us, the church, to join Him in saving others who are in serious danger of eternal losses.

    Mary, did you know that your baby boy

would one day walk on water?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy

would save your sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy

has come to make you new?

This child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary Did You Know by Mary Lowry

Bibledoorajar praises God for the gift of Christ's Obedience

     "And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone

who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and

that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."

     Mordecai humbled himself, taking on the position of an outcast from the earthly powers in order to seek his God to save his people. From this lowly position he cries out. From heaven, his God hears his cries. God brings the cries and the lowly outcast position to the attention of Esther who sits in the powerful palace. Mordecai has gone to the gate of the palace, for no one could enter the palace in mourning clothes. Now the news of the king's degree has reached the Jews in the provinces. Understanding the implications, they, too, "fasted, wept, and wailed, and many people lay in burlap and ashes."

Esther is deeply distressed when her maids tell her the news of her uncle and her people. She remembers his sweet counsel over the years of her life. In the painting above by Aert de Gelder this wise counsel is noted. Esther wants to comfort Mordecai, but must know more about why he is so troubled. She appoints her attendant, Hathach, to go and find out why her uncle is so distraught. Mordecai was prepared. He gave Hathach, the exact amount of money that Haman would pay into the treasury for the destruction of the Jews and he also gave him a copy of the decree that was issued in Susa exacting the death of the Jews. He asked Hathach to return to Esther with the following: 1)full explanation of the crisis, 2) appeal to her to go to the king and beg for mercy and plead for her people.

"He came into the very world he created, but the world

didn't recognize him, they rejected him. But to all who believed

him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn--

not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth

that comes from God."

John 1:10-13

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if

anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. 

He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the

sacrifice that atones for our sins--and not only our sins but the sins of all the world."

1John 2: 1-2

"Joy to the World, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room."

Bibledoorajar is impressed with how Mordecai takes victory over Haman in prayer

     "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery

trials which is to try you, as though some strange

thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you

partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory

is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

If you are reproached for the name of Christ; blessed

are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you."

                                                                                   1 Pet. 4:12-14

     Mordecai has chosen his method for overcoming Haman. He will go to God about the disorder and tribulation that Haman wishes to bring forth. As he sits humbly in sackcloth and ashes, Mordecai can remember the past, the present and the future. He can remember and remind God of His faithfulness to His children in the past; "God, you are a good God, ever protecting your people". He can describe the present tribulation and impending disorder to God. Not that God does not already know, but Mordecai can give his perspective on how terrible this reproach would be on the glory of His Name and His people. Lastly, he can place his hope for future rescue squarely upon God and His mighty power. His appeal will be that, somehow, someway, God will disrupt Haman's plans before the eleventh month arrives. Perhaps the rescue may not come until the eleventh hour of the eleventh month. Will Mordecai persevere? Will he "cave" and bow to man? 

     The scripture says that Mordecai did not cave. He rent his clothes and cried out to God because His people were suffering due to God and His values. Such persecution seems to come in this world system for those who proclaim their allegiance to the kingdom of God. Christ actually tells us to be of good cheer under these circumstances:

"In the world you will have tribulation;

but be of good cheer, I have overcome

the world."

John 16:33

By faith, we are to believe that however, and whenever, Christ will overcome. This challenge is to believe this even though our overcoming may take our earthly lives. The goal is to learn to share in the battle against evil at this level.

"Dear Maria, I think that we're going to have an

exceptionally good Christmas...I used to be fond of 

thinking up and giving presents, but now that we

have nothing to give, the gift that God gave us in the

birth of Christ will seem all the more glorious: the emptier

our hands, the better we understand...The poorer our quarters,

the more clearly we perceive that our work should be

Christs' here on earth."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer to his fiance' in

Love Letters From Cell 92.

Bibledoorajar prays that whatever your circumstances this Christmas season, you may rejoice with exceeding joy. "Oh come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant. Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem. Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels. Oh, come let us adore Him. Oh, come let us adore Him. Oh, come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord."