Chapter Eights: Esther 8—New Grace by David Jeremiah

Chapter Eights: Esther 8—New Grace

MAY 11, 2019

The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor.
Esther 8:16

 Recommended Reading: Esther 8:15-17

The book of Esther describes how the Jewish people faced possible annihilation in the Persian Empire. An evil mastermind named Haman forged a plan to kill the Hebrews, but God placed Esther, herself a Jew, in the palace as queen. She and her kinsman Mordecai, with God’s help outwitted Haman, and the Jews were delivered.

Esther 8 describes the joy that flooded the Jews across the empire as they heard the news. They could defend themselves, and Mordecai, their leader, was appointed prime minister of the land. The Bible says, “And in every province and city, wherever the king’s command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday” (Esther 8:17).

None of us want to endure seasons of anxious stress or tense uncertainty. But after we’ve passed through the test, our sense of release and relief is like opening the windows to fresh air. We can breathe again. By God’s providence, every trial somehow returns a blessing in His time and way. Think of some of the deliverances God has given you, and let your heart be full of light and gladness, joy and honor.

When you have been through the fight, there is the wondrous joy and triumph of the feast.
Oswald Chambers