DCLM Daily Manna, Friday April 22 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi - A Lift From The Ashes

Topic: A Lift from the Ashes [Friday April 22, 2016]

Text: Esther 9:1-11

Key Verse: "For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater" (Esther 9:4).

It is not common for slaves to become heirs to the throne of their masters. But with God, nothing is impossible. The story of the Jews in Shushan, the palace under the reign of King Ahasuerus, is a classic one.

They were common slaves taken away from their native land. By implication, they lost their rights to everything and were mortally hated by some citizens because of their "low-grade" status. But one important point that enabled the Jews to succeed and ride above their enemies was their righteous disposition. While the enemies oppressed the Jews, they were prayerful and hopeful. While Haman and his allies plotted to destroy them, the Jews were sending reports via prayer and fasting to God. In a dramatic turn of events, Haman and others were destroyed. In our text today, the Jews received the backing of the government in the land to deal with their enemies.

The support from the civic leaders, army officers and all the citizens of the empire shows that Haman had personal vendetta against the Jews. His hatred was not copied by others who possibly understood the true reason why he was trying to wipe off the Jews from among the people. Stories abound of believers who were hated so much in their workplaces for standing for righteousness. As a result, nobody gave them any chance of rising to a position of responsibility in such places. Yet, suddenly and miraculously, they became bosses above their tormentors and persecutors.

Those who stick to God and maintain their stand in Him in the face of persecution and intimidation by agents of darkness always laugh last. Mordecai may not have known that God was working out something great for him and all the Jews, but he kept on doing the right. Do not give in to the intimidation of the enemy. Take your case to God and see Him vindicate you. He never fails.

Thought for the day: He makes all things beautiful in His time.

Bible Reading in one Year: Romans 7-9

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.