Keeping Our Eyes On Our Final Destiny
BRD REFLECTIONS
Esther 9:20-32 and Psalm 73 (NIV)
(Liana Seah, Chairperson, BeTween Ministry)
READ:
Esther 9:20-32, Psalm 73 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
The author of Psalm 73 shared a very real and honest struggle he faced as he observed the wicked men enjoying great abundant lives with no regard for God. They have no struggles and their bodies are strong. They arrogantly dismissed God. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.
Worse yet, their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.
However, in verses 18-20, we read:
18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
19 How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
20 They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.
27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.
In Esther 9, we read that God delivered the Jews from their enemies. Haman, who was a very powerful, yet arrogant and wicked man, lived an abundant life. Esther 9: 24-25 recounts the fall of Haman and his sons. His plot against Jews backfired and resulted in him and his sons being impaled on poles. They were suddenly destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! God cast them down to ruin.
APPLY:
There are times I don’t understand and wonder why God let evil ones hold power. When I look around me, near and far, there are far too many examples of oppression. If these people turn from their wicked ways and follow God’s counsel, people around them will be blessed and won’t suffer. If God would only allow His people to reign and keep them on the straight path, there would not be anyone suffering.
I’m reminded that God is sovereign and just. His plan and His timing are perfect.
These passages remind me that I have to keep my eyes on my final destiny, and He will take me into glory. God gives us choices. To love and to obey Him, or to live for ourselves and chase the things of the world.
DO:
Everyone faces temptation, and as a Christian, I am no exception. I sometimes feel frustrated when I witness ungodly people getting away with treating others poorly. Instead of getting angry or jealous, I will pray for them so they see the light and they turn from their wicked ways to avoid God’s wrath and face destruction. Evil is the absence of light, and I will continue to pray for His light to enter their hearts.
Instead of feeling heartbroken and helpless, I shall lift up and commit situations to God.
PRAY:
Dear Lord,
Keep my heart pure. Keep me focused on my final destiny and help me live according to Your purpose, even when it’s difficult and my heart grows weary.
Thank You, Lord, for You are my strength and my refuge.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
