No Compromise

Memory Verse: "There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from those of all other people and they do not observe the king's laws, so it is not in the king's interest to let them remain." (Esther 3:8,NASB)

Scripture Reading: Esther 3:1-15

The very presence of the Jews irritated Haman. In particular, he was repulsed by one person in particular: Mordecai. Everyone else in Persia would bow before Haman, but Mordecai refused. When asked the reason for this refusal, he responded that "he was a Jew." He was a man of principle. He believed in God and obeyed His laws. He could not change to appease a politician or conform to the crowd.

When he learned of Mordecai's response, "Haman was filled with rage." But, instead of taking action against Mordecai, he decided "to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai." He gained the king's approval, arguing that there were people who were "different." Who would not conform and "do not observe the king's laws." For the good of the kingdom, Haman felt that they all had to be eliminated.

Haman put this plan into action, and all Jews faced elimination. But God intervened. Esther, following the advice of Mordecai (who was her cousin), convinced Ahasuerus to let the Jews defend themselves (See Esther Chapters 4 and 5). Haman’s plans were foiled and Mordecai was promoted to a position of honour (See Chapters 6 and 7). Their deliverance still is celebrated yearly by Jews on Purim.

Throughout history and even today, many Haman abound. Obsessed with pride and power. Hating God's people and His Word. Desiring to eliminate anyone who believes in Him. Irritated when we proclaim that there is One God. One truth. One way to salvation (Jn.14:6).

Today, ask God to help you stand firm and resist any pressure to conform. Never compromise the truth. Be bold in your faith, confident that God is with you. You can depend on Him.

Ponder Point: A wife who is 85% faithful to her husband is not faithful at all. We (the church) are the Lord's wife and He is our Husband: there is no such thing as part-time loyalty to Jesus Christ. 

Action Point: Refuse compromise. Sign up for unalloyed and unfeigned loyalty to Jesus Christ.

Prayer Point: Father, I dedicate my life to You. I seek first Your Kingdom. Help me to be bold and strong in spirit in Jesus name, Amen.