Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read
slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God,
thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for
you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Proverbs 30:15-16
Proverbs 30:15-16
Understanding to grow in
And so the “tables were turned” on the enemies of the Jews. It seems some still sought to attack them on the designated day, but “none could stand against them” because people wouldn’t help them for fear of the Jews, and the rulers assisted the Jews out of fear of Mordecai (9v2-3), who became increasingly powerful. So the Jews struck down their enemies, as they had when a kingdom in their land. It is repeatedly stressed that plunder wasn’t taken despite this being permitted. This may have been to emulate Abraham (Gen 14v23) showing utter trust in God and purity of motive. And just as God promised Abraham that those who cursed him would be cursed (Gen 12v3), so it is here. The Jew's actions are in a sense therefore God's judgment on their enemies. In this, they pattern how the final judgment will rid believers' of their enemies and lead to real joy as they come finally to enjoy the safety of life in the new creation. The book ends explaining how this led to the feast of Purim. It’s a hint at the appropriateness of Christians establishing feasts to commemorate God’s great acts even if not prescribed in the Bible - as long as this is not done legalistically (Rom 14v5-6). We then read how Mordecai became second in rank to Xerxes and was held in high esteem for speaking up for his people. The last and least therefore became the first and the greatest. Again, it’s an encouragement to always do what is right, knowing the Lord will acknowledge it in the end (Matt 18v1-5). As you read note how God's people are cared for.Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.