In
the book of Esther, we see the people of God in conflict. There were
enemies against whom they had to contend. In this battle, there are
victories which lead to "joyous celebration" (Esther 8:15). Such times
of victory are times of "happiness and joy, gladness and honour" (Esther
8:16). Such times point toward the final victory, the glorious
celebration which will take place in God's eternal Kingdom. Worship will
"never stop." The Lord's people will "give glory, honour and thanks to
Him who sits on the throne and who lives forever and ever" (Revelation
4:8-9). Concerning the Lord, we say, "You are my refuge, my portion in
the land of the living" (Psalm 142:5). He is our refuge and portion in
both this life and the life to come. "The land of the living" does not
only speak of the "land" which will come to an end. It speaks also of
the "land" that endures forevermore. In this life, there are many times
when we say of our enemies, "They are too strong for me." In the life
to come, we will be fully "set free from our prison", set free by
God to "praise His Name" (Psalm 142:6-7).
Psalm 48:1-14 Lord, we worship You in the place of worship – “Within Your Temple, we meditate on Your unfailing love.” Help us to go out from there, and play our part in seeing that Your praise “reaches to the ends of the earth” (Psalm 48:: 9-11). How will other people know of Your love, if we don’t tell them? How will they find their way to Your House, if we don’t invite them? When we share Your Word with others, help us to remember Your promise: “My Word… will not return to Me empty, but will… achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).
Comments
Post a Comment