The Decree Written

The Decree Written 

Esther 4:5-9 NKJV

[5] Then Esther called Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs whom he had appointed to attend her, and she gave him a command concerning Mordecai, to learn what and why this was. [6] So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square that was in front of the king’s gate. [7] And Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king’s treasuries to destroy the Jews. [8] He also gave him a copy of the written decree for their destruction, which was given at Shushan, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her, and that he might command her to go in to the king to make supplication to him and plead before him for her people. [9] So Hathach returned and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

     Essentially, a decree is not just a verbal pronouncement, but a formal, documented act that is backed by the power and authority of the issuer and their established legal framework.  While a decree can be designed to be as permanent and unchangeable as possible, it is not always possible to guarantee that it will never be overturned. Even decrees that are considered unchangeable by human standards will be subject to God's ultimate authority and sovereignty. This one by Haman was subject to God's dealings. Your situation is subject to God.

      The decree may have gone forth, but you are  left with an intercession. Mordecai needed someone who would make intercession to the king. The irony is that our intercessor is a person in the King's blossom. Jesus Christ is God's beloved, so was Esther. Dont hive up, there's a eay when theres no way. Weve been there. God has shown up so thoroughly that everyone will know this was God. The decree might have been written against you and your community, that's alright. Things are about to change. Lets have at least one night of intercession and hear what God has to say. Your situation is going to change. Good morning.

A Great Mourning Among The Jews

A Great Mourning Among The Jews

Esther 4:1-4 NKJV

[1] When Mordecai learned all that had happened, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city. He cried out with a loud and bitter cry. [2] He went as far as the front of the king’s gate, for no one might enter the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth. [3] And in every province where the king’s command and decree arrived, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. [4] So Esther’s maids and eunuchs came and told her, and the queen was deeply distressed. Then she sent garments to clothe Mordecai and take his sackcloth away from him, but he would not accept them. 

    When the Jews mourn, whether over the death of someone close or expressing grief, the ritual include tearing of clothes, pouring dust on oneself and or the tying of a black ribbon. It is called a Kriah. Jacob tore his clothes when he mourned the supposed death of Joseph. King David did the same when he mourned for Saul and Johnathan. When Mordecai did this, it was a declaration that there was already an extermination of Jews. He understood what Haman had done.

     The depth of the pain is that it began from his simple standing for his integrity. Guzik says, " He cried out with a loud and bitter cry, but he would not change his mind or grovel at the feet of Haman to save himself or his people". 

    The story was told Esther. That's where the story had a genesis for reversal. The enemy came late. We have someone in the King's court.  When you have someone in the court, the case will run to your favour. Haman's demonic invocations had a boundary. There was someone in the Kings court. Every satanic attack has its boundaries. There's a name seated on the right hand of the King for your favour. He wont let the devil go all the way. You're coming out of this. 

    You may be mourning right now, but be rest assured the situation has begun a reversal. It a beautiful thing when God announces a reversal. I have seen God do these things. Its called a breakthrough. Get ready and join me tomorrow fir a good meal. Good morning.

The First Holocaust

The First Holocaust?

Esther 3:12-15 NKJV

[12] Then the king’s scribes were called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and a decree was written according to all that Haman commanded—to the king’s satraps, to the governors who were over each province, to the officials of all people, to every province according to its script, and to every people in their language. In the name of King Ahasuerus it was written, and sealed with the king’s signet ring. [13] And the letters were sent by couriers into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions. [14] A copy of the document was to be issued as law in every province, being published for all people, that they should be ready for that day. [15] The couriers went out, hastened by the king’s command; and the decree was proclaimed in Shushan the citadel. So the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Shushan was perplexed.

     Hitler was not the first person to desire an extermination of the Jews. The Haman quest appear to be the first. Here's an excerpt from Eisenhower's National Archive explaing the Holocaust. " The Holocaust was a deliberate and systematic extermination of European Jews during World War II. As the Allied Powers fought Nazi Germany's domination of Europe, Adolf Hitler's henchmen were carrying out a mass annihilation of the Jews in Europe at their numerous concentration camps. The total number of Jews murdered during this genocide has been estimated to be nearly 6 million". Haman and Hitler were motivated by the same demon.

    Tim Black seeks to understand the origins of anti semitism or hatred  towards the Jews. He documents Roman genocide of the Jews as well in Review , Issue 48, March 2024. He submits that, " In order to understand how Hitler was to use the Jews as scapegoats, we must first understand the latent hatred that Hitler was able to tap into against the Jewish people, not just in Germany but all over Europe". What happened in Bible times continued to contemporary history. Current news about the Iran-Israeli war appear to have the same roots of Jewish extermination.

    It is very significant that the decree was written in several languages, to all the provinces, in the King's mame. So the real King was Haman. Meanwhile King Ahasuerus sat down to eat. May any demonic extermination meant to take you out of God's blessings catch fire today in Jesus Name. May all Hamans seeking to run the world by demonic manipulation end like Hitler and Haman, hung on the gallows. By the way, why does all their names begin with "H"? We hope its not "hell". Good morning.

The Influence To Slaughter

The Influence To Slaughter 

Esther 3:7-11 NKJV

[7] In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, the lot), before Haman to determine the day and the month, until it fell on the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. [8] Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from all other people’s, and they do not keep the king’s laws. Therefore it is not fitting for the king to let them remain. [9] If it pleases the king, let a decree be written that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who do the work, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.” [10] So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. [11] And the king said to Haman, “The money and the people are given to you, to do with them as seems good to you.”

     It is very instructive to know what Haman did before attempting to slaughter the people of Israel. He cast lot to determine what day would favour the destruction of the people of Israel. Who do you consult before major decisions? Even unbelivers know that they should consult their demons. He had to know the day before even speaking to the King about the matter.

    Notice that the King didn't argue anything with him. V.10. He simply gave him the ring to authenticate any decision he takes. Those were not the Kings decisions. There are people who draw satanic powers to rule leaders around us. That's why the Bible says in1 Timothy 2:1-2, that "..petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." If we don't pray for our leaders, other entities will exercise dominon over them. Later when prayers were offered, it appeared as if scales fell over the King. He had to send out a counter edict. We have to pray for our leaders. 

    Notice that while Christians were arguing about tithes, Haman was willing to pay out ten thousand talents, to support  the mission. Albert Barnes says this was an equivalent of two and and half million British pound sterling as at that time. That's why it was easy for the King to remove his ring without talking or asking any question. Read the Kings reply in v.11 and just cry. The money was returned to Haman to do whatever he likes with it. This was satanic manipulation of the highest order.

    May we learn to exercise God's influence im our endeavours. May we know that there are powers with clandestine motives to destroy the people of God. May we learn to pray for our leaders. Good morning.

Mordecai Reported A Palace Coup

Mordecai Reported A Palace Coup

Esther 2:21-23 NKJV

[21] In those days, while Mordecai sat within the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. [22] So the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name. [23] And when an inquiry was made into the matter, it was confirmed, and both were hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.

    A palace coup is a sudden decisive exercise of force in politics and a segment of the ruling elite or even younger officers violently overthrow an existing government. Perhaps the assumption of the two door keepers, Bigthan and Teresh, was that Mordecai will likely be on their side. Mordecai couldn't. He was related to the Queen and the matter was exposed. The matter was written in the annals of the King and forgotten about.

    When people forget your acts of altruism, it can be a mix of emotions. It may range from disappointment to hurt, frustration to annoyance or a feeling of being unseen or being invisible. Some people may even develop a sense of resentment if they had expectations at being rewarded by the king. We may not know how Mordecai felt. We know one thing about these verses... Mordecai's act was not an initiating action awaiting compensations. He was a good man.

   Here is the word about this attitude.

Proverbs 21:21: "Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor."

Psalm 5:12: "For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield." Psalm 37:25-26: "I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing." Keep doing good. The reward will come. Good morning.

Conscripted For Marriage

Conscripted For Marriage 

Esther 2:5-8 NKJV

[5] In Shushan the citadel there was a certain Jew whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite. [6] Kish had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been captured with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. [7] And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter. [8] So it was, when the king’s command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the king’s palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women. 

      It is believed according to several historical and rabbinic traditions that Esther was related to King Saul. They were both from the tribe of Benjamin. Mordecai, Esther's cousin, and adoptive father is described as, "the son of Jair",.....( Esther2:5 )...a Benjamite.This kish is believed to be the same  person as was the father of King Saul. This connection adds a deeper meaning to the Book of Esther. Haman was a descendant of King Agag, whom Saul failed to destroy. Don't leave the dregs of the enemy for your children. That is for another day.

    Esther is described as being lovely and beautiful. She was taken to Shushan the Palace, and was brought up with a gathering of young women to choose as a new Queen. Esther stood out because of her beauty and Character. Beyond her physical appearance, Esther found favour with everyone, including the King's eunuch in charge of the women, and ultimately King Ahasuerus himself. You cant help but believe that the contest was going to take a different shape. May all you're involved in take a different shape because God's interested in your case. May today be different for you. May you find favour even in a foreign land. May the King's assistants stand you out. All of these, in Jesus Name. Good morning.

Leadership And Counsels.

Leadership And Counsels

Esther 1:21-22 NKJV

[21] And the reply pleased the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan. [22] Then he sent letters to all the king’s provinces, to each province in its own script, and to every people in their own language, that each man should be master in his own house, and speak in the language of his own people.

    Choosing the right leadership advisors is crucial for any leader's success. Memucan was a bad advisor. Effective advisors offer valuable perspectives, challenge assumptions, and provide guidance that align with the leader's vision and goals. Advisors are very essential to lead well. However, when selecting advisors, leaders should consider spiritual depth, closeness to God, expertise, experience, and alignment with kingdom values. Unfortunately, both the advisor and the King were well drunk.

     Imagine sending letters to all the 120 provinces because your wife refused your call for a public display. It  sounds more like a drunken comedy, but this was real. Dr Sanjay Ajal, a Professor of Artificial intelligence says that a leaders ability to choose their afvisors wisely is paramount to their effectiveness and success.It cant be said better. Prov.11:14 says , " Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety". To imagine that no one else spoke after Memucan. There are a whole lot we can insinuate from this King's leadership. 

    The king was very concerned about being the master in one's house. Drunkenness will robb you of mastery. My prayer is that our counselors will be men chosen by God's spirit to counsel appropriately. Good morning.

The Other Reforms Of Nehemiah

The Other Reforms Of Nehemiah 

Nehemiah 13:10-13 NKJV

[10] I also realized that the portions for the Levites had not been given them; for each of the Levites and the singers who did the work had gone back to his field. [11] So I contended with the rulers, and said, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” And I gathered them together and set them in their place. [12] Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain and the new wine and the oil to the storehouse. [13] And I appointed as treasurers over the storehouse Shelemiah the priest and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah; and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for they were considered faithful, and their task was to distribute to their brethren.

     " Effective leaders are not just managers of change; they are visionaries who inspire, motivate, and guide individuals towards a better future". That is what Nehemiah was to the people of Israel and Judah. He had gone back to Babylon for a while, then things got messy. Eliaship, the Priest had begun to mismanaged the storerooms. He brought Tobiah to stay in one of the rooms, and he was not a Priest or a Levite.

    Wikipedia reminds us that, " Tobiah was an Ammonite official who attempted to hinder Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Now, he came and took over the storerooms of the Temple for his own use". Isn't this entertaining the devil in the very temple of God? If you remember, in Neh.2:10, this man in company of Samballat and Geshem made every attempt to stop Nehemiah from rebuilding the walls. Now a Priest contained him within the temple. Nehemiah's visit threw his things out of the temple (v.8), and fresh instructions were given to sustain the revival that had started. 

    Not only were the Levites forsaken, the house of the Lord, and fellowship suffered too. Faithful brethren were found to do work in the house of God. It feels like our current situation. We can become so busy to feed that the house of God is abandoned. Today, may the reforms begin with you. Good morning.

Recruiting Citizens For Jerusalem

Recruiting Citizens For Jerusalem

Nehemiah 11:1-3 NKJV

[1] Now the leaders of the people dwelt at Jerusalem; the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to dwell in Jerusalem, the holy city, and nine-tenths were to dwell in other cities. [2] And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. [3] These are the heads of the province who dwelt in Jerusalem. (But in the cities of Judah everyone dwelt in his own possession in their cities—Israelites, priests, Levites, Nethinim, and descendants of Solomon’s servants.) 

    It would be possible to read this and just pass over it. We must get the picture so we understand the problem. David Guzik helps us here." It wasn’t enough to see the city walls rebuilt and the spiritual renewal of the people of Jerusalem; now they concerned themselves with getting more people into the city." It was a beautiful space for a city, but it had been abandoned for decades. According to Brittannicca, the period must have been between forty eight to seventy years. The prophecy of Jeremiah said seventy years(Jer.29:10). Whatever the time was, it was enough for there to have been a lot of rot. Despite the two seasons of returns, the city was barely occupied.

    Now you have an idea of the people's problem. Jerusalem had to be occupied. So they decided to pick the leaders and others by lot to dwell in the city of Jerusalem while the rest of the people occupied their different cities Guzik says, " Leaders must set the pattern by their lives. They had no right to expect the people to live in Jerusalem if they themselves were not living there". That's a very strong word.

    Leaders had to model the behavior they wanted to see in others. By leading by example, they built trust, fostered a positive culture, and inspired their colleagues to achieve set goals. This approach is crucial for effective leadership.  People want to follow leaders who walk the talk. 

    Leaders who lead by example can inspire their teams to achieve higher goals and perform better. When team members see their leaders going the extra mile, they are more likely to do the same. Are you willing to pay the price for the extra achievements? That willingness is what stands the leader out beyond others. If you feel this way, its part of the call of leadership. Good morning.