July 18, 2024

Zechariah had a vision of an angel with a measuring line, a representation of Jesus. Another angel was there, and Zechariah asked him what he was doing. 

And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein: Zechariah 2:4

Jesus was making sure there was enough room for everyone. Then he called for everyone to come out of Babylon and return to their land because He was about to deal harshly with those who hurt his people, the apple of his eye. When God decides to recompense the wicked, we need to get out of the way so we are not affected by His wrath upon others. What’s more, we will get back everything the enemy has taken away.

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Revelation 18:4

I believe Zechariah 2 is a command for God’s people to leave Babylon and return to their true home. It also serves as a prophecy of the future, when God will call us out of this world to the New Jerusalem. The passage describes a city without walls, surrounded by fire, and most importantly, it promises that God will dwell among His people. What a glorious future awaits us! 

And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee. Zechariah 2:11

July 17, 2024

There must be a reason that God has had me covering everything up to Israel's release from Babylon over the last several books. I've had a couple of revelations through things that the Holy Spirit showed me during my walks on the beach. I thought the signs were about something personal. However, this morning, I realized that they may have had to deal with our country's release from captivity, that doors were opening, and that clarity was coming about our situation in the United States. God loves his people even though we are as filthy as dirty rags and sin against Him daily; he longs to comfort us and give us hope. The children of Israel were in captivity for seventy years for their sins against God. As the seventy years ended, God gave Zechariah visions of what would come. These visions came during the second year of King Darius, who sent them back home to repair the wall and rebuild the temple of God. 

In Zechariah 1, a man on a red horse, a depiction of Jesus, was hidden among the myrtles. He had been throughout the earth, and the angel wanted to know how much longer he was going to keep Israel in captivity. Jesus comforted him with His words. The angel told Zechariah to cry out and tell the people that God was jealous of Jerusalem, that he was angry with the nations oppressing them, and that his people would prosper once again. The last few verses of this first chapter show us the four horns of the nations that scattered God's people, and that revenge is coming through four carpenters. It is believed that the four carpenters were Zerubbabel and Joshua, Ezra, and Nehemiah, who worked diligently despite their opposition. 

Compare that to what we see today and the opposition to those of us who seek freedom from the tyranny of the current administration. There is a Mighty power controlling the outcome, and time will tell us that God is in control! Wait for it: it will surely come.

And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words. Zechariah 1:13

July 16, 2024

Though I may not have been given a complete understanding of all the details of this prophecy, I can encourage you with the words written by Daniel and the words spoken by Jesus. Antiochus was terrible and was a type of antichrist, a ruler that ravaged the nation of Israel. The tribulation will mimic the rule and reign of Antiochus but will be far worse. The antichrist will be very cunning and draw people to him where even the elect, Christ-followers, could be deceived. We should know that Jesus will come in the clouds like lightning, and all will see and know it’s him. Don’t allow yourself to be drawn away by anyone claiming that they are he. There are a lot of biblical events lining up that give us clues into the timing of his return, including signs in the stars and weather-related happenings. We are primed to see him return and are privileged to live in this time, even though it may be stressful to watch or endure. However, like Noah and his family, God removed them from the situation so they didn’t have to endure the devastation of drowning in the flood. I found information in some other historical writings that Noah and his family were not the only ones left who loved the Lord, but God had them quietly pass away before the devastation occurred. I expect that God will take us out so we also don’t have to endure. Time will tell. 

The vision in chapter twelve that Daniel was given was gorgeous! Daniel saw Jesus standing in the middle of the river with two angels, one standing on each side of the bank. He was standing on the water! Then what did Jesus do while physically here on earth? He walked on the water! He raised his hands in a promise that the revelations in this prophecy were trustworthy and true and gave the number of days that this would take place. Now is not the time to be shy about your faith and love for Jesus. Time is short, so share Him lavishly!

Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. Daniel 12:10

July 15, 2024

Antiochus Epiphanes, who I mentioned in the July 12th post for Daniel 8, the little horn that sprang up on the goat from one of the four horns, was vile and a destroyer of the people of God and desecrated the temple by placing his god, Jupiter Olympus, to replace God in the temple and took away the daily sacrifice. He removed all the gods from other religions and replaced them with the Egyptian gods. I covered the different characters in this prophecy in the July 12th devotional. Daniel 11 covers the details of the prophecy explained by Gabriel when he met with Daniel after hearing his prayer, which now we know in hindsight, came to play out as prophesied by Daniel. 

If you think things are bad now, imagine being an Israelite during the time of Antiochus and trying to follow God’s commands. He hung the children and took out the mothers who kept the practice of circumcision, and that’s just one example of his cruelty. 

When it came time for his end, no one would help him as Daniel had predicted when he said he would be broken without hands. 

And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. Daniel 11:45 

One thing I’ve noticed and something we should be grateful for is that God will sometimes help us by removing us and taking us into his glory. Don’t be afraid to die. Be more scared to live when cruelty abounds. Pray that we never have to see the day that we lose our freedom to worship God and honor Jesus. 

July 14, 2024

It took me a minute to dig through commentaries until I understood this chapter. I am learning as I go because it seems complicated. However, I found an understandable explanation in the Jamieson-Faucet-Brown commentary, which explains that Daniel 10 answered Daniel's prayer in Chapter 9 for the vision of the ram and the goat of Chapter 8. I would have put two and two together if I had read ahead. But being stubborn, I tried to understand one chapter at a time, which, in this circumstance, doesn't work. It shows that when studying the Bible, you may need to read the chapters before and after to see the whole picture.

After Daniel had fasted and prayed for 21 days to understand the vision from Chapter 8 about the ram and goat, the angel Gabriel visited him. The angel revealed that he had heard Daniel's prayer at the beginning of his fasting, but was delayed in a spiritual battle against the prince of Persia. 

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Daniel 10:13

Through Gabriel, God reaffirmed His deep love for Daniel. This revelation is a testament to the personal and intimate relationship God shares with each of His beloved.

And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. Daniel 10:19

The vision is explained in Daniel 11. 

The takeaway from Daniel 10 is that God hears our prayers, but we must be patient and wait for the answer. Leave your request with God; He hears you. Stand firm in your faith that He is just and fair and will answer you when the time is right. 

July 13, 2024

Knowing the seventy years of the desolation of Jerusalem was coming to an end, Daniel prayed for his people. He confessed the sins of wickedness and rebellion, and the people rejecting and transgressing God’s law. Daniel poured out his heart to God on behalf of the people and asked that his wrath be turned away from them. He asked that God hear his prayer, and while still praying, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and touched him. Although frightened, he knew who he was because he had appeared to him before. It was during the time that there would have been the evening sacrifice had the altar not been destroyed. Gabriel brought word to Daniel from God that he was deeply loved and gave him insight into his vision. He informed him that from the going out of the word to rebuild Jerusalem to the time of Jesus was seventy weeks of years. There is some confusion as to the exact time this took place. However, we know that within the seventy weeks of years, 490 years, Jesus came to save us and to completely do away with the need for sacrifices because his sacrifice was enough to satisfy the Father. Most of the “holy people” still do not believe he has already come and that Daniel’s answer to prayer has already been fulfilled.

The Lord hears your prayers and intercedes on your behalf just as he did Daniel. However, we should confess our sins, offer our praise and worship to the Holy One, and allow Him to work out the details. Pray for our country and the other countries of the world. We are all in great need and require divine intervention.

“Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. Daniel 9:24

July 12, 2024

Daniel had a vision of a ram with two horns, one higher than the other, and a goat with one horn between his eyes. The goat, though smaller, overpowered the ram. However, the horn broke off, and four more horns sprang up. Out of one of the horns, a smaller horn grew. The ram was the Medes and the Persians, with the Persians being the higher horn. The goat's big horn was none other than Alexander the Great. Antiochus was the small horn that came out of the four smaller horns after the big horn broke off. 

Alexander was quite accomplished, nearly ruling the entire world. He sat on his bed and cried because he had no other land to conquer. He died without heirs, and the kingdom was divided between four of his guards, who were represented by the four horns that sprang up on the head of the goat. Of those four, Antiochus represents the smaller horn that came from one of the horns. This describes the Roman Empire. He mistreated and scattered the holy people to the four winds. He set up his god, Jupiter Olympus, in the temple and stopped the daily sacrifices. Shortly after he did that, God gave him a disease of worms, which made him rot while still alive, and his stench was so foul that no one wanted to come near him. This disease lasted a while, and he tried to make amends with the holy people, but it was too late. Daniel had to close up this vision so the Persians wouldn’t become incensed by it and give the sacred people a hard time. 

A kingdom and its government will fail that rejects God and oppresses His people, especially if they replace God with their fake idols. The Almighty dearly loves us, and he will avenge us one way or another. Wait for it; it shall surely come! 

And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. Daniel 8:26

July 11, 2024

Daniel had a dream similar to Nebuchadnezzar, only his contained four beasts. These beasts represent monarchs or monarchies. The first was a lion with wings, which represented the Chaldean monarchy. The second beast was like a bear and represented the Persian empire. The third beast was a leopard, representing the Grecian monarchy ruled by Alexander the Great. The fourth beast is a little more complicated to define; is it the Roman Empire, Syria, or someone else?  This beast had ten horns; three failed, and another one came up in their place. It had eyes like a man and a mouth that spoke eloquently. This last beast made war upon the saints and prevailed. Has this already happened? Are we in the midst of it, or has this yet happened? I have so many questions and a bit of anxiety over what may be coming. However, this beast will not prevail against Jesus, the Ancient of Days; he relieves my fear and anxiety, and I remain in perfect peace even with dreadful possibilities. We are not of this world, should have no fear of what man can do to our bodies but have dominion over our own lusts and corruptions, and have victory over Satan and his temptations. We win! Jesus covered all those sins. 

I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. Daniel 7:21-22

July 10, 2024

King Darius set up his government with princes and presidents, including Daniel, who was one of the three presidents of which he was the head. Darius most loved Daniel because he was fair in his business dealings and could be trusted. However, even to this day, if someone prospers over others, they have those who want to see them fail. In Daniel’s case, the presidents and princes devised a plan to take him down. Knowing that he prays and petitions God three times a day, they went before Darius and proposed that he put a moratorium on petitioning anyone other than him for thirty days. They told him that all had consented to this new law that couldn’t be undone once sealed by the king. He agreed to it, and no sooner than it was signed into law, they found Daniel on his knees, faithful in prayer to God. They seized him and sent him to the lion’s den. Darius couldn’t help him even though he tried. King Darius couldn’t sleep and refused to be consoled by music. He prayed and fasted before God on behalf of Daniel. That following day, King Darius hurried to the den, hopeful God had saved him. Much to his relief, he found him alive and unharmed by the lions. Daniel told him an angel of God closed the mouths of the lions. Because of their treachery, the other princes and presidents were thrown into the den along with their wives and children. 

This story is full of lessons of prayer, fasting, and faith. Daniel humbly prayed three times a day on his knees. Darius prayed and fasted on behalf of Daniel. Both had faith that God would deliver him, and He did! However, the one lesson I took away from this story, above the others, is to remain faithful to your duty to God through Jesus without fear of suffering, even if your life depends on following unscrupulous laws. What good is your life if you deny God or you are found guilty of cowardice?

Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Daniel 6:21-22

July 9, 2024

Babylon is now under the kingship of Belshazzar, son of Evil-Merodach, and the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar. The Medes and Persians were waiting for the opportunity to overtake Babylon when Belshazzar decided to have a party. During the party, he called for the cups seized from the temple of God when the Israelites were taken captive. When they drank their wine from those cups, a hand appeared and wrote on the wall. Belshazzar quickly called for the astrologers to interpret the writing, but they failed. Then he called his queen-mother, and she suggested Daniel. She knew he was full of a spirit that wasn’t human. Belshazzar offered Daniel scarlet clothing, a chain of gold, and to become the third ruler in the kingdom if he could tell him the meaning of the writing on the wall. Daniel rejected his offer but told him the interpretation of the words. 

And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians. Daniel 5:25-28

Belshazzar then clothed him as he promised. That night, Belshazzar was killed, and Darius the Median took over the kingdom. This timeline puts us squarely into the arms of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. 

Be very careful not to sully the sacred things dedicated to God. He doesn’t take kindly to that type of behavior. Nowadays, who or what is sacred to God? You and I. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit of God, who is not human. Make sure you treat your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him. 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2

July 8, 2024

After consulting the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and the soothsayers over another dream, Nebuchadnezzar finally remembered that Daniel could interpret his dream. He told him about his dream, and Daniel was stunned for an hour because he knew the implications. An angel, also called a watcher in the text, had come down, and the king had dreamed of a large tree that fed all the people, birds, and animals, and it was cut down with only the root remaining. His heart would change to a beast, he would eat grass, and seven years would pass until he proclaimed that God controls everything, including the kingdom of men and its rulers. Daniel knew the tree was the king and feared telling him. However, the king wanted to know whether good or bad, so Daniel interpreted the dream. A year passed, and Nebuchadnezzar forgot the dream and became arrogant, touting his power.

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? While the word wasin the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. Daniel 4:30-31

God humbled him, and he lived as a beast in the pasture for seven years until he admitted that God was King of heaven. When he did, God restored his mind and his power, and he honored God.

This story serves as a stark warning against pride and the belief that our success is solely due to our own efforts. The truth is, no one succeeds unless God allows it. He will intervene, as he did with Nebuchadnezzar, to teach us a lesson if we fail to give Him the glory for our success. This inevitability of God's intervention should reassure us of His presence and control in our lives. We are nothing without God, and we must always humble ourselves before Him. 

July 7, 2024

If you grew up in church, then you, most likely, learned about the story of the Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and the fiery furnace in Sunday school. Nebuchadnezzar had a golden statue made in his likeness and wanted everyone to fall and worship it when they heard the music playing. However, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in a display of unwavering courage, refused to obey the command because they only worshipped God.Some Chaldeans tattled on them for not bowing down to the image, which infuriated the king. However he gave them another opportunity to follow his orders but they refused which made him even more angry. Because of their refusal , the king commanded that the furnace be heated to seven times hotter than usual, and had them bound.

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Daniel 3:17-18

The guards that threw them in the furnace died because it was so hot. However, when Nebuchadnezzar looked into the furnace, he could see four people walking around unbound. He was shocked because he knew they only put three people in there. We understand that the extra person was either Jesus or his representative. Nebuchadnezzar called for them to come out. Not one hair was singed nor did they smell like smoke. This miraculous protection is a testament to the unwavering faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and it should reassure us of God's power and protection. The king decreed that no one shall speak against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and if they did, they would be cut in pieces, and their houses would be made a dunghill. 

Your faith in God may be tested at some point in your lifetime. Will you be able to withstand the test?

July 6, 2024

Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar his dream.

This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. Daniel 2:32-33

Then a stone was cut from the mountain and with no one holding it, it crushed the statue to bits. Daniel went on the explain the different sections of the statue, starting with gold, and becoming less valuable as the ages passed. 

What we know about the dream today:

Head of God: Babylon with Nebuchadnezzar as king. 

Breast and arms of silver: two kingdoms together represented by Darius the Mede and Cyrus the Persian.

Belly and thighs of brass: monarchy of the Grecians, founded by Alexander. 

Legs of iron: the Roman Empire 

Feet with its ten toes: the Roman Empire divided into ten different kingdoms.

This is one statue representing the different kingdoms that had influence over the nation of Israel. We are living in the age of the feet and toes; some nations are strong as iron and others are as weak as clay and they don’t stick together because iron and clay don’t mix. The final kingdom is that of King Jesus that will stand forever! Jesus represents the stone that was cut out of the mountain and he crushed the statue to bits to become the one nation will never fail. 

After Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar his dream and its meaning, he fell at his feet to worship him then Daniel was promoted in his kingdom. 

July 5, 2024

Nebuchadnezzar had a dream he couldn’t remember. He commanded that the magicians and astrologers reveal it and interpret it for him. However, they were unable to do it, so he told the captain of the guard to kill all of them, including Daniel and his companions, who weren’t even given the chance to interpret the dream. When the guard came to kill Daniel, he asked if he could have some time, and then he would show the king his dream and its meaning. Daniel then asked his companions to help him pray for God to reveal the dream. God showed him the dream, and the captain of the guard hurried him before the king to tell him what none of the magicians could do because it was God who gave the details of the dream to Daniel. Daniel and his friends were so grateful that they blessed God for his wisdom and might, giving Him credit for the revelation. Part of his worship showed that God is the one who places kings and removes them. We can also see that God protects those who trust in Him. Daniel had ultimate faith that God would show him the truth. We should all have faith like Daniel. 

He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. Daniel 2:22

But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart. Daniel 2:30

July 4, 2024

After much contemplation, I decided to cover the Book of Daniel. Please feel free to post your insights from your past studies as I cover a chapter a day for the next twelve days or more, depending on the depth of each chapter. 

Daniel 1

When the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, Daniel, Ananias, Misael, and Azarias were princes from the family of Zedekiah, in the line of Judah. Daniel lived from being taken into captivity for seventy years to the first year of Cyrus and saw Israel’s release. The king treated the boys well because they were pliable in learning and quite wise, outshining the children of the Chaldeans. It makes me sick that they were castrated. They were fed the king’s food; however, they didn’t want to eat the meat because they didn’t want to defile themselves with unclean animals and food offered to other gods. They asked the keeper of the eunuchs if they could be given herbs, fruits, and beans as their diet. He worried they would look sickly but agreed to a ten-day trial. At the end of the ten days, they looked healthier and fatter than the other captive eunuchs. Side note: Vegetables do not make you skinny, and that’s why we love them so much! I can attest that abstaining from or fasting from certain foods will make you wiser and draw you closer to God. If you ask God for wisdom, He might make you change your diet. Try cutting out sugar or fast a few meals daily and watch your wisdom increase and your waistline decrease. 

And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat. Daniel 1:15

July 3, 2024

The day came that the people of Persia were turned loose to exact revenge by the king’s edict to destroy Israel; it was not against the law since Haman had recommended their destruction, and the king’s seal had confirmed it. However, there was another proclamation that allowed the people of Israel to defend themselves, and they did! It is said that the Amalekites were the ones fighting against them; what’s interesting is they are the ones God told them not to mix with. Israel joined together and destroyed anyone who took up arms against them. However, they did not take the lives of the women and children, nor did they take the bounty for themselves. Moreover, because of his commendable position in the king’s court, Mordecai was highly esteemed by Israel; they were not jealous of his position but also favored him just as the king did. The king asked Esther if there was anything else he could do for her people, and she answered by requesting that Haman’s sons be hung on the gallows; he honored her request, and they were hung together at the same time and placed on display for all to see. To this day, Israel celebrates what’s known as Purim as a thanksgiving for God’s preservation of them. 

The lesson we can learn from this is that when we work together as The Church, we can stand against the wiles of the enemy. Stand firm in your commitment, mighty warriors of God, and together we will bring the peace of Jesus to all who are chosen.

And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed. Esther 9:28

For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed. Esther 10:3

July 2, 2024

Esther finally told King Artaxerxes that Mordecai was her cousin/uncle, who had raised her, and she looked upon him as a father. Artaxerxes gave Esther all of the house of Haman, which was quite a lot, being he was over much of the kingdom. Esther set Mordecai over Haman’s estate, and the king gave him the ring that he had given Haman. All of this seemed good; however, there was a decree that had gone out to end the lives of all the Israelites that couldn’t be amended per the law. So Esther went before the king again, only this time she fell at his feet begging for the lives of her kin, not worried about him not offering her the golden scepter. King Artaxerxes then had his scribes draw up a new decree that no one should cause harm to the Israelites, and if they tried, he gave them permission to fight back and take the estates of those who lifted a hand towards them. They sent this decree throughout every province of the kingdom. Mordecai, dressed in royal garments and a crown, went out of the presence of the king. All the Israelites were full of light, gladness, joy, and honor. Because the people saw the good fortune of the Israelites, many became believers and rejected their fake idols and gods. 

Here in the United States, we have recently seen a law being overturned that gave the right of unelected officials to interpret the law as they saw fit and make rules to put hardships on the people; that right was revoked and may bring an end to some of the three-letter agencies; we’ll have to wait and see how that pans out. Unlike Persia, we have a system in place that allows the revocation of harmful or unnecessary laws. We may regain many freedoms we once had that were taken away by evil, unelected bureaucrats. One way or another, God will free His people like he did the captives in Babylon. Wait for it; it will surely come.  

Make sure you live your faith in Jesus out loud. Others may come to know Jesus from seeing your good fortune.

And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. Esther 8:15

July 1, 2024

King Artaxerxes and Haman came to the banquet of Esther. The king was anxious to know what was on Esther's mind, so he asked her again what her request was. She answered him by explaining that someone had sold her and her people out and was going to have them slain. He immediately wanted to know who, and she outed Haman as the culprit of such a dastardly deed. The king flew into a rage and went into the garden to think. Upon his return, he found Haman begging for his life on the bed where Esther was sitting and accused him of trying to ravish her before having her slayed. Word got out, and they covered Haman's head!

And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified. Esther 7:9-10

Evil was destroyed in the same manner that was intended for God's people. They got to see the vengeance of God come to fruition. If you are dealing with an unfair situation, take heart. If you love and honor God with all your heart, you can count on Him coming to your rescue. You too will see the recompense of the wicked just as Esther, Mordecai, and the people of Israel witnessed. Wait for it; it will surely come!

June 30, 2024

King Artaxerxes was restless the night before Esther's banquet and had the book of records brought to him to be read. When his servant read about Mordecai warning him of the eunuch's plan to kill him, he asked if the reward was given to him for saving the king. Nothing had been done. It was still early in the morning, so he had them go to see who was in the court. Haman was there because he was coming to petition the king to allow him to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had built. The king had Haman come into his chambers and ask him what would be the best way to honor someone. Haman, thinking it was him that the king wanted to honor, told him that he should dress him in his royal garments, put him on a horse, and have someone walk him through the streets proclaiming his esteem. The king agreed and had Haman do that for Mordecai. It must have been humiliating for Haman, who had let it be known even to the point of building gallows for him. Mordecai thought he was mocking him and said, "O thou wretch, the vilest of all mankind, dost thou thus laugh at our calamities?" However, he realized that it had come from the king and accepted the honor. It was humbling for both men. Haman's wife and friends told him that he would not prevail against him. They knew his downfall was coming. 

When God wants to honor someone, no evil plan will claim victory. Because Mordecai bucked the system and put God before Haman by not bowing to him, who was just a man, God showed Mordecai his appreciation, even though it came through a request from King Artaxerxes. Stand firm in your convictions, put God first, and He will show you his love through others. We can see from this story that God works His plan with precision; you can be sure that He is also working out the details of His plan for you. Don't you love it? God is so good.

Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. Esther 6:10