January 21, 2019
A Reversal of Destiny- Part 2
The Law and Passion
Let's GO!...
Ephesians 6:18 tells us that praying at all times in the Spirit, will infuse the armor and through the Holy Spirit we will be given the strength we need to be the ambassadors (warrior princesses) to fulfill our ministry He has called us to for this time; this season.
Good Morning Princesses!
Just a brief announcement:
In-Person Class Session on Tuesday, January 22nd @6:00 pm- Stark Library, Innovation Center
Winter has officially arrived in Ohio! If you have been reading along via the weekly blog or attending our in-person sessions, you should be reading Chapter 8 in the Book of Esther. Last week, you were also tasked with writing your Turnaround Cards:
#1 ~It’s tough being a woman who feels responsible for the “how”
#2 ~ It’s tough being a woman who can balance passion with patience
Did you get a chance to write down your turnaround promise scriptures? You see, every time we are feeling some kind of way (i.e., #1 or #2), the promise scripture on the other side of the card is meant to serve as a reminder of God’s promises. Remember, all scripture is God-breathed (B. Moore, Esther, Week 8)
So for this week, where to begin? There’s so much to discuss from Chapter 8 that I’m not sure if we will get through it all, but let’s just dive in and see where we land. Are you ready? Let’s GO!
1. Latin and Irrevocable Laws
As we join our heroine, she is now appearing before the King a second time, (uncalled for by the way- remember to speak to the king, you must be called or if you have not been called, the king must extend his golden scepter out to you as a sign of permission/favor) to make one more request. This time more intentional, this time both subtle and direct. Esther finds a way to both plead for the King to spare her people for annihilation, while at the same time absolving the King of his part in the edict and placing the blame squarely on Haman, the true enemy of not just the Jewish people, but Esther the Queen as well.
However, we hit a bit of a snag. The law.
Aristotle wrote, “The law is reason free from passion…”
Many have tried to interpret this statement and you’re probably wondering how this applies to Esther, but just keep reading as you will see that with the law, sometimes passion is necessary to make the change and for justice to prevail.
According to the constitution of the Persian government, the first edict created by Haman could not be reversed. What was written in the king’s name and sealed by the king’s ring could not be reversed. King Xerxes knew this and informed Queen Esther. With time of the essence, Esther's plea would involve creating a law that was not free from passion. Take a look:
A. Cujus est instruere, ejus est destruere
the right to enact implies the right to repeal.
It is God’s prerogative not to repent, and to say what can never be altered or unsaid.
While God’s name is not specifically mentioned in the Book of Esther, His providence can be seen throughout. As we look at verse 8, we will see that despite the Persian Constitution, another option is provided. Not one of reversal, but one that puts in place a direct action to oppose the edit.
B. Vim vi repellere, et invasorem occidere
to oppose force to force, and destroy the assailant.
In Verse 11 we see the edict that Mordecai wrote for King Xerxes granted the Jews in every city “the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children, and to plunder the properties of their enemies.”
(Matthew Henry Commentary - Book of Esther)
In all, the ironies that are seen in Chapter 8 as compared to Chapter 3 become so evident that one has to wonder about the proverb, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall”. Proverb 16:18 or as Zeresh and Haman’s advisors informed Haman, “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin!” Esther 6:13.
What we do know is that the irony is of no coincidence. It is a reversal of destiny for the Jewish people. The author, God.
2. Upcoming Event ~ SAVE THE DATE
Coming Spring 2019, April 27th GO! In partnership with Malone University presents the Women’s Empowerment Network (WEN) Symposium.
Registration will open in February 2019, but please sign up at the website for updates on the symposium!
Additional updates from this site will be forthcoming. Thanks be to our Lord and Savior for this opportunity to spread HIS Good News. Spread the word and please keep the event, speakers, volunteers, and attendees in prayer. We hope you will able to attend this special event!
Oh, princesses of faith...remember
Prayer “empowers and ‘charges up’ every other piece so they can be used effectively against the enemy. Without prayer… your armor, cannot, will not, be infused with the power that only God’s-Spirit can give."
Closing Thoughts-
Know that through the Holy Spirit you can:
do things you couldn't;
feel things you didn't; and
know things you wouldn't.
GO! PLAYLIST...For your praise and worship:
GO! 1/21/19- New feature, contains a playlist of songs for your praise and worship time.
Housekeeping:
Please tell a friend. There's still time to join in!
See you at GO! on Tuesday, January 22
, 2019,
Stark Library - Innovation Center-
6:00 pm- 8:00 pm
WEN Symposium, April 27, 2019 THIS WEEK Winter GO! Session 8 ~ Esther, It's Hard Being A Women
Remember, each day is an opportunity for us to...
Lead, Serve and GO!
Krista