“It is impossible to escape the impression that people commonly use false standards of measurement — that they seek power, success and wealth for themselves and admire them in others, and that they underestimate what is of true value in life.”
15Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”(4:15-16)
ACTS 5:17-42
29Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
33When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
JOURNAL
Both Esther and Peter risk death to speak truth. Their lives are fully devoted to God, no matter what may happen to them. Peter states that the spirit of God is given to those who obey God. This spirit is what turns humans into glimpses of the eternal, it is what turns them into Outposts of the Kingdom. His argument is backed by the test of time and that truth will hold up but lies will die.
Seeking to be filled by God every morning, seeking to obey and be filled up with his power and love is the secret to living this life as an outpost of God's Kingdom. It is so hard because it often goes against the world and against the grain of what is easy. For Esther and Peter...to follow God meant stepping into death, yet they followed and obeyed. "...And if I perish, I perish."
Seeking to be filled by God every morning, seeking to obey and be filled up with his power and love is the secret to living this life as an outpost of God's Kingdom. It is so hard because it often goes against the world and against the grain of what is easy. For Esther and Peter...to follow God meant stepping into death, yet they followed and obeyed. "...And if I perish, I perish."
What a witness and what a life. Ultimately Esther does not perish and in fact she saves her people. Father, thank you for this life and the opportunity to share your love and to be an outpost of your kingdom.
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
ROMANS 12:1-2
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