"Thoroughly Equipped"

2 Timothy 2:16,17 "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." I am sure all Christians have heard numerous times on Sunday mornings to spend time each day studying God's Word. Why is this important? I believe 2 Timothy 2:16,17 answers this question very effectively. However, for our message this week we want to concentrate on verse 17, "That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Jewish people throughout the world on March 23rd will start the celebration of Purim or the events of the book of Esther. There is much for all of us to learn as we study how Esther and her cousin Mordecai handled an extremely difficult situation and actually saved the Jewish people from destruction.

King Ahasuerus was king of Persia from 486 BC - 464 BC. In 483 BC the king held a banquet in preparation for a military campaign against Greece. At the same time, he also held a contest looking for a new queen and a young Jewish girl named Esther became queen. However, Esther did not reveal she was Jewish at the time.

Esther's cousin Mordecai warned the king of an assassination plot. A key Persian leader named Haman knew that Mordecai was Jewish and demanded that Mordecai bow down to him but he refused. Through bribery and deceit, Haman convinced the king to issue a decree that all the Jews would be killed.

As the story continues, we learn of the boldness and the obedience to the God of Israel by Mordecai and Esther. Mordecai refused to bow down to any other but the true God and then asked Esther to appear before the king and ask him to spare the Jewish people. After FASTING, and at the second of two banquets for the king, Esther pleas for her people before the king and accuses Haman of treachery. As a result, the Jewish people are saved, Haman is hung and Mordecai is elevated to a position of importance in Persia.

The story of Esther and Mordecai is a wonderful example for us. Esther 4:14 raised the question whether she became queen of Persia, "For such a time as this." The book of Esther clearly illustrates that she became queen to save her people but in the process she had to obey the God of Israel.

We live in challenging and perilous times. Christians and Jews all over the world are persecuted every day. I pray each of us are "Thoroughly Equipped" to react in a similar manner as Esther and Mordecai when necessary and appropriate.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You Today And Each Day, 

Frank