Daily Devotionals

Devotional: July 16th

For Reading and Meditation:
     Esther 2:10

The advice given by Mordecai to Esther that under no circumstance is she to reveal she is a Jewess indicates that he had some awareness of God's purpose to use Esther's presence in the palace to accomplish divine ends. It also provides us with a more complete answer to the question we posed several days ago when we wondered why Mordecai would allow his adopted daughter to be married to such a sensualist as the godless Xerxes. No doubt the Jews were as hated in Persia as they were in Nazi Germany in World War II. What accounts for this phenomenon which we call anti-Semitism? Some say it arises because of the Jewish preoccupation with making money. Others say it is part of God's judgment upon them for their repeated acts of rebellion against Him in the past. Some explain it in terms of xenophobia - the fear of strangers. The real reason, I think, is quite simply because the Jews are God's chosen people. Not His only people, but a people chosen to display a special purpose. They clearly have that stamp upon them. When unregenerate people who carry within them a hatred of God meet those whom God has marked out for a special purpose, they often transfer the feelings of hatred they have toward God to the people who represent Him. This, I believe, is the major dynamic behind anti-Semitism. Also, it explains why an anti-Semite who becomes a Christian finds that his love for God flows over into a new-found love for the Jews. Loving God, he loves in a special way all those who are part of His eternal purposes.

Father, how thrilling it is to note that since I have come to know You, my love has expanded to take in others who once were outside my circle. Since I am no longer outside of Your fellowship, no one shall be outside of mine. Amen.

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