MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE. Malachi 2:13-16.

Have you ever felt your prayers stopped at the ceiling? That you could not reach God? The problem may be sin—especially marital sin. My grandfather, born in 1897, hated divorce. Why, because he was old-fashioned? No. Because he knew Malachi 2:16:

“‘I hate divorce,’ says the Lord.”

How’s that for ‘short and sweet’? God could not say it more clearly.

“God no longer respects your offerings or receives them from your hands… Because the Lord has been a witness between you and your wife. You have acted treacherously against her, though she was your marriage partner and your wife by covenant…. ‘For I hate divorce. The man who divorces his wife does violence to one he should protect,’ says the Lord of hosts” Malachi 2:13-16.

Divorce is serious sin and may leave one spiritually compromised. I’m not saying God never forgives. Yes, He forgives believers’ sins, and God’s grace can turn consequences into blessings.

But it’s better to honor the covenant. YOU MADE A VOW TO GOD. Honor the marriage. Make it work. Sure, some are unfaithful or abusive. Divorce may be your only option in those cases. But with divorce rates near 50 percent, too many of us are “tearing asunder” a relationship that could have been saved. And what is the result? Aside from the devastating impact on the divorced, their children, and the larger culture, those getting divorced are throwing up a barrier between themselves and God. God told the men of Israel He would no longer respect their offerings if they acted treacherously toward their wives by divorcing them.

Do you want to destroy your spiritual life? Do you want to spend the rest of your years wondering what might have been? Divorce destroys homes God is trying to build—and it damages the spiritual lives of the divorced.

“I hate divorce,” says the God of Israel. “I hate the violent dismembering of the ‘one flesh’ of marriage” 2:16 (The Message).

God, may we enter marriage led by Your Spirit, and may we give it the life-consuming effort and self-sacrifice it deserves.

ΑΩ

HARD WORDS. Malachi 1:6-3:9-12.

Have you ever seen a news clip of a judge rebuking a criminal defendant—and you agreed? That’s how I feel about some of God’s rebukes in the Bible: He is holy and just and more than fair, so we cheer for Him, even when the words are terrifying. The fact is, sometimes God must rebuke His children:

“If I am a Father, where is My honor? If I am a Master, where is your fear of Me?… My name will be great among the nations…. You think of the tithe, and you say ‘what a nuisance!’ and you scorn it…. Am I supposed to accept that?… For I am a great King…, and my name will be feared among the nations…. If you don’t honor my name, I will send a curse among you, and I will curse your blessings…. You have wearied the Lord with your words. What words, you ask? When you call evil good and say ‘Everyone who does what is evil is good in the Lord’s sight, and He is pleased with them.’… But who can endure the DAY OF HIS COMING? WHO WILL BE ABLE TO STAND WHEN HE APPEARS? I will come to you in judgment…. Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me! How? By not tithing.” Malachi 1:6-3:9.

God’s rebuke always comes with hope—and the same is true in Malachi. God rebukes Israel for failing to tithe correctly. But He offers hope:

“Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this, and see if I will not open the floodgates of Heaven and pour out a blessing so great that it cannot be measured.” Malachi 3:10-12.

Let’s resolve to be good tithers—and let’s give generously to God’s work so we can see His blessings poured out all around us. Honor and revere God for His holiness—and obey Him with your money and time. He loves you!

ΑΩ

Remember How Big God Is. Psalm 50.

Do you ever forget how BIG God is?

Do you get so cozy and comfortable that you lose sight of His power and holiness? Psalm 50 addresses that.

God says, I don’t need you. You need me. If I had a problem, I would not seek your advice.

Consider these words and ask the Lord to help you praise Him and worship Him and honor and respect Him the way He deserves:

“Every animal of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird of the mountains and the creatures of the field are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world and everything in it is Mine… Sacrifice a thank offering to God and pay your vows to the Most High. Call on Me in a day of trouble; I will rescue you and you will honor Me.” Psalm 50:10-12, 14-15.

ΑΩ

WHISTLEBLOWER. Esther 8:15; 10:3.

Parents tire of tattling children, and children use peer pressure to stop each other from tattling. But there is nothing inherently wrong with reporting wrongdoing—particularly reporting FUTURE wrongdoing so it can be prevented.

Those who would stop you from tattling often begin by challenging your LOYALTY. If you tell, then you are not one of us. Different situations require different results, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether you should tattle.

But after safety (are lives or serious injury at risk?) and integrity (is there a simple right or wrong answer?), the question is often one of LOYALTY. Where do your loyalties lie?

I once informed a professor about students cheating during her exam. I was one of her students—but by then I had taught school long enough that my loyalties were with the teacher—whom I considered a colleague of sorts. (A naïve colleague, it turns out, who cried when she heard what was going on.)

When Mordecai heard two men conspiring to kill the king, he reported it and saved the king’s life. Initially, the matter was forgotten. But when the king discovered the record of Mordecai’s good deed, he honored him beyond anything Mordecai could have imagined, eventually elevating him to second-in-command of all Persia. More importantly, God used Mordecai’s “tattling” and it became a key step in the rescue of the thousands of Jews living in Persia who were about to be put to death by Haman.

“Mordecai went from the king’s presence clothed in royal purple and white, with a great gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen…. Mordecai was second only to King Ahasuerus, famous among the Jews and highly popular with many of his relatives” Esther 8:15; 10:3.

God, give us the courage to “tattle” if needed. Help us be loyal to the RIGHT people, to honor You and do what is right, no matter what it might cost us among our peers.

ΑΩ

The Bible Contains Wisdom for Nations, Not Merely for Individuals. Esther 8:11.

Guess what the pagan king gave the Jews after Haman was killed and his conspiracy foiled?

The king’s edict 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 property of their enemies. Esther 8:11.

The king gave the Jews the right to assemble and the right to defend themselves. Don’t these sound like two key rights we have in the USA? See how God led our founding fathers to establish here many things that come from the Bible: freedom of religion, freedom of speech and press, freedom of assembly (in contrast to China, where Christians assemble in the woods at night so they can’t be caught and if they are, they can’t be tortured into turning in others) and the right to keep and bear arms. God put everything we need in the Bible, not only for your personal life, but for the nation, the law, the government. Praise Him.

ΑΩ

Politicians. Esther 9:16.

The worst thing my father ever said about another man may have been: “He’s nothin’ but a politician.” He only said it twice. These two men got under my father’s skin for three reasons: (1) they took on leadership positions not to serve, but to build their influence and their resume, (2) they cultivated friendships that felt fake because they were not interested in you, but in your loyalty and your vote, and (3) they had few principles they would not compromise for the right price, i.e., everything was negotiable. They lacked character.

Years later, I would come to share my father’s low opinion of politicians (well, some of them).

Politics is an ugly business. Passing legislation involves many compromises. If you are an idealist—on the left or the right—you will find the political process unpleasant. Neither side gets everything it wants.  And politicians often disappoint their constituents while making incremental progress. The new law may achieve some goals, but leaves other ideas on the cutting room floor. The most passionate believers often end up feeling the most betrayed.

The Bible contains many examples of politicians who try to please everyone and end up standing for nothing: Aaron the brother of Moses, King Saul, Pontius Pilate, and more.

Esther was made queen by a politician. King Ahasuerus had simple goals: please himself and keep those around him from complaining. When Haman wanted to annihilate the Jews, the king went along with it. But when Queen Esther complained that she was Jewish, the king reversed himself, executing Haman and granting Esther permission to wipe out Haman’s people. “They killed 75,000 of those who hated them, but they did not seize any plunder” Esther 9:16. Why did the king change course? It would be nice to say he realized he was wrong to side with the Jew-hating Haman, but the Bible does not say that. The king did not suddenly gain principles or integrity. He certainly is not uncomfortable with killing. Instead, when he had to choose between his advisor, Haman, and Esther, the most beautiful lady in his harem, he chose Esther. He liked her better than Haman.

And that is why people complain about politicians.

However, God uses politicians in profound ways. King Ahasuerus made Esther’s uncle Mordecai second-in-command and Mordecai “continued to seek good for his people and to speak for the welfare of all his descendants” Esther 10:3. This story is reminiscent of the stories of Joseph, Daniel, Nehemiah, Ezra, and other men of character who were granted great power by a politician and then used that power to serve God and bless His people. It is easy to dismiss politicians as people who lack character or integrity. But God can use them to appoint men and women with godly character to positions of great influence.  

God is sovereign over the hearts of kings: “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord. He turns it wherever He wishes” Proverbs 21:1.

Pray for God to grant us great leaders.

ΑΩ

Insomnia. Esther 6:1.

Could there be anything more irritating than insomnia? I was always a night owl and a light sleeper.  I have so many memories of lying in a dark tent for hours with mosquitoes in my ears and the thunderous snoring of my buddy next to me.  I would count the seconds until morning, miserable. 

It was easier at home: there was air conditioning and the noise of the fan, there were no mosquitoes and no snoring. But even on the most perfect nights, I sometimes suffered with insomnia.  I would get up and ask for a drink of water. I would go to the bathroom. I would wander around in the dark. But as a child, my options were limited. Mostly, I just got angry that I couldn’t sleep.

I’ve known adults who turn the TV on at 3:00 a.m. Others will wash and iron a load of laundry, run the dishwasher, and work crossword puzzles. Anything to pass the time. It is hard not to get angry when you know you will feel awful the next morning—I guess if you can do something “productive” that gives you some consolation.

But God can use insomnia.

John Bisagno, the preacher of my childhood, spoke of his growing habit of waking up earlier and earlier in the morning—not by choice.  So he began using that time to pray. He decided God had a purpose in rousing him in the wee hours. Decades later, I still admire his good attitude.  Insomnia can be such a challenge!

One night the king of Persia had insomnia. God used it.

“That night, sleep escaped the king, so he ordered the book recording daily events to be brought and read to the king. They found the written report of how Mordecai had informed on Bigthana and Teresh … when they planned to assassinate King Ahasuerus” Esther 6:1-2.

The king either did not know Mordecai had saved his life, or he had forgotten to reward him for it. So the king honored Mordecai that day. The story—the irony—of Haman being the one to lead Mordecai around on a horse shouting honors can eclipse a greater fact.

Had the king not made this discovery during the night, Haman would have come, made his request, and Mordecai would have been killed BEFORE Esther’s banquet that night at which she planned to expose Haman.

See Esther 5:14—Mordecai was to be killed first thing in the morning. But the king’s insomnia prevented Haman from being able to present his request.

God used insomnia to save Mordecai’s life—and to humiliate Haman, before he could carry out his plans to exterminate all the Jews in “the 127 provinces from India to Cush [Sudan]” Esther 1:1.

I know insomnia is miserable. But God can use it. Talk to Him. Use that time to pray, perhaps. Trust God with your schedule—but don’t hesitate to educate yourself about sleep hygiene as well. There may be a solution.

ΑΩ

BEING HUMAN MEANS STORYTELLING: Esther 4:16.

Purim is the springtime celebration of the events recorded in the book of Esther. The celebration requires Jews to attend synagogue where they hear the story of Esther read aloud.

Esther may be a bit long to read aloud. But tradition makes it fun: when the name of evil Haman is mentioned, the congregation drowns it out by hissing, stamping their feet, and shaking special rattles called “graggers.” There’s nothing like audience participation to keep everyone’s attention. I’ve seen it on video—it looks like a lot of fun.

Not only that—what a great story! While the Jews are exiled in a foreign land, ruled by a foreign king, Haman comes up with a plan that will allow him to wipe out the Jewish race. Haman drafted the law and the king signed it. But God already had Esther inside the palace, where she bravely faced death, saying: “If I perish, I perish,” Esther 4:16. Instead, she not only stopped Haman’s plans, but God used her to “flip the script”: Haman was hung on the gallows he’d built for Mordecai, and Haman’s people were wiped out by the Jews.

We are a storytelling people.

And who isn’t? EVERYONE loves a good story: books, movies, binge-watching, it’s all stories. Every day, every night, every weekend, every time you see friends: the whole human race, from naked savages to kings and queens spends the majority of its time telling stories.

Storytelling may be the MOST HUMAN thing we do.

And God is a storytelling God.

He loves stories. HIS WORD? It’s all STORIES. Many small stories within one larger romance (that’s right, it’s a LOVE STORY): things were perfect, but they got broken, and we are the woman—the Bride facing death and Jesus is the HERO who sacrifices everything because of His love for His Bride, and He rescues her, defeats the enemy, and the two live happily ever after.

God’s Word is the greatest LOVE STORY. Read it, study it, consume it. Begin with the New Testament.

ΑΩ

*No one I have read articulates the truth of God as storyteller and His word being a romance any better than John Eldredge, in such books as THE SACRED ROMANCE.

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. Esther 4:13-16.

One day, there may come a moment when it’s all on the line—when the fate of the world, or your future, or your family—turns on a single decision.

Have you ever faced such a moment? One day, you just might. May God bless you and give you the courage, faith, and obedience to do the right thing in that moment.

It happened to Queen Esther. When Haman plotted to murder the Jews—to exterminate God’s chosen people—Mordecai realized God had brought his neice into the King’s house so He could use her. But Esther was afraid: everyone knew the rule that if you approached the king unbidden and he did not extend his scepter, you would be put to death. But Mordecai was convinced God made her queen for this one purpose, that her whole life, her extraordinary beauty, her status as an orphan—it all fit together perfectly so that God could use Esther to deliver His people.

“Don’t think that you will escape the fate of all the Jews because you are in the king’s palace. If you keep silent at this time, liberation and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s house will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS.” Esther 4:13-14.

Though afraid, Esther was convinced. She asked Mordecai to have everyone fast and pray for three days.

“After that, I will go to the king, even if it is against the law, and IF I PERISH, I PERISH.” Esther 4:16.

When your moment comes, when you arrive at “SUCH A TIME AS THIS,” you must be ready, prepared in advance. So pray. Read the word. Memorize the word so it can transform your thoughts and bring them in line with God’s thoughts. Pray, walk with God, have courage, and be ready. Your whole life may be defined by a single courageous choice—and that moment may come when you least expect it.

ΑΩ

“If I Perish, I Perish.” Esther 4:16

There’s a famous line in the book of Esther that everyone should know:

“For such a time as this.”

Mordecai was trying to encourage his adopted daughter Esther to use her power as queen to stop the king from killing all the Jews. She answered that if she approached the king uninvited, she could be killed. And Mordecai said, God will save the Jews with or without you, but “Maybe God has put you in the position of queen for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14.

Esther says she will do it and adds another famous line:

“If I perish, I perish” Esther 4:16.

She puts her life in God’s hands and He uses her to save the nation of Israel.

God has given each of us unique roles. He has given us gifts and opportunities where He can use us.

He has made you and prepared you

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS.

Give your life and future and present to God. Surrender to Him and pray and tell Him you are available for such a time as this, for whatever He has planned for you.

ΑΩ