MORE ON STANDING FIRM

GOD'S Bob

MORE ON STANDING FIRM

Esther 2: 19-20

As I read along in the story of Esther, I see how her story plays out in that she left her Hebrew home to be immersed into the pagan Persian culture. In the 2 verses today, we learn that Mordecai has risen to a prominent position sitting at the king’s gate where matters of law were settled. God had place Him there. We also learn Esther is following Mordecai’s instructions to keep her Jewish identity secret. She continues her obedience to Mordecai. Not just to Mordecai but to God’s law. She is standing firm to the beliefs and values of her childhood by doing so. For both Mordecai and Esther, this would not be an easy task. It would take faith and courage.

In a 2019 study it was reported that 64% of twentysomethings who grew up in church have walked away. A book was written about the 36% who chose to stay. Their beliefs and practices were examined. One characteristic discovered was their cultural discernment to be able to apply God’s Word to “an accelerated, complex culture.” Far too often it is reversed I believe. We want to apply the complex culture to God’s Word rearranging God’s Word to meet the current world view.

Standing firm means understanding and living Ephesians 6: 10-17 which says:

“Finally, be strong in the LORD and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 STAND FIRM then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”