GOD'S TOUCHPOINTS - The Reign Of Royalty (PART 3)Prøve

Esther, Queen of Persia The Jews are scattered exiles after the Assyrian and Babylonian captivity. King Cyrus permits them to return. The first group returns to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubabbel in 536 BC. The remaining choose to remain in exile. It is God’s hand upon these Jews under the Persian rule that is described in this story. Queen Esther rules under captivity. Hers was a Cinderella story of a Jewish orphan girl rising to marry Ahasuerus, King of the most powerful empire, Persia. The dethroning of queen Vashti is a highly debated event. What matters is that God planned for his people to lead this nation. God’s Orchestration God’s people are always on God’s watch as “whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye” (Zech 2:3). While foreign kings control Israel, God’s hand controls the kings. (Prov 21:1) Nations fear the God of Israel as Haman’s wife clearly predicts that any attack on Israel would boomerang. (6:13,14) Satan’s Destruction Satan strategizes to destroy God’s people. This has been witnessed on the Jews over the years – ever since the kingdom was divided culminating in the 1945 holocaust where 6 million Jews were killed. The battle rages on. Esther’s Determination • Unquestioning obedience – to Mordecai, her God inspired uncle, and Hegai • Unshakeable faith – in the face of death, to stand for her people • Unwavering focus – sees the defense to the end (ch 9) Mordecai’s Intervention Mordecai warns Esther “if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:15). On a prior occasion Mordecai intercepts a royal assassination plan. When evil rises, God surprises. Israel’s Oppression One of the most oppressed nations till date, in a miraculous manner, Israel is once more reborn as a nation in 1948 – in one day. Even today Israel is fighting for its right for self-defense. In a UN gathering (2014) the representative from Pakistan insisted that it was “morally abhorrent” and “legally incorrect” to label Israel’s actions in Gaza as self-defense. The United Arab Emirates agreed. [3] Do we respond to Christ in obedience even before crisis strikes? Take a stand for Him when required? Are we in tune with the almighty God and covered under His mighty hand? To continue on this series, please click the link below: [ God's Touchpoints - The Prophetic Era ](https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/2848) [IMAGE CONTENT]