Daily Devotionals

'Every Day Light' with Selwyn Hughes

Devotional: June 6th

For Reading and Meditation:
     Esther 1:1-8

Esther is one of the two books of the Old Testament on which an orthodox Jew is required to make any solemn oath or vow - the other being the Pentateuch, the books of Moses. The reason for this is that Moses recounts the deliverance of the Jews from Egypt, and the book of Esther recounts the deliverance of the Jews from what could have been one of the greatest massacres of all time. The opening verses of Esther introduce us to a sensual and capricious king called Xerxes (known in Hebrew as Ahasuerus). One day he decided to put on a great pageant for his lords and ladies - a kind of World Fair. The planning of this great celebration took six months and culminated with a magnificent banquet (v. 6). Despite the monarch's sensuality, however, he stipulated that no one had to drink unless he wanted to (v. 8). In doing this, he showed much more sense than many in today's world who frown on those who don't drink, regarding them as "kill joys" or unsociable. Whether the Bible teaches teetotalism or not, Christians ought to be very cautious about the use of alcohol. Many turn to drink as a pick-me-up. A doctor told me that quite a number of his Christian patients were on the verge of alcoholism. It might be a good idea, if, before going any farther, we were to take a look at where our daily support comes from - alcoholic spirit or the Holy Spirit. What need have we for crutches when we can be held by the everlasting arms?

Gracious and loving Father, forgive me if I am more dependent on the things that affect my senses than on You, the living God. I come afresh to You today for cleansing, forgiveness and dedication. Help me, my Father. In Jesus' Name. Amen.