Stand in the Victory

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Esther 9–10; Ezra 4:6-23; Psalm 105

“The Jews smote all their enemies.” Esther 9:5

After Esther saw God move mightily on her behalf, it was still necessary for the Jewish people to stand firm and fight. Haman’s wicked decree had been given and according to laws of the Medes and the Persians, it could not be rescinded. So even though Haman’s plot was exposed, the declaration of open season on the Jewish people remained in force. The only recourse was to also declare that the Jewish people could defend themselves and fight back.

“The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the province of the king…to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them for the fear of them fell upon all people.” Esther 9:2

Esther had won the king’s favor and the murderous Haman had been defeated—but the aftermath of evil remained. Here’s a key principle of our life in Christ: victory is already ours but we still have to stand fast and engage in the fight.

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;” Ephesians 6:14

And our Lord is faithful to not leave us without provision for the battle. Jesus has outfitted us with His Holy Spirit (John 16:13). He has given us the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph. 6:17). He has promised to equip us with all we need to live in Him (2 Pt. 1:3) and His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 2:9).

Just as God gave Israel victory over their enemy Haman, Jesus has given us victory over our enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). But like the Jews, we are called to stand firm in the victory He has given us.  

“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV

by Sharon Kaselonis / All rights reserved ©