For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14.
Whoever sees the repulsive character of sin, and in strength from above resists temptation, will assuredly arouse the wrath of Satan.1The Great Controversy, 507.
The same spirit that in ages past led men to persecute the true church, will in the future lead to the pursuance of a similar course toward those who maintain their loyalty to God….
The decree that will finally go forth against the remnant people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews. Today the enemies of the true church see in the little company keeping the Sabbath commandment, a Mordecai at the gate….
Satan will arouse indignation against the minority who refuse to accept popular customs and traditions…. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith…. Not having a “Thus saith the Scriptures” to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack. To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for Sunday laws. But those who fear God cannot accept an institution that violates a precept of the Decalogue. On this battlefield will be fought the last great conflict in the controversy between truth and error.2Prophets and Kings, 605, 606.
The words of Mordecai to Esther may apply to the men and youth of today: “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 3Testimonies for the Church 5:321.
The Faith Live By p. 311
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Prayer Requests
—-Please continue to pray for Fran. She is doing some better but has a long way to go. Also please pray for Mike M who is home from the hospital but is still taking antibiotic shots. Rose
—-I need some prayers. I’m dealing with an embarrassing situation in my house and it’s affecting me. -My husband will be taking his second try at his comprehensive exam. He feels confident,gg but asks for prayers. -Our friends the Rimaya family are moving back to Zimbabwe today and we pray they have journey mercies. Prayers they find jobs, home and most important, a good church home.
-My sister has recently been diagnosed with Lupus, and rheumatologist says it is the worst case he’s ever seen. She does not have a relationship with Jesus…. May this lead her to Jesus.
-Because of my sister’s diagnosis, my mom and I need to also be screened and it’s a little scary. But we’re leaving it in Jesus’ hand. Jennifer
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Dear Friends,
Some years ago, we were visiting in a church in another city. The pastor, in his sermon, used the illustration of how elephants are trained to do work in India. When they are very young, they are chained to a certain spot. As they get older, they continue to stay right where they had been chained although the chain around their ankle is no longer attached to anything. He said that too often we are like elephants, just sitting in church week after week never attempting great things for God. (Unfortunately, his assessment is all too accurate.) Then he urged us to break off those chains that bind us and go forward in the strength of the Lord attempting great things for Him. Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matt 28:19, 20 As He commissioned His disciples so long ago to seek and save the lost, so He commissions us. How many will never learn of Jesus if we fail to obey? Paul urges us to “preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Tim 4:2
May we share the good news of salvation to all around us leading them to the foot of the cross. And because we have obeyed, may we soon hear those great words of commendation “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matt 25:21
Rose