“And all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage.” – Esther 3:2

God’s people must never bend the knee in worship toward any person or object. Earlier in Israel’s exile, God had shown that His power was sufficient to protect any individuals (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) who obeyed the Lord rather than human rulers on this point. Years later, Mordecai refused to bow in homage to Haman, the king’s favorite official.

Mordecai’s disobedience was so infuriating to Haman that he set out to destroy all Jews everywhere. Was God’s power sufficient to stop that as well? Yes! In fact, in His perfect knowledge of all things past, present, and future, God had already made provision for His people. He’d already placed Esther on the throne of Persia, putting her in a position to intervene for His people. If she had enough faith and courage to do so…

The Lord had orchestrated everything from the replacement of the previous queen to the timing of the planned genocide. And Esther was faithful. With fasting and prayer, fear and trembling, Esther stepped forward and God used her to save His people and bring down Haman.

God’s knowledge of all things is perfect. His wisdom is perfect. His timing is perfect. His power is sufficient. His will and plan can’t be stopped. Not by hatred, not by governmental power, and not by mass murder. Believers simply need to hold firmly to the faith and to their integrity. We must never bow the knee, figuratively or literally, to people with earthly power. Always trust in God’s ability to care for His people and accomplish His will in His way on His schedule. #FollowJesus

“On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward.” – Zechariah 14:4

The Mount of Olives is the last place where the feet of Jesus stood before ascending to Heaven in Acts 1. It’s also where His feet will touch down upon His return in glory. Overlooking the Kidron Valley just to the east of Jerusalem, this is where Christ will return in power to defeat the forces of evil, bring His Kingdom to completion, judge mankind in righteousness, and usher in the renewal of creation.

We don’t know when that day will come, but we should be confident that it will come. When it comes, It will be glorious for those who love Jesus and terrifying for those who don’t. Christ’s return to the Mount of Olives isn’t some vague possibility or folk tale. It is our strong and confident hope in the future of this world despite its many troubles.

Until that day, whether it’s today or thousands of years from now, followers of Jesus are commanded to live quiet, faithful lives, that glorify Christ and testify to His reality. We must take up our cross daily as Jesus invited us, denying ourselves to follow, serve, and glorify Him. Out of the overflow of His love and grace toward us, we are to faithfully make disciples, near and far. That is how we live prepared for Christ’s return at all times.

Are you prepared? Are you sharing love and hope with those you encounter? Are you helping believers grow in their love and obedience to Jesus? If not, are you really prepared for what will happen at the Mount of Olives? What’s holding you back? How should you to take up your cross today? Be prepared! #FollowJesus

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21

This is quite an exchange God made for our benefit! An exchange that’s 100% finished and complete for you, IF you’re in Christ. God made Jesus, His eternal Son, Who never sinned, not even once, to be sin. Not just carry a modest amount of sin on the cross, but to become sin itself as He hung dying on that Roman cross. Why? For our sake! For your sake. God did this for your benefit!!!

For what purpose? To what effect? So that…. In Christ, you become God’s righteousness. You… become… God’s righteousness!!! That’s truly extraordinary! When you put your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, repenting of your sins and receiving forgiveness in His name, you are united with Him. You become “in Christ” and He lives in you. Which means, you ARE the righteousness of God. The righteousness of Jesus Christ is now your righteousness.

It’s too much to understand, but you should certainly make your best effort to meditate on this and praise God for His kindness, grace, and mercy. #FollowJesus

“They set the altar in its place, for fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, burnt offerings morning and evening.” – Ezra 3:3

Although the King of Persia personally authorized Israel’s return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, it was still a dangerous project in a tough environment. Their neighbors consistently opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem, working to stop it by any means possible. When the newly returned exiles began working on reconstruction, they were afraid. When they began publicly worshiping God, they were afraid. But they were also faithful and obedient!

Faithful obedience to the Lord doesn’t mean you won’t or shouldn’t have fear. It simply requires that your love and fear of the Lord outweighs any earthly fears which would hold you back. It’s OK to have some fear about what God has called you to do, but do it anyway. It’s OK to have some fear about publicly worshiping Jesus when surrounded by enemies, but worship anyway.

Is fear hindering you from doing something you know God wants you to do? If so, pray earnestly for God to strengthen your faith and courage to simply #FollowJesus despite your fear.

“Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.” – Daniel 12:10

This is a good summary of the varied responses to God’s gracious offer of salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who hear and believe the Gospel are washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ. They stand spotless in the eyes of the Lord. They are sealed by the Holy Spirit and empowered to live lives of increasing obedience to the person, example, and commandments of Jesus. As they pass through the Refiner’s fire hand-in-hand with their Savior, God works priceless transformation in their hearts.

Those who don’t believe the Gospel continue in their sins. They will continue to celebrate and operate according to their nature. They simply won’t understand what they’ve rejected. The Gospel will sound like nonsense to them. God’s grace will be incomprehensible.

This shouldn’t surprise any believer – it’s the promise of God. Christians shouldn’t be concerned if unbelievers laugh at what they believe. God repeatedly said it would be this way. Get comfortable with it. Settle it in your heart. Then keep praying for those who don’t believe and continue offering the words of life that sound foolish to so many. #FollowJesus