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THE K I N G ’ S BUS I NESS
open Bible and ten thousand open doors?” PRACTICAL POINTS (1) Every opportunity presents a problem. (2) Every opportunity is pregnant with possibilities. (3) Better risk your life in respond ing, than face a fearful judgment by failing. (4) God-given opportunities are attended by solemn responsibilities. (6) By risking her life, Esther brought a rare blessing upon her people and a rich reward for herself. (6) World-wide white fields are a call to the church, and reapers will be rewarded with wages. (7) Opportunity is an open door. Enter while you may. n The story of Esther shows God’s providential care of His people. Many Jews remained in Babylon after the re turn of the exiles. They had been born there and w o u I'd DEVOTIONAIi rather stay there than COMMENT go to Jerusalem. The F. W. Farr same God who watch ed over the returned remnant guarded these Jews in Baby lon. God said, “ I will not fail thee nor forsake thee” and “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.” The book of Esther illustrates these prom ises. A peculiarity of the narrative is that the name of God is not mentioned. Yet there is no Scripture where God is more obviously present and active. The rea son for this omission is that Divine Providence is secret and hidden until its end is secured. Men and women seem to be the chief actors upon the stage. Behind the scenes stands One unseen guiding everything for the out working of His purpose and the good of His people. His hand is not seen
Peter and James and John in the Gar den! Oyer how many lives has it been written, “Weighed in the balance and found wanting.” Think of the delight of service—rto work with God, to witness for God, to deny one’s self for Him, to battle in His behalf, to die for Him! Listen to the words of Paul (Acts 20:24) “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the srospel of the grace of God.” (4) THE PRODUCTIVENESS OF OP PORTUNITY. Esther accomplished a mighty work. The king’s sceptre was outstretched. The Great King had heard her prayer and answered as she took the sceptre and kissed its tip. She not only saved her people, but she was enriched by the estate of Haman. Morde.cai was also rewarded. His faith and faithfulness were seen by God. The king was troubled and Mor- decai exalted. The Jews were saved and rejoiced (8:16, 17) “T ie Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. And in every province and in every city whithersoever the king’s commandment and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews, for the fear of the Jews fell npon them.” Nothing shall fail that God purposes. No work done in His name and for His glory but that shall bring results. No seed that falls upon the ground but that shall bear fruit. What a time is this for seed-sowing and for harvest reaping! What a time for standing in defence of the truth, for walking with God in separation, for sacrificing our lives in service! How far reaching was Esther’s service,^untold blessings to a whole empire! Our service shall reach to earth’s end and to endless ages. To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose. “ Art thou come to the king dom for such a time as this, with an
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