Esther 9-10; Luke 13:23-35 (The Message)

In Esther 9 King Xerxes makes good on his promise to let the people of God defend themselves. He also justified His people in the face of their opposition. Then the king sent an order to eliminate the sons of Haman because he failed to honor God. He also rejected His word which could have helped him. Gen 12:3 says "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." God's covenants are everlasting and will not be rescinded by humans and He is faithful to keep His promises to His people. The calling and gifts God gives us are forever. Rom 11:29 "for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." One of God's gifts are salvation Eph 2:8 tells us For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. God calls us and establishes us where He pleases and it is permanent. Satan's works are evil and temporary. In Esther 10 we are told: 3 "Mordecai the Jew ranked second in command to King Xerxes. He was popular among the Jews and greatly respected by them. He worked hard for the good of his people; he cared for the peace and prosperity of his race. Haman was removed by God from his place of service to the king and Mordecai replaced him and God kept him there."

In Luke 13 we see a similar theme when Jesus says "Whether few or many is none of your business. Put your mind on your life with God. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires your total attention." (the Message) When the Pharisees asked Jesus to run from King Herod Jesus said: "Tell that fox that I've no time for him right now. Today and tomorrow I'm busy clearing out the demons and healing the sick; the third day I'm wrapping things up. Besides, it's not proper for a prophet to come to a bad end outside Jerusalem."
Jesus knew what was about to take place and had much to do. As we do the work of the father don't let things distract you that would keep us from accomplishing the father's work. Keep doing what the Lord has placed us here to do and work together without arduing or complaining so that others may see Jesus in us. " 'Blessed is he
who comes in the name of God.'" (Vs. 35 the Message)