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Today’s Manna!
Scripture Passage: Esther 4:1-3 (NIV)
“When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it. In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.”
In this passage, Mordecai, a Jewish leader in the Persian Empire, reacts with profound grief and despair upon learning of the decree that orders the annihilation of the Jewish people. His actions—tearing his clothes, wearing sackcloth, and wailing publicly—reflect the depth of his anguish. Across the empire, the Jewish people shared in this deep sorrow, fasting and mourning as they faced an existential threat. This moment marks a turning point in the story, as it prompts Esther to take bold action.
An inspiring example from the New Testament that echoes this moment is found in the account of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-39). Faced with the impending crucifixion, Jesus prayed fervently, expressing His deep sorrow and anguish. Like Mordecai, Jesus turned to God in His time of greatest need, submitting to God’s will even in the face of immense suffering. This parallel highlights the importance of turning to God during our most challenging moments.
The lesson from these verses is clear: when confronted with overwhelming trials, we should respond with humility and seek God’s guidance and intervention. In our modern lives, this might mean acknowledging our limitations and bringing our fears and worries before God in prayer. We can also seek the support of our faith community, knowing that we do not have to face our struggles alone. Just as Mordecai and the Jews united in their mourning, we too can find strength in unity and collective prayer.
Prayer: Lord, in times of deep distress, we turn to You, knowing that You hear our cries and see our tears. Help us to trust in Your providence, even when the future seems uncertain. Give us the courage to take bold steps of faith, just as Esther did, and to support one another in prayer and love. Amen.
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