Scripture Union Daily Guide 18th March 2023 – Greatness Without Godliness?

SU DAILY GUIDE DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE FOR TODAY

Scripture Union Daily Guide 18th March 2023, SU Daily Guide Devotional Reading for Saturday. Read SU Daily Guide Message

TOPIC: Greatness Without Godliness?

OPENING PRAYER: Dear Lord, make me more like you through the power of your word as I meditate on it.

Introduction to the Book of Esther
The Book of Esther is a unique Book in the Bible. It is named after Esther, an orphan, a refugee Jewish girl who became Queen in a foreign land under God’s divine providence. It is the only Bible book in which the name of God is not explicitly mentioned, neither are important elements of the Jewish religious system like the Law, sacrifices, and offerings. Its author is not clearly identified.

The New Testament does not quote from the Book of Esther, and its central characters Mordecai and Queen Esther are not mentioned in other books of the Bible. Yet the Book has one of the most powerful and popular stories of God’s sovereignty, providential care and control over history of nations. He is God of all the earth. He’s not a local or localized deity.

While Ezra and Nehemiah describe events in Jerusalem, after the return of the Jewish exiles (Ezra 1:1), the book of Esther focuses on the Jews who did not return and were now under Persian rule. Many theologians agree that the Book traces the beginning of the historic Jewish Festival of Purim, which symbolizes God’s deliverance of the Jews from the plot of wicked Haman.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Esther 1: 1 – 22

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
• Q 2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Q 5: Is there any warning for me to heed?

Scripture Union Daily Guide 18th March 2023 MESSAGE

This King Xerxes (Greek name) is same as Ahasuerus (Hebrew name). His father was King Darius I, and his grandfather Cyrus the Great of Persia who issued the decree to release willing Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:2). This family history and heritage helps us to understand the person and power of this King Xerxes. Notice the extent of his kingdom (v.1).

Vs.3-4 describes the first royal party in this chapter which lasted for 180 days! The second party is described in vs.5-8. What can you learn about the King, his people, and his palace from the account of these parties? His power is seen in the “tremendous display of the opulent wealth of his empire similar to our modern-day display of a nation’s military might. Ahasuerus was also a very generous person (v.7).

Our actions sometimes have impact on others without our knowing. See how the Queen’s refusal of the King’s command is perceived to affect other women and family life in v.18. Family unity is enhanced when spouses learn to love and respect each other.

PRACTICE/WORD APPLICATION
Thought: Memucan’s counsel and the decision of the nobles (vs.16-19) led to a new marriage law throughout the empire (read v.22). How will you compare this marriage custom to the biblical teaching?

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

HYMN:COMING HOME

1. Vile and sinful tho’ my heart may be,
Fully trusting Lord, I come to Thee;
Thou hast pow’r to cleanse and make me free,
I am coming home.

Refrain: Coming home, coming home,
No longer in the path of sin to roam;
I’m coming home, coming home,
Lord Jesus, I am coming home.

2. Like a father seeks a wayward child,
Thou hast sought me o’er the desert wild,
Sick and helpless, by my sin defiled,
I am coming home.

3. Pleading tenderly, His voice I hear,
Why should I refuse a friend so dear?
He will take away my guilt and fear,
I am coming home.

4. Precious blood of Jesus, may its flow
Cleanse from evil, wash me white as snow;
There is hope alone in Thee, I know,
I am coming home.

5. Tell my mother what her boy has done,
God has spoken to her wayward son;
To be faithful till my crown is won,
I am coming home.

CLOSING PRAYER
While his grandfather focused on the glory of God, King Xerxes displayed his own greatness and self-glory. Are there any idols of self-glory that you need to repent of today?

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
► Pray for Godly Society where Christ reigns and the righteousness of God is emphasized.
► Pray against ungodliness, Ritual killings, Banditary, kidnappings, and Raping of women that has turned our society to a place of terror.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Ephesians 5:20

ONE YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Numbers 25, 26, Acts 10.

NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Sat, 18-Mar-2023

PRAYER FOCUS
OCCUPY TILL HE COMES

They captured fortified cities and a fertile land. They took possession of houses full of every good thing. – Nehemiah 9:25

THANK GOD FOR:
► The call to occupy till He comes.
► Raising the prayer team in SU to keep on as dedicated watchmen/women.

PRAY FOR:
► The grace to continue in spiritual fields and plant vineyards in order to gather fruitful harvests in the Groups, Zones, Areas, Regions and National.
► The presence of the Lord and His direction in all our SU programmes.
► The Regional Prayer Secretaries as they continue to ensure the flame of praying does not go out in their Regions.
► The Prayer Team as they prepare for the forth coming Prayer Conference next week.

PRAY AGAINST:
► Spiritual weakness and failing to continue in prayer in our (Groups, Zones, Areas and Regions).
► Going to the spiritual battle in the flesh instead of allowing the Spirit of God to lead.

Scripture Union Daily Guide 18th March 2023. Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.