Wednesday
Read: Esther 4:8-11, Proverbs 20:28
SOAP: Proverbs 20:28
Proverbs 20:28 Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.
As we dive further into Chapter 4, the plot thickens. Esther is encouraged by Mordecai to enter the king’s presence to beg him to be merciful to the Jews. Access into the king’s presence was limited by law, and approaching him without being summoned could result in death. King Ahaserus demanded respect through his laws, and he ruled his nation with an iron fist.
God’s Word says there is a better way for a king to rule that contrasts the way of the world: love. Proverbs tells us love and faithfulness keep a king safe, not the exertion of pride, authority, and power. We can look to Jesus, the King of kings, as the ultimate example of this kind of love. He didn’t come seeking to rule by force or by limiting His access to the people. He came to walk and talk with sinners, be accessible to all and love without reservation, even to the point of death on the cross.
Dear God,
In our spheres of influence today, help us to err on the side of love and not rule with heavy hands. Help us to reach out and love like You showed us. Help us to be more like You. Amen.