Year of Realization - Day 25: Choose the right reaction when facing danger.

“At the king’s command, the decree went out by swift messengers, and it was also proclaimed in the fortress of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa fell into confusion.” When Mordecai learned about all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on burlap and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail. He went as far as the gate of the palace, for no one was allowed to enter the palace gate while wearing clothes of mourning. And as news of the king’s decree reached all the provinces, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and wailed, and many people lay in burlap and ashes.”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭3‬:‭15 & 4‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In 2003 there was a horrific fire in which 100 people perished and hundreds injured in a nightclub. The band that was performing used pyrotechnics which ignited the foam insulation in the walls of the building. The crowd panicked and created a log-jam of bodies at all exits and windows so that many people were trapped and unable to escape.

Sadly, sometimes the reaction to danger is panic. And, the panic always exacerbates an already bad situation.

Now, another story.

It is said by ancient historians that during The Great Fire of Rome (64 AD), the emperor Nero, played his fiddle. By the way, it is also said that Nero actually started the fire and blamed it on the quirky new group known as the Christians. Now, if Nero actually wanted Rome to burn, we can understand why he fiddled in the midst of it.

Indeed, many times the people you see acting oblivious to danger are actually those who created it.

Others may continue on as usual in the face of danger. They choose denial so that their lives can go on “uninterrupted.”

When threatened by danger you can panic or deny. But, there is a better choice. And, that brings us to today’s portion of Esther’s story.

Haman has now gotten what he wanted as the decree has been sent out that the Jews are to be extinguished. As the decree is heard, Susa falls into great confusion.

Meanwhile, the king and Haman (who has hatched the scheme) are celebrating.

But—having heard the horrific news—Mordecai takes to sackcloth and ashes. Indeed, all the Jews turn to fasting and weeping before the Lord.

Yes, as we are living in these Last Days before the coming of Jesus Christ we will continue to be faced with the threat of danger and danger itself. As such, this is not the time to put on rose-colored glasses and pretend that the danger doesn’t exist. Neither is it the time to fall into confusion and panic. Rather, let us cry out to the Lord for deliverance!

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#yearofrealization