Esther 9-10 The Fear Of The Lord

“The Lord had given them a greater weapon than their swords, because ‘the fear of the Jews fell upon them’.  This was a fear that God had sent into the hearts of the Gentiles to keep them from fighting His people,” my commentary said.  It also cited Genesis 35:5, Deut 2:25, and Joshua 2:8-11 as other times when God had done this.  “The fear of God protects those who fear God and believe His promises.  Because the Jews believed Mordecai’s decree, they had new courage and were not afraid of the enemy, and their courage put fear into the hearts of the enemy … 2 Chronicles 20:20 says:  ‘Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper…’  The church today resembles Revelation 3:17, which is the description of prisoners of war.  Instead of being conquerors, we’re the prisoners!  No wonder the world has no fear of the Lord.”

Father, twelve and ten years ago, I watched as You put the fear of the Lord into the Ukrainian bureaucrats as I went to adopt my sons.  Everyone asked how in the world I was able to get it done, and done so quickly.  I gave and still give all of the credit to You.  I know that the fear of God works!  Please use it again as we travel next month to a foreign land to spread the news about You.  Open doors that only You can open.  Open hearts in the same way!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford