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1)# ’Waiting for the kingdom of God.’
Mark 15:43 (42-47)
We may not be sure as to what Joseph of Arimathea was expecting in the coming of the kingdom of God, but we do know that it affected his actions. As a member of the Jewish Council it might have been better for Joseph to keep his head down and stay in line, particularly at this time. But he had seen something in Jesus that clearly demonstrated God’s kingdom rule and whilst other people backed off, he stepped forward. His waiting was over. The kingdom of God had been manifest and Joseph wanted to be identified with Jesus as he ‘went boldly to Pilate’. His act of burial enabled an act of God - the resurrection of Jesus out from the dead (Acts 2:24). As a result we can all be included in God’s kingdom, now and for eternity.
Whilst the rest of the world enters another year with uncertainty, fear and even despair, those of us who identify with Christ know his plan is being fulfilled and that he is in control. So we can wait, not passively, but actively, like Joseph, not with a dead hero, but with a living Saviour who will come again. So let’s step forward into this new year, with faith and boldness to live publicly, with Christ Jesus as our Lord and King.
2)# ’He will make your paths straight.’
Proverbs 3:6 (5-10)
In a passage packed with solid advice for life, this is a wonderful promise for a new year. Whatever lies ahead, through difficulties and challenges, we can have this confidence. The Lord will direct our paths. In order to receive this direction from the Lord, we’re told that we need to trust him, rather than relying on our own wisdom to sort things out (v5&7) and to acknowledge him, to seek his leading, in all that we do (v6). This is not always easy, especially when we ‘go public’ as it were, and other people witness what happens. But the promise is there and the Lord will direct our paths, often a step at a time.
Sometimes we’re not fully aware of the Lord’s leading in the moment, but, as we look back, perhaps over the last year, we see that he has been graciously involved in our lives. This should be an encouragement to us for the year ahead, so that our trust in the Lord grows stronger. So let’s resolve to commit each day of 2026 to the Lord and then trust him to guide us each step of the way.
3)# ’Then their eyes were opened.’
Luke 24:31 (28-33)
What a wonderful moment this was. It was not that their eyelids had been closed, but they simply had not recognised Jesus (v16). Though they had walked and talked with the risen Jesus and had enjoyed the greatest Bible study ever, these two disciples were blinded by their grief and unbelief. The turning point came when Jesus, as the guest, broke the bread for the meal, a custom of that time. The scars left by the nails in his hands, were revealed, even in his resurrected body (Jn 20:26ff), and their eyes were opened!
The reality of Christ’s death and resurrection are there for all to see, but it’s the work of the Holy Spirit to reveal what it means for each one of us today. What a moment that is, and how we should be eager to tell other people the good news. ‘The Lord has risen indeed!’ Let’s pray that many, in this coming year, will have their eyes opened to recognise and accept Jesus as their Saviour and Lord.
4)# ’Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord.’
Jonah 3:3 (1-6)
Like so many of us, Jonah had learned the hard way. Ninevah was a hostile place, especially for prophets of the LORD God. Going there at the best of times was hard enough, but going to ‘preach against it’ because of its wickedness was not an attractive proposition. Not surprisingly Jonah had run away. But thank the Lord for the ‘second time’ he spoke to Jonah. Jonah ran away, but the Lord brought him back and gave him another opportunity to obey.
Our ‘Ninevah’ can be all sorts of situations. Whenever we want to shy away from acknowledging Christ as our Saviour or living his way, it can be the same as running away. But take heart from Jonah. Messing up doesn’t have to mean missing out. Facing up to our weaknesses can allow the strength of Christ to be realised in us. Let’s be ready to obey, whatever the challenge, and experience the power of the Holy Spirit within us today.
5)# ’But how far will they go among so many?’
John 6:9 (5-13)
Philip had already dismissed the idea of providing food for all the people as nigh on impossible. Andrew had at least found some food, but then felt it hardly worth bothering with. His question was rhetorical, but Jesus took him at face value. You can almost hear Jesus saying, ‘Let’s see, shall we!’
How easy it can be for us, like the disciples, to see the limitations rather than the opportunities. We read that Jesus already had in mind what he was going to do - and he still does! Things don’t take him by surprise, even if they do for you and me! He’s not short of resources. He just wants us to be ready to be part of what he has already planned.
You and I may feel that what we can offer is not worth bothering with. Well, let this be a turning point for us, like it was for the disciples. Now that we are in a new year, let’s see how much the Lord can do through you and me as we make ourselves available for him to use over the coming months.
6)# ’Stop doing wrong, learn to do right.’
Isaiah 1:17 (15-20)
This is a challenge for us all. The Israelites had become two-faced. They were going through the motions, coming in and going out of the temple, offering the sacrifices, saying the right things, but their hearts had drifted from following the Lord. They were deceiving themselves, not the Lord.
Doing wrong is the default setting of our sinful nature. But when we have the Spirit of God living within us, a new nature is at work and we have to learn to live accordingly, to do right. A teachable spirit is necessary and humility before the Lord is required. Later on the Lord says to his people, ‘if you are willing and obedient…(v19)’ and both are required if we are to enjoy the blessings of being right with God. Stopping the one (doing wrong) and learning the other (to do right) is a matter of choice and commitment. What will you and I choose to do today?
7)# ’Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’
Matthew 18:22 (21-35)
This was not the answer Peter expected. He probably thought that seven times was being generous, and then Jesus says this. You can almost hear Peter saying ‘Wish I’d never asked!’ But it’s a good job he did, because Jesus takes the opportunity to teach us about forgiveness and finishes with a stark warning. As much as we need to be forgiven, we must be willing to forgive.
It’s not about the number, but about the attitude. It’s about wanting to forgive rather than wanting to bear a grudge. It’s about wanting people to know the freedom forgiveness brings rather than live with the burden of guilt. Forgiveness works two ways. It releases the one who has done wrong and brings joy to the one who has been wronged. An unforgiving spirit can be as much a burden as unforgiven deeds. Let’s go for it. Release someone today and bring joy into your life and theirs. Forgive as the Lord forgave us (Col 3:13) !
8)# ’A broken and contrite heart.’
Psalm 51:17 (15-19)
This is not an act. It’s not something we practise in front of a mirror. This comes when we know the conviction of the Holy Spirit. It leads to an experience of Christ’s forgiveness and restoration, just like David had all those years ago. Offerings and sacrifices can make for a good outward show, but the Lord is more concerned by the state of our hearts.
A broken heart is the realisation that we’ve messed up with no way out. Humility is when we ask for help and forgiveness. David was the most successful of Israel’s kings, but he had resorted to murder and lies to try to cover up his adultery. But covering up is not the way to deal with sin. David’s sin was exposed and this psalm records his response. Coming to the Lord in repentance and relying on his grace and mercy can lead to forgiveness, freedom and fresh opportunities of service, just as it did for David. So let’s be healed and restored today.
9)# ’Who pretended to be honest.’
Luke 20:20 (19-25)
What a non-starter this was. What a contradiction these men were trying to act out. Their duplicity did not last long as Jesus saw through their verbal disguise as they tried to trick him.
Yet how often we can act in a similar way. We pretend, in order to be accepted or gain favour. We say we are alright, when we are anything but alright, because it avoids embarrassment or explanation. We pretend to be strong when we feel vulnerable and weak, just to save face or maintain our position. Our lives can be cluttered with hidden sins, because we make out we don’t have a problem. We may deceive ourselves and even other people, but we won’t deceive the Lord. He sees through any pretence and is ready to help us sort things out if we will let him. Let’s be honest, let’s not pretend, and let’s discover the security we can have in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
10)# ’But they were unfaithful to the God of their fathers.’
1 Chronicles 5:25 (23-26)
Manasseh was one of the larger tribes of Israel and had heroic men as their leaders. They were brave and famous for their victories. But their unfaithfulness to the Lord undermined all this and they were taken in shame into exile. There’s a warning, and an encouragement here for us today.
All our achievements in this life are of little value if we are not faithful to the Lord. Jesus stressed the importance of faithfulness in many of his parables (Matt 29:21) and our eternal reward will not be measured by success, status or qualifications, but according to our faithfulness and perseverance (Rev 2:10). So irrespective of our personal attributes or what we achieve, the reward of heaven is available to all who stay faithful to Jesus, come what may.
11)# ’Your beauty should not come from outward adornment.’
1 Peter 3:3 (1-6)
Whilst the Apostle Peter is specifically addressing the witness of wives to their husbands, this encouragement has relevance for all of us. Adding to our external appearance, either to cover up or to embellish, can only ever be skin deep and superficial. Sooner or later, it will fade, wrinkle or fail. But the beauty that comes from the ‘inner self’ is ‘unfading’ and will win over those close to us. It may not be evident to the passing glance, but it will stand the test of time and get better with age, unlike our bodies! Too often we are taken in by first impressions, often external things, but as experience shows, first impressions can flatter to deceive.
For the follower of Christ, whether male or female, married or single, old or young, our new nature must shine through. The fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5) is the beauty treatment that we need. So let’s give more time to developing that inner beauty, rather than simply touching up the outward appearance.
12)# ’As was his custom.’
Luke 4:16 (14-21)
Jesus was a regular in the synagogue. Brought up within the Jewish customs, he would regularly attend meetings at the synagogue. These meetings happened on other days as well as the Sabbath and were a time for public reading and teaching of the Torah and the Prophets, what we know as the Old Testament. Christ’s regular attendance at synagogue provides an example for us to follow. The early Church was known for its regular fellowship together with time for Bible teaching and prayer (Acts 2:42). It provided opportunities for their witness to the local community, just as it did for Jesus on this occasion.
As someone once said, ‘good habits overcome weak wills’. It can be easy to let other things distract us from regular Bible reading and Christian fellowship. Well let’s follow Christ’s example. Bible reading and teaching are an important part of a disciplined Christian life as is fellowship with other believers. Both can strengthen our witness for Christ. We can be grateful for the many resources available to help us with Bible study, especially for our daily ‘quiet times’. But let’s make sure that we allow God’s Word to change us, and not simply go through the motions.
13)# ’But her husband Manoah was not with her.’
Judges 13:9 (8-11)
Manoah’s wife could be trusted. This was the second time that the angel of the Lord had appeared to her without her husband being present, but she was entrusted with the news of what was to come. Given that she was infertile, the news of her imminent pregnancy could have sounded far fetched to Manoah. But his confidence in his wife is seen by his willing response, and as a result they both shared in the special responsibility that God gave them.
The Lord hasn’t changed and is still revealing himself to those ‘out in the field’, in everyday life. Irrespective of our position, gender or age, the Lord is looking for those who can be trusted with his good news and those who will be obedient to what they are asked to do. Let’s be those sort of people today.
14)# ’I will build my church.’
Matthew 16:18 (13-19)
Firstly, it is the Church of Christ that is being built. When we forget this, it leads to us wanting things done our way and for our benefit. We want to take control. But since it is the Church of Christ, then things must be done his way, under his control and for his glory.
Secondly, his Church will be built. She will grow, she will stand firm. Opposition and persecution will be used to strengthen the Church and to bring other people to Christ. The Church will stand the test of hard times and be there at the end of time to be the bride of Christ for eternity.
Thirdly, Christ himself will oversee the building. It is not dependent on man’s schemes or strategies, but on a divine plan and purpose. It’s not about propping up old buildings, but about a living body of people from every tribe, language and ethnic group. It’s not about bricks and mortar, flesh and blood, but about the indwelling Holy Spirit. Nothing will stop it; nothing will overcome it. It will be built, so let’s be part of this building project today.
15)# ’A man of integrity and feared God.’
Nehemiah 7:2 (1-3)
How we need men like Hanani today. Not just in positions of power, but in all walks of life. He was chosen because of these two qualities - integrity and fear, respect, for God. At a time when rumours were rife and opposition was coming from all sides, a man like Hanani was worth his weight in gold.
It’s just the same today. Integrity is a quality that all followers of Christ should have. It means we are trustworthy, not open to bribes or favouritism. We do what is right, irrespective of public opinion or consequences. A right fear of Almighty God, will weaken any fear of what others might say or do. Integrity is not always popular, particularly when it reveals the duplicity of other people. With all the changes in our society today, we need to be people of integrity all the more. So let’s stand up, stand firm and live with respect for the Lord our God and with integrity before other people.
16)# ’Therefore we do not lose heart.’
2 Corinthians 4:16 (13-18)
We lose heart when all hope has gone. It saps us of energy and motivation. It stifles any spirit within and leaves us vulnerable and weak. But whatever our circumstances, Paul encourages us to see things differently. ‘Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us (working towards) an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.’ Paul is not belittling the struggles of life for Christians, but sharing a different perspective on them.
He encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on what is now unseen (eternal glory), but will be revealed when Jesus comes again. One day our salvation will be complete and we will be transformed into the likeness of Christ at the resurrection. Troubles now, will produce rich reward then, which will never fade or decay. Don’t lose heart. Do keep going.
17)# ’Women who were willing and had the skill spun the goat hair.‘
Exodus 35:26 (20-29)
Being willing can make such a difference. The skill can be there but, if it has to be dragged out of a person, it becomes hard work and can be more trouble than it’s worth. Much better if the goodwill and the skill come together. The making of the materials for the tabernacle was a huge task and meant hours of painstaking work by hand. It seems that no-one was made to work against their will, so that all was done with a glad and grateful heart.
The Apostle Paul encourages the Colossians to work ‘with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.’ Serving the Lord is not limited to working in a church building or at a Christian event. Everyday situations can become an opportunity to show our willingness to serve the Lord by serving other people. So throughout this year, let’s give ourselves willingly to build God’s kingdom using whatever skills we have.
18)3 ’Martha opened her home to him.’
Luke 10:38 (38-42)
Martha often gets a bad press. From this particular incident she is best known for grumbling that her sister was not helping her with all the chores. Perhaps it’s because we see something of ourselves in that aspect of Martha’s reaction. But there is clearly another side to Martha that we need to recognise. It is Martha who initiates this visit by Jesus. She makes the most of Jesus passing by, throws open her home and welcomes him in. Let’s pray that many people do the same throughout this coming year and welcome Christ as Lord of their lives.
From what Luke says it seems that Jesus had some of his disciples with him at the time, so Martha was generous in her hospitality. Whether this was the first visit or not, we do not know, but we do know that it wasn’t the last, and a rich friendship developed as a result of Martha’s kindness. So for Christ’s sake, let’s be ready to share our homes, our possessions, our lives with other people as we have opportunity - just like Martha.
19)# ’To be rich in good deeds.’
1 Timothy 6:18 (17-19)
The Apostle Paul has been playing on the word ‘rich’. He speaks of the uncertainty of worldly riches compared with the richness (abundance) of God’s provision for life (v17) and the eternal reward that comes from rich (copious) and generous actions done out of a love for Christ. Good deeds will be the evidence of a generous heart. This is not a one-off action done out of guilt or on a whim, but it’s a life that is given over to showing goodness to other people, just as Christ has shown his goodness to you and me.
We may not have much money in the bank, but we can all be rich in good deeds. Spending time in serving others is as good an investment as we will ever make. Sharing what we have, however little, can bless other people. It’s not an option for the follower of Christ, but a command. Let’s be obedient today and share the riches of our time and possessions, as opportunities come our way.
20)# ’For the Lamb … will be their shepherd.’
Revelation 7:17 (13-17)
Here is a wonderful reversal of roles. Lambs usually need to be cared for by the shepherd, but in the Kingdom of God it is the Lamb who becomes the shepherd. John the Baptist spoke of Christ as the ‘Lamb of God’ who would be offered as the sacrifice for sins. Jesus spoke of himself as the good shepherd who would give his life for the sheep. Both are brought together in this glimpse into the heavenly realms as the glorified Christ is in his rightful place at the centre of the throne.
The One who was led out to be crucified will lead the saints in safety. The One who cried ‘I thirst’ will provide springs of living water. The One who came in humility will come again in glory and triumph. ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!’ (Rev 5:12).
21)# ’God heard their groaning and remembered his covenant.’
Exodus 2:24 (18-25)
God hadn’t forgotten his covenant with Abraham (cf Gen 15:13). The original Hebrew for remembered means to mark or recognise. The groaning of the Israelites provided an opportunity for God’s faithfulness to his covenant to be shown, and marked the beginning of their deliverance. The Israelites had flourished in the land of Egypt, but were seen by Pharaoh as a threat to the security of the country. So they were enslaved and oppressed. It was a dire situation, but they were not forgotten by the Lord. He heard their cry, he remembered his promise made hundreds of years earlier and called Moses, out from the desert, to bring the Israelites out of slavery.
Hundreds of years later a new and greater covenant was established as Christ died to set us free from the slavery of sin. The Apostle Paul, quoting the prophet Joel in Romans 10:13, reassures us that ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ God’s promise of blessing made to Abraham in Genesis 11:18, still stands and still applies. Whatever we may be enslaved by, or whatever causes us to groan, can be dealt with as we call out to the Lord, who alone can set us free. Let’s live in his freedom today.
22)# ’Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.‘
Mark 3:35 (31-35)
Jesus uses words of close family to illustrate the reality of belonging to God. Being born again of the Spirit of God brings us into an immediate relationship with the Lord Jehovah. He becomes ‘our Father in heaven’. Hebrews 2:11 tells us that Jesus is not ashamed to call us his brothers since we belong to the same family. As God’s children we share in the inheritance of Christ himself and our names are written in the family book of life.
But for all this, Jesus points out a crucial aspect of family life. Obedience. Living God’s way is the only way for members of his family to live. The Bible is the lamp and light to guide us day by day. It’s not just what we are called, but how we live, that proves we belong to God.
23)# ’Answered by a stick of wood.’
Hosea 4:12 (10-13)
Such was the depths to which the priests had sunk, that instead of being obedient to the Lord, they hoped to be guided by a stick of wood. The prophet, Hosea, emphasises the stupidity and shame of what they were doing in the hope that it would shock people into turning back to the Lord God.
Sadly we see the same thing in the world today and even within the Christian Church. People adhere to superstitions and seek guidance from things that have no life. Horoscopes, crystal balls, tarot cards and the like. We touch wood, cross fingers, wish one another ‘good luck’, wear certain things as lucky charms. We spend money on the lottery or scratch cards in the hope that chance will change our lives. We may regard it as a game or harmless fun, but we lay ourselves open to being tricked and deceived into trusting in things, rather than in the Lord. God’s call on his people today is as it was in Hosea’s day. Let’s get rid of our ‘sticks of wood’ and learn to be guided by the Lord through reading the Bible, through prayer and by the Holy Spirit.
24)# ’At once they left their nets and followed him.’
Matthew 4:20 (17-22)
There comes a time when we can no longer ignore the call of God on our lives. Only for so long can we say it is for other people. We can’t keep pretending not to hear, or hide behind the busyness of life. For these fisherman, their nets were their security, their way of life. But when Christ called them, they could not ignore him. A decision had to be made - and they chose to follow him.
From now on they were willing to be available, for Jesus to use them as ‘fishers of men’, for him to lead and for them to follow. They were not abdicating responsibility, but recognising the Lordship of Christ over all of their lives. It may be relatively easy for you and me to follow Christ during ‘church’ times, but not so easy when out in the real world, submitting to his lordship in all that we do. But it’s a call we can’t ignore, so let’s respond with a resounding ‘yes!’ and trust Jesus to sustain us day by day.
25)# ’But not wholeheartedly.’
2 Chronicles 25:2 (1-4)
It seems that King Amaziah had a struggle between doing what he knew to be right before God and ‘enjoying’ his position of power. He started by doing what was right, but once his position was secure and his power base sorted, he began to act differently and did not take kindly to correction (v16). The problem was that he had a divided heart and was seduced by the gods of the Edomites (v14).
You and I may not be in the same situation as Amaziah, but whenever our heart is divided, not fully for the Lord Jehovah, we’ll struggle in our Christian life. Other things will entice and appeal. The use of our time, our money, our possessions, our responsibilities, our relationships can all be affected by a divided heart. But a heart fully set on living in obedience to the Lord will bring peace and blessing to us and to other people. Let’s learn from Amaziah’s mistake.
26)# ’Nothing but leaves.’
Mark 11:13 (12-17)
In warmer climates, there can be two seasons for figs. There is the early fruit that appears around June on the old wood and then the main crop that comes around August, September on the new wood. Even if this incident was in between the two seasons the appearance of leaves was misleading. Leaves were a sign of growing fruit and Jesus went looking for what should have been there. What he found was symbolic of the Jewish nation then - and sadly, can be true of parts of his Church today. Nothing but leaves.
Giving an appearance of being a follower of Christ is something we can all do. We attend church services, sing the songs, say the right things, but something is missing. As with the fig tree, Jesus is looking for fruit in our lives - ‘the visible expression of the invisible power working within’. It’s the power of the Holy Spirit that transforms our lives and makes us acceptable to God. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit sanctifying us so that we manifest the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control of Jesus himself. As a result, not only will we have what Jesus is looking for, but we will be a blessing to other people and bring glory to Father God.
27)# ’Nor will they train for war anymore.’
Micah 4:3 (2-5)
It is hard to imagine a world without conflict or war. Reports of international and civil wars, in all parts of the world, have become common place in our news bulletins. Training for war is a crucial part of life for powerful nations and insurgents alike. Jesus himself said clearly that leading up to his return, there will be wars and rumours of wars, despite all our progress and talk of peace (Matt 24:6). But in this passage, the prophet Micah speaks of that day when Christ returns to planet earth to bring peace instead of war.
When Jesus returns, military training camps and institutions will become redundant. There will be no more dealing in weapons of war. Animosity between people and military threats between nations will be removed as the Prince of Peace reigns over all. The prophet Micah is looking forward to the millennial reign of Christ, spoken of throughout the Bible. And so should we - and even now, be working for peace in readiness for that Day.
28)# ’Like sheep without a shepherd.’
Matthew 9:36 (35-38)
This is how Jesus saw the crowds that came out to meet him. Matthew speaks of them as harassed and helpless, like sheep, isolated and unprotected. Jesus spoke of himself as the good shepherd. He calls, guides, leads, feeds, protects all who follow him. The good shepherd values each sheep so much that he will leave the safety of the fold to find any one that is lost. Jesus went as far as laying down his life for his sheep. No wonder Jesus had compassion on the crowds who were like sheep without a shepherd.
Things haven’t changed. Today there are millions of ‘sheep’ wandering through life without a shepherd - lost, crippled and vulnerable. Since sheep will follow sheep, we who have been ‘found’ need to lead others who are still ‘lost’ to the Good Shepherd. Let’s be looking out for lost sheep today.
29)# ’How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!’
Matthew 12:12 (9-14)
Jesus was responding to the pettiness of the Pharisees. They were more bothered by legalities than that a man should be healed on the Sabbath. Of course their objection was motivated by their dislike for Jesus, but how easy it can be for us to fall into a similar vein of pettiness in our dealings with one another.
Sometimes we are more bothered by the insignificant issues of Church life than we are by the need to bring other people to know Christ. Jesus makes a point here that we would do well to remember. People are more valuable to the Lord than our patterns, systems, forms or preferences. Putting ourselves out, so as to welcome outsiders in, is what the Church has been called to do. Let’s make sure we keep that as our overriding goal.
30)# ’You are talking like a foolish woman.’
Job 2:10 (7-10)
Job is not suggesting that it is only women who might speak foolishly! He is chastening his wife for her thoughtless suggestion that he ‘curse God and die’. Such words show a lack of moral judgement or respect for a righteous God. As Job points out, ‘Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?’ Troubled times, adversities, even afflictions, can be part of the pruning process that Jesus spoke about in John 15, so as to make fruitful branches even more fruitful. It seems that Job understood this principle.
Discipleship of Christ, is not conditional on an easy life. All too often, when things go well, our attention can be drawn away from the Lord. During hard times our experience of the Holy Spirit can become much deeper. When we walk through the valley of darkness, Christ our Shepherd walks with us, by his Spirit. The promise of eternal life is for those who persevere and don’t give up. So let’s not be distracted by those who want an easy life, nor discouraged when times are hard.
31)# ’That you have come to royal position for such a time as this?’
Esther 4:14 (12-17)
As a young girl Esther may well have dreamt of becoming a princess or even a queen. Now her dreams had been realised, though the immediate circumstances she and the other Jews found themselves in were anything but a dream. However, this wasn’t down to fate, but down to God’s eternal plan that included Esther. As queen she became the means of salvation for her people, the Jews.
When our lives are given to the Lord, then it is for him to choose our place and role of service. Being used by the Lord is not dependent on our position or status, but on our willingness to serve. Esther’s position as queen didn’t guarantee her safety, but it did give her an opportunity. It can be the same for you and me. Wherever we are and whatever position we have, let’s use it to serve the Lord and offer his salvation to other people, irrespective of the cost to ourselves.