“In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants… When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days” (Esther 1:3,4).
TEXT — Esther 1:1-6
Message
Examples of extreme extravagance abound throughout history. Nero constructed his Golden Palace after the great fire of Rome in 64 C.E. It was an extravagant display of wealth and luxury, featuring gold-plated halls, exotic animals, and lavish amenities. Nero’s indulgence fuelled the speculation that he intentionally started the fire to make way for his palace. However, Nero never got to enjoy his creation as he committed suicide, and the new regime destroyed the palace.
Today’s passage describes an extravagant imperial banquet a Persian king held for his officials. The king reigned over a vast Medo-Persian empire. He had a great banquet lasting six months for his administrators and military officers, plus another week of general feast for everyone in one of his capital cities. Secular history states that the primary purpose of the king’s exhibition here is to convince his officials that he has what it takes to prosecute an impending military campaign. He aimed to manipulate the officials and use his wealth to muzzle objections. But we cannot overlook the ostentation, vainglory, extravagance, and sensuality in his wasteful feast. At the same time, most of his subjects were poor.
People entrusted with managing public funds must beware of unchecked power and indulgence. Rich people must also take heed and be wary of ostentation and overindulgence. We must all shun extravagance, pride, and flaunting of wealth. The Scriptures urge us to be moderate in all things as we see the coming of the Lord is near. Indeed, it is a great height of insensitivity to be ostentatious. At the same time, there are hungry people to feed, widows and destitute to help, and countless people to lift out of poverty. Wealth confers the privilege and responsibility to do good, assist the less privileged, and be rich towards God. We should use our resources to care for the sick and support gospel outreaches and mission work rather than live in selfish indulgence.
Thought for the day
If you aim at impressing the world and not the Lord, your aim is too low.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
1 comment
The daily manna has been very helpful and inspiring. I am looking forward to getting it on time as I do not have a copy of it.
The daily manna has been very helpful and inspiring. I am looking forward to getting it on time as I do not have a copy of it.