Lessons from Esther: The Party Continues

And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace; 6 Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble. 7 And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king. 8 And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.  Esther 1:5-8

Ahasuerus had a great feast for 180 days. When the feast ended, he immediately made another feast for “the common people”. All were invited to come to the court of the palace. As before, I’m sure there were not many “regrets”.  This feast lasted for seven days.

The people who attended not only had a feast to fill their stomachs but they had a feast for their eyes. The palace was “dressed to the nines” with beautiful hangings of marvelous colors. Everything was of the best quality; the materials were spectacular, gold, marble, reds, blues, greens a real “feast for the eyes”.

The people were amazed at the surroundings and if that was not enough they were served the best of wine in gold goblets. The wine was flowing and was free for the taking.

As we learn from history (Greek historian Herodotus), the feasting and gathering of people was probably for Ahasuerus (Xerxes) to discuss an invasion on Greece. Whatever the reason for the feast, many attended and the food and wine was abundant and free for the taking.

Do you think the partying is over? What happens when people have too much to drink? Join me the next time to find out.

Verses to ponder:

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Proverbs 20:1 

Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! Isaiah 5:11 

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Ephesians 5:18  

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Aging

7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun: 8 But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity. Ecclesiastes 11:7-8

Solomon says if a man lives many years he needs to rejoice. Seeing the light each morning is a blessing. Waking up and taking a breath of air is something to be thanking God for.  The day is coming that we will be old. It is part of life.

With old age there will be days of darkness. As one ages simple things become much harder than when younger, there are more “aches and pains” as one ages. Climbing stairs may become more of a burden. Picking up items may be harder to do as arthritis or other aliments set in. Aging should not be looked on as a curse but a blessing, if you know Jesus as your Savior it is one step closer to eternity with Him.

I have a few quotes about aging, enjoy a laugh or a sigh, depending on where you are in the “aging” process.

Old age is not for the feeble.

Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many. ~ Unknown

Let us respect gray hairs, especially our own. ~ J.P. Senn

No wise man ever wished to be younger. ~ Jonathan Swift

Old age is not for sissys ~ Eric Lindell

It is a rare and difficult attainment to grow old gracefully and happily. ~ L.M. Child

Gray hairs seem to my fancy like the soft light of the moon, silvering over the evening of life. ~ Henri Richter

Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the youth of old age. ~ Victor Hugo

The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head. Proverbs 20:29 

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psalm 37:25  

Have a blessed day,
Donna