A Brand with Royal Appeal

Genuine Christianity or faithfulness to God is a brand that seems to always carry royal appeal whether positive or negative.

Instances of positive appeal occurred with Joseph, David, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel, and the three Hebrew boys.

Instances of negative appeal occurred with the prophets of God during the majority of the period of reign of the kings of Israel and Judah, Jesus at His birth and eventually at His death, His followers of all ages (mixed fortunes).

As long as the heathen kings felt no threat of uprising or usurping of their power from the true follower of God they usually found them the most trustworthy ones to appoint for top positions in their kingdoms. Contrariwise, the kings of Israel and Judah who had issues with God's messengers objected only because the rebellious hearts were revealed by these prophets. They hated the prophets for this, and because they usually brought news of impending judgement as well.

Did you know that sometimes as a Christian today you'll find it easier to practice your faith in a non-Christian environment - simply because of the respect that your non-Christian counterparts have for you. That isn't always the case however. But here's what sometimes happens in a Christian environment - if you're too principled you're not liked very much; you're sometimes labelled as naive, fanatical, holier-than-thou. Thank God however, that isn't always the case.

Whether we're liked or not, if we're faithful to God, He'll be faithful to us, and He has promised that we'll "walk on the high places of the earth" (Isa 58:13) if we walk with Him.

"Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it Jesus is my plea; Daily walking close to Thee, let it be dear Lord, let it be."

This reading is based on Esther 10, in keeping with the Revived by His Word (RBHW) initiative of the General Conference of SDAs.  To read and/or listen to this chapter and read other related blogs please click here.