And he opened his mouth and taught them saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:2-3.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23.

God’s kingdom is where God is. And God is near. He came and showed us what love looks like and we are blessed when we realize our need for Him.

And in our chapter, Esther 5, a king of this world showed favor to his wife, the queen, who risked everything including her own life to appear before him. I can’t help but think about how human Xerxes was. He was swayed to allow a decree that would end up killing his own wife and her people and had no idea that that outcome would follow. He knew people would die. He knew. And Haman knew only hate for Mordecai because Mordecai would not show proper fear for him and bow down to him. Contrast two men of power, Xerxes the king and Haman, his second in command…with our true King, our Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit. God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5.

Xerxes allowed Esther into his presence and she invited him and Haman to a banquet. A second banquet was to follow the next day. Haman was pleased to be so honored and yet his hatred for Mordecai overtook everything. A darkness. When he complained to his wife and friends, what was their advice? “Have a pole set up, reaching to a height of fifty cubits, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai impaled on it. Then go with the king to the banquet and enjoy yourself.” v. 14. Can you imagine? Darkness.

Is it any wonder God’s kingdom needs to be restored to this earth and to our hearts and minds? Where God is there is no darkness. The darkness lives in our hearts and minds as we live apart from God’s love for us and for everyone. What a difference when we realize our need for our God…the poor in spirit. When we truly see the darkness of this world in our own hearts and minds we can begin to realize our deepest need is for our God and His love leading us forward with Him guiding us. And, blessing of blessings, God is here to help us in His great love for us. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14. No darkness. God’s light loving us and healing us. What joy there is in God and His love. Thank You, Lord, for so great, so glorious a love!