A WALK WITH ESTHER
The book of Esther in the Old Testament can tell us how the Lord puts together His plan, and provides a solid explanation of faith. There is much more to salvation than merely repeating a prayer or a few words of acceptance. This is an unusual book of the bible, because it dwells on faith and does not contain the word God. The story has all the elements of a best seller, with sharply defined characters.
Here we can assess our understanding of belief and faith in God, and recognize the difference. Even Satan recognizes and believes God exists. The difference between a follower of Christ and other people is faith. When you accept Christ's offer of salvation, it costs you nothing materially. To have this contract sealed, you must attempt to follow Christ's example and teaching. You cannot "earn" your salvation, but you are expected to live your life as Christ lived His life. You receive your reward in Heaven, which means your earthly material assets are meaningless.
Now we return to the word "faith", which has everything to do with your heavenly treasure. Obviously this word is very important to me and our ministry because our walk and our tracks reflect the extent of our faith. Research, study and experience have contributed to the mission of our ministry which exists only because of faith. God has His
purpose, and He sent His Son to clearly explain His purpose and set an example for us. We are what we live (values) and God knows the priorities of our heart. Esther had a purpose in God's plan, although she didn't know what it was until after she had progressed from an
orphan to the queen of a secular regime.
The remarkable story of Esther is observed/celebrated in mid-March each year by the Jewish people. It is called Purim. This book of the bible could have been titled "Faith". Now, as they often say, "we return to yesteryear", or the rest of our story.
In Matt. 17:20, Christ tells His disciples they couldn't cast out a demon because of the lack of faith. "if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." There are dozens
of biblical references to faith, but Paul sums it up concisely in 2 Cor. 5:7, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." It is easy to talk about faith, but it is not easy to practice faith.
After completing ministry studies, we worked within organized (denominational) churches. I was ordained by two of these, but the time I spent within these and other denominations showed me both the good points and some glaring weaknesses. While faith was preached, it rarely resulted in actual practice. This was true with many pastors as well as congregations. The pull of the secular world is extremely strong, and relying on faith tries the patience when it appears a secular solution will work. The best example of this is in present day mega churches, which are built on secular marketing principles. This is not to say all these people lack faith or are on the wrong path. Salvation and faith are personal issues, and each person stands according to his/her heart values.
The glaring weaknesses were the very foundation of Christianity: lack of teaching the Word, and lack of actually following Christ's example and teaching in the Four Gospels. Unfortunately, the secular marketing principles are just as successful in religion as they are in business. Blessings are touted, as they should be, but the sacrifices required of Christians as clearly written in scripture are shoved under the rug. Christ has given you eternal life, and showed us the sacrifice that was necessary. Each of us who receives salvation has a purpose to fulfill as our "payment." Always remember, however, that God values obedience above sacrifice. 1 Sam. 15:22, "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice." We need to remember that obedience frequently requires sacrifice.
Our ministry name, "Faith Walk", is meant to remind people that we need to walk in faith. Without denominational affiliation and support, we knew the financial road would be difficult. Every step in this walk has seemed impossible. We never sought payment for
our work, and we received almost no financial support. Our secular occupations provided the ministry support. A major reason for that was many of the people we served were poor and widely scattered. While this meant living practically from paycheck to paycheck,
it strengthened our walk in faith. I recall the dean at Liberty Baptist University telling me about two farmers. One sold his crops in the secular market, and told his neighbor he had his money by October 1. He was goading his neighbor because the neighbor had sold his crop otherwise, and had not yet been paid. The farmer responded, "God pays His people well, but not necessarily on October 1st."
The meaning of this declaration came home to roost this past year. I had a serious medical problem that required some six months' of treatment and care. My wife and daughter, already carrying a heavy workload, stepped up to keep things going. Here's a teaching point for you. Many people prayed for me, but very few gave us any money.
The prayers are appreciated, but without the trickle of money, my wife would not have been able to make the trips for the care I needed. The teaching point is that the money came equally from Christian and secular givers. If you payed attention to Christ's teaching, you know He welcomed and worked with secular people as well as believers.
An important point we realized early in our ministry was that while prayers are important, material aid may be even more important, and may require you to make a personal sacrifice. You are not to judge the person in need, but address the entire situation. Throwing money at a drunk won't help him at all. A poorly dressed person can be helped by some shoes or clothing. A mortgage or car payment can help someone temporarily in need. Christ told us to share with the less fortunate, and our generosity will be repaid in heaven.
The exciting part of Faith Walk now is how increments of our undated payment is taking shape. There's a small amount of cash, but a huge amount of personal input--much by secular people. Their input consists of chopping and hauling wood, unloading feed, watering livestock, and various helpful acts of labor. While this is happening, we are able to discuss God and Christ's path on a low key basis. For some, this is their first taste of religion and/or Christianity. Food brought to us is shared with these families as needed, and wood from our woodlot goes to heat another home. Some of our helpers take meals with us. Helpers range from middle class to poor. They are an expansion of the widow's mite. Even if not saved, they are becoming accustomed to the Christian "walk".
A Faith Walk naturally leads to Faith Tracks. If your walk in faith is as true as you can make it, you will provide tracks for others to follow. We all follow tracks of those who have gone before us, whether the tracks are physical or mental. Early in our ministry, we were led to use the experiences with animals to show people--mainly children--the power of faith. An example was a cat taken by a puppy/cat mill person while we weren't home. This was a gentle house pet taken from our yard. We felt a real loss, but told our young daughter God could bring the cat home if her prayers were strong in faith. Several weeks later, when we went to our coal bin, we found the cat sleeping peacefully there. She was very thin and obviously had a difficult journey to get home. She became known as Coal Kitty from that day on.
Our farm animals and pets became a source of comfort and companionship, both for children and adults suffering from depression and loneliness. We put together a book of these real life events, and the stories were used in some Sunday Schools. These booklets were a major source of disappointment when their display at a church-sponsored event resulted in the theft of our entire stock. Since then there have been many more animal adventures that may join the original group in a book. We have become a "known" place to drop off pets, so the variety and number of animals continue to grow. These animals frequently leave spiritual footsteps that may be followed through bonding and understanding.
We are very thankful to have a part in a recent undertaking by a group of military veterans who are putting together a recovery facility to help returning veterans who suffer from various forms of post traumatic disorders. The project is using a foundation group of our miniature cattle to provide veterans with an opportunity to rediscover peace with these animals, who will also provide milk and meat. This extensive project, like our ministry, exists without taxpayer subsidy or other organizational support. It offers a faith walk and faith tracks to Christ's message, a rebuilt life and salvation. There is no secular
separation and money isn't required. This project, like Faith Walk, is in the hands of caring volunteers.
The Book of Esther illustrates how God uses man/woman to carry out His purpose and plan. Esther had to risk her life, a willing sacrifice if necessary, to save her people, God's Chosen. Read the Book--it's short--and it will do you good. I also urge you to read something every American should read and seriously consider. It is inscribed on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. It was written by Emma Lazarus. The name Lazarus occurs in several places in scripture, but most notably in Luke 16:19-31.
For those of you who don't recall these passages, I will sum them up for you. It describes who and why people go to Heaven or Hell. Now please read the inscription on the Statue of Liberty.
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."
This message by that lady speaks to us today just as Christ spoke to the people of His time and directed the path to eternal life. Christ is the Light of the World and the golden door is the gateway to Heaven. Many Americans today are interested in material wealth, unwilling to share the wealth God has provided (all wealth belongs to God, not man), and don't care about the health and well-being of their fellow man/woman. Lazarus didn't have much in the material world, but he retired to a mansion in Heaven. You can make your choice. Saying you are a Christian doesn't make you one. God knows our values.
Rev. Walbear
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