Store up Heavenly Treasures

Esther 1:3-4 "that in the third year of his reign he made a feast for all his officials and servants--the powers of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the princes of the provinces being before him-- 4 when he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the splendor of his excellent majesty for many days, one hundred and eighty days in all." (NKJV) ~


In the ancient times, rulers used lavish banquets to secure the loyalty of their leadership, to lay plans and strategies for ruling the nation, and for launching military campaigns. This lavish banquet went on for 180 days - wow, can you imagine having a party for six months! It is said that he was planning a military move during these six months and now as we look at verse five the plans are made Xerxes is ready to celebrate their plans and the great power of the empire. This celebration went for seven days. But it was not just for the leaders, it was for all in Susa - the great and the small.

Notice in verses six through eight how the king in his pride displayed his vast wealth and dazzling luxury. Linen, silver, marble and other costly stones are known to have been used in Persia, Blue and white were the royal colors as we see in Esther 8:15. The guests were allowed to drink as much or as little of the royal wine as they desired. So while the men were enjoying their banquet we see in verse nine Queen Vashti - King Xerxes wife had a separate banquet for the wives. King Xerxes was a man of enormous wealth whose life was one of extravagance, pleasure and luxury. Being prideful as he was, he boasted in showing off his wealth and in demonstrating his authority and power over others. My friend, Scripture tells us in: Matthew 6:19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.”

What we do with the treasures God gives us is what is important. Instead of boasting about what we have and flaunting it in front of others, we should use our treasures to Glorify God. There are a lot of people who are hurting, whether it is due to health issues or financial problems due to this economy. If we can help financially or by just giving an ear to listen to someone who needs encouragement, we need to seek what God wants us to do.
Remember, Pride does not get us anywhere. Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."