Friday, August 24, 2012

August 24 – The Right to Defend Their Lives

Read Esther 8:1-17 Key verses: v 6, v 11 and v 17.

Queen Esther addressed King Ahasuerus, "For how can I endure to see the calamity which will befall my people, and how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?" v.6.

In them (letters to the provinces) the king granted the Jews who were in each and every city the right to assemble and to defend their lives, to destroy, to kill and to annihilate the entire army of any people or province which might attack them, including children and women, and to plunder their spoil…v.11.

In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king's commandment and his decree arrived, there was gladness and joy for the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the dread of the Jews had fallen on them. v.17.

Long live the Queen…Long live the Jews. Such a great attitude. Queen Esther always appealed to the king with…if I have found favor with you, then…. She thought of the king first then herself, so King Ahasuerus always granted her wish when he could, but he couldn’t take back or revoke earlier decrees. He could send out new edicts to allow a different course of action. That is just what this announcement did for the Jews so that they could defend themselves. A good choice of action and the Jews celebrated when they heard the news. A feast and a holiday.

Isn’t that the way it is for all of us. When we hear good news we want to throw a party—celebrate—or go out for dinner to a special restaurant. What is your favorite way to celebrate a special occasion? What foods do you like to eat? Let’s throw some steaks on the grill! Or how about some stuffed hamburgers? Each person can make them just the way they like! Serve that up with some potato salad and ice cold beverages and you’ve a meal fit for a king.

Lord, we thank you that we can rejoice, be glad and celebrate! Thanks also for the bounty that you provide for us.

Stuffed Hamburgers
 
1/4 to 1/3 pound of ground beef per person – use about 7% fat or less
Stuffing ingredients:
    Chopped mushrooms, onions, olives, green pepper, chili peppers
    Grated or chopped cheeses: cheddar, swiss, gorgonzola, blue cheese, feta cheese
    Thin sliced: pepperoni and Canadian bacon
Hamburger buns
Additional sliced cheese, thinly sliced tomatoes, leaf lettuce

For each person, divide the burger into two portions, flatten and season as desired with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic or onion powder. Let each person place their desired stuffing ingredients on one half of the meat and top with the other portion of the meat. Press the edges together well to seal.

Grill for about 8 minutes on each side or until meat thermometer reaches 160 degrees. Top with an additional slice of cheese if desired.  Place on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and other condiments as desired. Enjoy!

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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