PSALMS
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Psalms 147 and 148

Psalms 147: 1 – 11
Praising GOD is work that is its own wages.
It is comely; it becomes us as reasonable creatures, much more as people in covenant with GOD. HE gathers outcast sinners by HIS grace, and will bring them into HIS holy habitation. To those whom GOD heals with the consolations of HIS SPIRIT, HE speaks peace, assures them their sins are pardoned. And for this, let others praise HIM also. Man’s knowledge is soon ended; but GOD’s knowledge is a depth that can never be fathomed. And while HE telleth the number of the stars, HE condescends to hear the broken-hearted sinner. While HE feeds the young ravens, he will not leave HIS praying people destitute. Clouds look dull and melancholy, yet without them we could have no rain, therefore no fruit. Thus afflictions look black and unpleasant; but from clouds of affliction come showers that make the soul to yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness. The psalmist delights not in things wherein sinners trust and glory; but a serious and suitable regard to GOD is, in his sight, of very great price. We are not to be in doubt between hope and fear, but to act under the gracious influences of hope and fear united.

OLD TESTAMENT
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Esther 7: 1 – 8: 8

Esther 8: 3
Put away the mischief.
Although Haman was hanged as a result of GOD’s just intervention, the King’s edict to destroy the Jews was still in effect. Even the king himself could not reverse the official decree. However, in response to Esther’s request, a second decree was written that gave the Jews the right to fight back and defend themselves on the day formerly decreed for their destruction. GOD typically does not save His people apart from their faithful participation, yet HE is constantly with them working out their deliverance, Israel’s deliverance was the result of the combined activity of both GOD and faithful believers.

NEW TESTAMENT
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1 Corinthians 3: 1 – 15

1 Corinthians 3: 15
Yet so as by fire.
As by fire is probably an expression meaning barely saved. GOD will evaluate the quality of life, influence, teaching and work in the church of each person and especially here, of each minister. If his work is judged unworthy, he will lose his reward, yet he himself may be saved. Note that this passage does not teach a doctrine of purgatory, it addresses a judgment of works, not the cleansing of a person from mortal sins.