THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 9:5-10 “The Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword… But they did not lay their hands on the plunder.” (Esther 9:5,10) The violence here was self-defense, only killing those who were out to kill them. Apparently, even with the king’s new decree, many still wanted to kill the Jews. It…
Author: Norm
Last first
THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 9:1-4 “The tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them.” (Esther 9:1) Have you ever been at the bottom of the pecking order? The butt of jokes, picked last for the team, ignored or laughed at? I have been there a few times, and I…
“I want what you got!”
THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 8:15-17 “Many people became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.” (Esther 8:17) It seems people were converting to Judaism out of fear of the Jews. It might be better to say that it was awe and respect, and not fear for their lives. Like Haman’s friends, they sensed the…
Tasting the joy to come!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 8:15-17 “For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.” (Esther 8:16) Since sin entered the world, it has been a place of misery and sorrow. On any given day, there is more sorrow than joy, more despair than hope. Let me be clear, there can be…
The one passion every disciple should have!
Found this quote online. Changed one word, substituted ‘disciple’ for ‘pastor’. “To pursue ministry but not having a passion for the gospel and fulfilling the Great Commission is like pursuing medicine, but not liking patients. I suppose you can manage along, but you will lack fruitfulness and joy. Most troubling of all, you will hinder…
God’s ring-bearers!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 8:9-14 “Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed the dispatches with the king’s signet ring.” (Esther 8:10) Mordecai is now Xerxes right hand man, under Xerxes’ authority alone. Everything and everyone else must obey Mordecai, Xerxes’ chosen one. This gives us an idea of how God created us, our place…
The irrevocable law of life!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 8:3-8 “No document written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring can be revoked.” (Esther 8:5) Xerxes thought he was ‘God’, his word final, holding the power of life and death. Only a new law could overrule an existing law; an existing law couldn’t be revoked. Because this would undercut…
Heirs with you of the gracious gift of life
THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 8:1-2 “King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews.” (Esther 8:1) God created this world as a gift for all to share and enjoy. Sin has turned this world into a greedy, grabbing conflict. There is plenty to go around for everyone, yet so many suffer…
I choose this pole!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 7:5-10 “So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai.” (Esther 7:10) This is not a pretty picture, impaled on a pole 75ft tall. It was a visually disturbing and powerful image, for everyone to see. Many people knew that this death was meant for Mordecai. Haman ends…
The family of God!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 7:1-4 “Grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request.” (Esther 7:3) Esther puts her own life into jeopardy for the sake of her family. Understandably, she cares for her family, for her people. “Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites…