THE STORY OF JESUS: John 14:5-7 “If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.” (John 14:7) Sin disconnects us from God. This makes sense, since we also experience how bad behavior ruins relationships. When someone really hurts us, we normally break off our connection with them. Unless we really love them (like a…
God’s family dream!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 14:1-4 “My Father’s house has many rooms, I am going to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2) The ‘Father’s house’ is the restored creation where we will all enjoy eternal life. Life in God’s world, as it was originally created, and as it will one day be again. Jesus comes to…
The greatest of all!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 10:1-3 “Mordecai worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.” (Esther 10:3) Mordecai sits at the right hand of king Xerxes. He has been entrusted with all authority in the kingdom, under Xerxes. He is a great leader, but what makes him great…
HIStory is my story!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 9:29-32 “Esther’s decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, and it was written down in the records.” (Esther 9:32) Esther’s words and actions are recorded so people will not forget. Their purpose is not just record-keeping, but for encouragement and hope. “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach…
Lest we forget…
THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 9:23-28 “These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city.” (Esther 9:28) Holy days (or holidays) are set to help people remember special occasions. Purim and Passover for Jews, Eid and Ramadan for Muslims, Christmas and Easter for Christians. Thanksgiving,…
Celebrate grace everyday!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 9:16-22 “He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.” (Esther 9:22) Notice the connection between celebrating God’s grace and sharing it with others. In Moses’ Law, the Jews were often told to remember the…
Jesus’ way of mercy
THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 9:11-15 “Give the Jews in Susa permission to carry out this day’s edict tomorrow also, and let Haman’s ten sons be impaled on poles.” (Esther 9:13) Yesterday I spoke of winning back, not paying back. This sounds like payback, especially the part about Haman’s sons. That the Jews only defended themselves when…
Win back, not pay back!
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…
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…