Dead People Walking? (Eph. 2:1-3)

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
(Ephesians 2:1-3, NASB)

I have no desire to be who I was. Although I asked Jesus into my heart when I was six years old, I allowed circumstances to take me away from my child-like faith. I made very deliberate, very poor choices, and I became a “dead woman walking.”

I reveled in what the world offered—partying, drinking, dancing ‘til dawn. I indulged the lusts and desires of my flesh. It was all about me.

As I think about it now, I realize I’d changed my alliance. Instead of serving the God of the universe, I was serving the “prince of the power of the air.” Just writing those words just about breaks my heart. It’s one thing to say I chose not to follow God’s leading; it’s quite another to say I chose to follow His enemy.

Jesus was so very right when He said we can’t serve two masters. And if we’re not serving God, we’re serving Satan.

No matter whom we are now, at one time—before we chose to follow Christ—we followed Satan. The question is, how obvious is it that we are serving God? If someone were to look at us as we’re standing in a very long line at the grocery store, would they know we’re Christians? If they read our Facebook page, would they see Christ shine through us? If they heard us joke with our friends, would they hear the love of God?

Would the world still see us as “dead people walking”? Or would they see something different. Something appealing. Something like Christ.

Jesus-Alive and Well (Eph. 1:20-23)

These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
(Ephesians 1:20-23, NASB)

Yesterday, we celebrated the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And today’s verses remind us that Jesus is—without doubt—alive and well!

Jesus is “seated … at [the Father’s] right hand in the heavenly places …” And one day, those of us who follow Christ will join Him in those heavenly places. Whether it’s through the end of our earthly lives or when Jesus returns to bring us into the very presence of God, we will spend eternity in worship and service to God—Father, Son, and Spirit.

Jesus is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion …” I don’t know about you, but there are days when it seems like the “power and dominion” of this earth are winning. And yes, sometimes they’re winning the battles. This world continues to decline—more perversion, more corruption, more pain, more suffering. It can make me want to throw up my hands and cry out, “Jesus, take me now!” But we can be confident that even though some battles may be lost, our Lord and Savior has already won the war! (See John 16:33.)

Jesus is the “head over all things to the church …” We who follow Christ are part of the church, His very body. And I have to ask: Is this “body” healthy? Are we daily communing with our “Head”? Are we striving to know Him better through study and meditation of the word of God? Are we spending time with other members of the body, strengthening and challenging each other?

Jesus is definitely alive and well, and He’s ready and willing to work in the lives of those who choose to follow Him. Let’s praise Him for what He’s done for us, let’s follow the will of the Father, and let’s strive to be healthy members of Christ’s body.

He is Risen! (Easter Sunday)

The women rose early that Sunday morning—those who could sleep at all. Yesterday, they’d gathered together to mourn the terrible loss. They’d embraced, holding each other in desperate grief.

It was beyond comprehension. Jesus was dead.

Mary Magdalene, who owed her very life to the Master, assembled the various herbs and oils they’d need to anoint the body. The body of Jesus …

Salome, who’d followed Jesus for months, folded clean linens that would replace Friday evening’s hastily applied wrappings.

Mary, the mother of James, assured Jesus’ own mother they’d take great care of her Son. “Just rest today, Mary. We will come back to you as soon as we can. Just rest.”

They met outside Salome’s home, and quietly made their way to the tomb. Speaking softly. Weeping quietly. Mary Magdalene wondered out loud, “Who will move the stone? Certainly the guards will not help us.”

Around the last bend to the burial site. Bracing themselves to view the body of their Master.

What was this? The stone already rolled away? Who had already been to the grave so early this Sunday morning?

Mary Magdalene stooped to look, and then wailed, “He is gone! Someone has stolen His body.”

Salome and Mary joined in her sobbing.

Then a voice: "Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.” (Mark 16:6-6)

The women fled, trembling, and rushed back to where Christ’s intimates had gathered. They told Peter and the others what they had been told. Peter and John ran to the tomb, followed closely by Mary Magdalene. As the two men entered the tomb, Mary stood outside weeping. Even with the words she’d heard, she still didn’t understand.

Then a voice just behind her asked, “Woman, why are you weeping?”

She assumed it was the gardener and cried, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him … if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." (John 20:15)

Then a miracle. The voice, one she finally recognized, said just one word, “Mary!”

She turned. It was the Master! Alive! Just as He’d said.

A night of sorrow and a day of silence, immediately became a morning of joy! The Master lived!

And the world would never be the same.

A Day of Silence ...

Saturday morning. Those who had followed Jesus woke to silence.

John remembered standing at the foot of the cross, his arm around Mary. Jesus had asked him to look after her as a son would. In silence, he wept as Jesus took His last breath. In silence, he watched as they lowered His broken body. In silence, he followed Joseph of Arimathea, who took Jesus’ body to a tomb. In silence, he watched them roll the stone. In silence, he led the grieving mother back to his own home. And this morning, in silence, he grieved.

Peter remembered Jesus’ prophecy. He would deny his master. How prideful he’d been as he boasted, “Never, Lord! Never will I deny you.” In silence, he now wept bitter tears. In silence, he prayed to Yahweh, begging for forgiveness. In silence, he wished for another chance to unashamedly claim allegiance to Jesus. And this morning, in silence, he grieved.

Thomas remembered Jesus telling them He was going to prepare a place for them, but he didn’t understand what He meant. He thought Jesus would be setting up a kingdom on earth. Now He was dead. In silence, he wondered what would become of him and the other disciples. In silence, he listened for the gait of soldiers coming to arrest him as well. In silence, he questioned all he’d learned. And this morning, in silence, he grieved.

The others—Philip, James, Nathanael, Andrew, Matthew, Bartholomew, Judas [son of James], Simon—each remembered the words of Jesus. In silence, they recalled His miracles. In silence, they feared for their own lives. And this morning, in silence, they grieved.

The hours between Jesus’ death on Friday and Sunday morning are silent for us as well. The Bible doesn’t give even a hint of where His followers went, what they said, what they thought. But we can imagine. We can imagine their thoughts, their fears, their confusion. But the one thing we don’t have to imagine?

In silence, that Saturday, they grieved. Because they didn’t know Sunday morning was coming.

Twenty-four Hours (Good Friday)

Today is Good Friday, the day we Christians solemnly recognize the sacrificial death of our Lord and Savior, and I just want to spend a few moments reflecting on what Jesus did for us. I’ve been thinking a lot of the unbelievable suffering and pain our Lord experienced—and not just physically. I’ve been thinking a lot about His last twenty-four hours …

In twenty-four hours …

Jesus washed the feet of His disciples … and then felt the agony of a spike through His own.

He celebrated Passover with twelve men who promised to follow Him no matter what … and then watched as every one of them deserted Him.

He sipped wine with His closest friends … and then vinegar from a sponge.

He reclined with the disciple He loved at His side … and then had a spear through that same side.

He prayed in the garden for deliverance from separation from His Father … and then agonized through that very separation.

Our Lord and Savior felt joy and sorrow, friendship and betrayal, comfort and suffering … all within twenty-four hours.

Just for us.

Each of us is given a certain number of twenty-four hours. Only God knows how many twenty-four hours we have. The question is, what are we going to do with each of our twenty-four hours?

He did so much for us. What are we going to do for Him?

The Hope of His Calling (Eph. 1:18-19)

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
(Ephesians 1:18-19, NASB)

God has a calling for each of His children.

Some are called to be preachers. Some are teachers. Some are encouragers.

Each of us has a place in His kingdom. Each and every one of us. No matter who you are, no matter what you can—or cannot do—God will use you.

It’s easy sometimes to think that, because we aren’t a preacher standing in front of a church, we’re just not that important. Or because we’re not a world-renowned evangelist leading hundreds and hundreds of people to know the Lord, we’re not impacting the kingdom.

But that’s not true; that’s not what the Bible tells us. The apostle Paul tells us that each gift is important—even critical—to the healthy function of the body of Christ:

But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism [division] in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. (1 Corinthians 12:24b-26)

You can have hope in knowing that God will call you to use the gifts that He’s given you.

Do you believe that God has called you to serve Him? Do you know how He’s gifted you? If you do, use those gifts to serve and glorify Him. If you don’t, ask Him to reveal your gifts.
(from Hope: Devotions for Finding Hope in Every Situation © 2007 Sauni Rinehart)

Be Spiritually Healthy (Eph. 1:15-17)

For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.
(Ephesians 1:15-17, NASB)

Without proper nutrition, we cannot grow well physically. Malnourishment affects every part of the body.

It’s the same with our spiritual growth. If we’re not properly nourished in God’s word, we remain stagnant … and sometimes even decline.

Paul prayed that the Christians in Ephesus would have a “spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.”

Proverbs 2 outlines the importance of godly wisdom. It should be a “hidden treasure” that we search for diligently, and when we find it, we will “understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God” (v. 5). Moreover:

… knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
Discretion will preserve you;
Understanding will keep you,
To deliver you from the way of evil … (vv. 10b-12)

And where do we gain knowledge? Through God’s word. Daily study and meditation is imperative.

Think of it this way: If you’re planning to be a doctor, you will be diligent in your study. You may even have to curtail other activities in order to have the time and energy to devote to learning. Right?

It’s the same as a follower of Christ. If you want to grow in Christ, if you want to have godly wisdom, if you want to truly know God, you need to spend time in the Bible. It shouldn’t be an afterthought. Rather, it should be the first priority of your day.

What are you doing that would be better spent gaining wisdom and knowledge of your Lord? Nourish yourself daily so that you will be spiritually healthy.

Never Alone (Eph. 1:13-14)

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.
(Ephesians 1:13-14, NASB)

Do you ever feel lonely?

I sometimes do. With my family spread throughout the U.S., with my friends busy with their own lives … sometimes, I feel quite alone.

But then I remember, I’m never alone. Never. I’m God’s beloved daughter, “sealed … with the Holy Spirit of promise …”

My trusty commentary says:

… the Holy Spirit, which is promised to them who believe on Christ Jesus, was given to you, and thus you were ascertained to be the children of God, for God has no child who is not a partaker of the Holy Ghost, and he who has this Spirit has God's seal that he belongs to the heavenly family (The Adam Clarke Commentary).

I am part of God’s family, and the Holy Spirit is within me.

Thank You, Lord God, for the reminder that I’m never alone. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for living in me.

In Him ... (Eph. 1:7-12)

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
(Ephesians 1:7-12 NASB)

In Him … In our Lord Jesus Christ … We have been given so much.

As we learned yesterday, God had a plan to make redemption and forgiveness available to both Jew and Gentile.

In God’s perfect plan, anyone who believes in Jesus as Lord and Savior and accepts the free gift of salvation, receives God’s grace and mercy. These verses remind us of other blessings:

We receive redemption. According to Webster’s Dictionary, Redeem means to “buy back,” to “release from blame or debt” or to “free from the consequences of sin.” Because of our Lord God’s love for us, we are “free from the consequences of sin.”

We know the “mystery of His will.” While God may not reveal all of His will to us, if we ask Him to direct our paths, if we surrender ourselves completely to Him, He will guide us.

We can be assured that He has a purpose for our lives. And sometimes, for me at least, this is the one that gets me up in the morning. If I didn’t believe God had a purpose for my pain, I’d never get out of bed. Days like today, when the pain level is almost off the charts, make me long for heaven, “... having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Phil. 1:23). But I know God isn’t finished with my earthly journey yet; He still has a purpose for me.

And so I crawl out of bed, praising Him that I can do so. I praise Him for redemption. I praise Him for His will for me. I praise Him for His purpose.

He is such a good God!

God's Grace for All People (Eph. 1:3-5)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love, He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
(Ephesians 1:3-5, NASB)

We have been blessed beyond measure as children of God. No matter what we’ve done, no matter where we’ve been, no matter how poor the choices we’ve made, we can be "holy and blameless" in the eyes of our Father.

Praise our God!

Now we come to a more controversial part of Paul’s letter. God “chose us before the foundation of the world …” and “He predestined us to adoption as sons [and daughters]” …

Some argue that this is in direct contrast to the idea of free will—that we choose to follow Christ.

One of my favorite commentaries clears this misconception up for us. Until Paul began preaching to the Gentiles, the Jews:

considered themselves an elect or chosen people, and wished to monopolize the whole of the Divine love and beneficence. The apostle here shows that God had the Gentiles as much in the contemplation of his mercy and goodness as he had the Jews; and the blessings of the Gospel, now so freely dispensed to them, were the proof that God had thus chosen them, and that his end in giving them the Gospel was the same which he had in view by giving the law to the Jews ...

So when Paul wrote about predestination, he was writing about the Gentles as a people group, and thus used that word to “point out God's fixed purpose or predetermination to bestow on the Gentiles the blessing of the adoption of sons by Jesus Christ” (from The Adam Clarke Commentary http://www.studylight.org/com/acc/view.cgi?book=eph&chapter=001).

What this means is that God’s grace and mercy is available to all people. All people. But Jesus is still waiting patiently at the door of countless hearts. We still have to open the door. (See Rev. 3:20.)

Have you opened the door? Have you invited Jesus to be Lord of your life? Then and only then will you experience the “kind intention of His will.” His loving, gracious, merciful, righteous will.

Love Letters (Eph. 1:1-2)

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Ephesians 1:1-2, NASB)

Today, we begin a journey through another of my favorite books, Ephesians. I look forward to learning more about my Lord and Savior. I pray you’ll do the same.

Letter writing is a lost art. With texts and emails, FaceBook status updates and instant messaging, no one sits down to put pen to paper. And I think it’s sad.

Just think. If Paul had had access to today’s technology, he would have sent off his letters via cyberspace, and who knows where they would have ended up. Instead, he took quill and ink, and left for us his God-inspired words. Words that have impacted generation after generation.

That’s why I love to journal. Not that I expect my words to impact even one generation, but there’s something satisfying—and sometimes cathartic—about actually writing about what’s happening in my life. I journal about what God has taught me through His word. I meditate on verses that inspire me—or convict me. I write out prayers. I scribe love letters to God. And maybe someday, someone will read my “letters.” And be impacted in the smallest way.

Write a letter today. Put pen to paper. A real pen to real paper.

And pray as Paul did in his letter to the Ephesians—and to us: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Blessed Be the Lord (Ps. 72:17-19)

His name shall endure forever;
His name shall continue as long as the sun.
And men shall be blessed in Him;
All nations shall call Him blessed.
Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel,
Who only does wondrous things!
And blessed be His glorious name forever!
And let the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen and Amen.
(Psalm 72:17-19, NKJV)

I almost don’t need to include any commentary with these verses!

Our God is amazing, loving, gracious, merciful, good, just, and righteous.

He is the Alpha and Omega. He is all-knowing, everlasting, and with us at all times.

He is Creator, Savior, and Redeemer.

He provides. He protects. He strengthens. He heals.

He is the giver of peace, the lover of our souls, and the source of all good things.

And He is worthy of all glory, all honor, all worship, all praise.

Indeed, let the whole earth be filled with His glory.

Praise Him. Glorify Him. Worship Him.

With all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. He is worthy of nothing less.

Prayer and Praise (Ps. 72:15-16)

And He shall live;
And the gold of Sheba will be given to Him;
Prayer also will be made for Him continually,
And daily He shall be praised.
There will be an abundance of grain in the earth,
On the top of the mountains;
Its fruit shall wave like Lebanon;
And those of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.
(Psalm 72:15-16, NKJV)

The apostle Paul wrote that we’re to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). And King David wrote, “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Ps. 34:1).

We should be praying and praising all the time … but how often do we do either? We tend to pray when we need something. We praise Him when things are going well.

But think about how different your life would be if prayer and praise were the first things you did rather than afterthoughts? What if you were that focused on God and His will?

Would your thought-life be different? Would you speak differently? Would you act differently?

What if all of us who followed Christ did the same? How would the world perceive us?

More loving? More compassionate? More servant-hearted? More joyful? More peaceful?

This morning (or tomorrow morning if you’re reading this later in the day), commit to make God your true focus today. Pray throughout the day. Just thanking Him for what He’d doing in your life. Confessing every sin. Interceding for others.

And praise Him continually. For everything and anything.

See what a difference it might make.

Poverty vs. Riches (Ps. 72:12-14)

For He will deliver the needy when he cries,
The poor also, and him who has no helper.
He will spare the poor and needy,
And will save the souls of the needy.
He will redeem their life from oppression and violence;
And precious shall be their blood in His sight.
(Psalm 72:12-14, NKJV)

I’ve never been truly poor. Even when my mom was raising my siblings and me on her own, we never wanted for anything. Oh, we may have shopped for school clothes at thrift stores, and treats like ice cream were few and far between. But we had a roof over our heads. We had clothes and enough to eat.

I was poor in another way: spiritually. I spent too many years turning away from God and trying to find my own way. Trying to find peace. Trying to find joy. Trying to find contentment.

It was only when I cried out to God from the deepest part of me when I realized how very poor I really was. And He delivered me from my spiritual poverty.

He helped me. He saved my soul. And He redeemed my life.

What about you? Are you rich in the only thing that really matters? Are your spiritual coffers full of God’s promises?

Our earthly lives are just a blip on the radar in comparison with eternity. And any earthly riches we have will one day be meaningless.

Only our riches in God—our faith and how God has used us to impact His kingdom—will remain.

Praise and Service (Ps. 72:8-11)

He shall have dominion also from sea to sea,
And from the River to the ends of the earth.
Those who dwell in the wilderness will bow before Him,
And His enemies will lick the dust.
The kings of Tarshish and of the isles
Will bring presents;
The kings of Sheba and Seba
Will offer gifts.
Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him;
All nations shall serve Him.
(Psalm 72:8-11, NKJV)

As I wrote a couple of days ago, this psalm describes Solomon’s rule as well as the prophecy of the Messiah’s eventual reign. And again, I see more of the latter than the former.

Only our Lord Jesus will one day “have dominion … from sea to sea.” One day, everyone—kings and peasants—will fall down before Him. One day, all nations will recognize that He alone is Lord. And all of us who have chosen to accept His gift of salvation will serve Him.

The apostle Paul wrote something similar in one of my very favorite books, Philippians.

“ … God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (2:9-11).

But we don’t have to wait until His return to fall down before Him. We can—and should—be on our knees praising and worshiping Him every day. We have the privilege of communing with Him, and we so often take that privilege for granted.

And we don’t have to wait until His return to serve Him. He invites us to participate in His plan for kingdom growth.

Do you fall to your knees daily? Do you ask the Lord to reveal how you can serve Him?

Don’t wait. Praise Him and serve Him today.

An Abundance of Peace (Ps. 72:5-7)

They shall fear You
As long as the sun and moon endure,
Throughout all generations.
He shall come down like rain upon the grass before mowing,
Like showers that water the earth.
In His days the righteous shall flourish,
And abundance of peace,
Until the moon is no more.
(Psalm 72:5-7, NKJV)

One day, there will be an “abundance of peace.” Sometimes that’s hard to believe even for those of us who are in relationship with the Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6).

If there’s one thing I really could use more of, it’s peace. Too many times my mind gets caught up with all the junk in the world, and I feel an unsettledness in my heart.

Earthquakes. Floods. Tsunamis.

People starving. People dying.

Hate. Persecution. War.

This world feels anything but peaceful these days.

Yet, one day, all we’ll feel is peace because we’ll be in the very presence of our Lord and Savior, our Prince of Peace.

No worry. No unsettled hearts. No anger. No anxiety.

Just peace. An “abundance of peace.”

Oh, Lord Jesus … Come quickly!

Peace and Justice (Ps. 72:3-4)

The mountains will bring peace to the people,
And the little hills, by righteousness.
He will bring justice to the poor of the people;
He will save the children of the needy,
And will break in pieces the oppressor.
(Psalm 72:3-4, NKJV)

This psalm is written about an earthly king, Solomon, but it also “anticipates Messiah’s reign as the culmination of the Davidic Covenant” (note from The MacArthur Study Bible).

During Solomon’s time, I don’t believe there was the peace and justice described in this psalm, and so I also anticipate Messiah’s reign when He returns.

I can’t wait!

One day, we will live in a “new heaven and a new earth” (Rev. 21:1) where we’ll experience eternal light as God Himself will “illumine” us (Rev. 22:5). And then some of the most encouraging, hope-filled promises:

“ … He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4).

The oppressor of this world God will “break in pieces” and justice will finally be served.

I can’t wait!

God's Righteousness (Ps. 72:1-2)

Give the king Your judgments, O God,
And Your righteousness to the king’s Son.
He will judge Your people with righteousness,
And Your poor with justice.
(Psalm 72:1-2; NKJV)

We are not deserving of God’s grace. We are not deserving of His mercy. We are not deserving of His love.

We are deserving of His judgment. We are deserving of His justice.

He, the all-Holy, all-righteous One, the Creator of all things, has every right to judge us for our many sins.

And yet, He does love us. He does offer grace and mercy. He does forgive us if we believe in Him and accept the gift of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection.

But make no mistake. Judgment will come to those who choose not to follow God. Eternal separation from Him will occur.

Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6, NASB).

Have you chosen the one way?

Reverent Awe for Our God (Ps. 111:10)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.
(Psalm 111:10, NKJV)

When we truly fear God, focusing on Him with reverent awe, we want what He wants. We seek His will. We find wisdom as we read His word—and we’re eager to do so.

As we read and meditate on His word to us, we understand more the desires of His heart. We understand that we’re to love and serve Him, with everything we are (Mark 12:30). We’re to seek first Him and His kingdom (Matt. 6:33). We’re to daily take up the cross (Luke 9:23). We’re to love others (Mark 12:31).

When we know God more intimately, we become more certain of His trustworthiness and faithfulness (Deut. 7:9). We can be confident in His everlasting love (31:3). We can rest assured in His constant presence (Deut. 31:6, 8).

We can rejoice that He listens to us (Jer. 29:12). He sees us (Gen. 16:13). He provides for us (Gen. 22:14). He heals us (Ex. 15:26).

And we can praise Him for all that He has been, all that He is, and all that He will be. Forever.

God's Redemption (Ps. 111:9)

He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.
(Psalm 111:9, NKJV)

I’m refining a talk for a retreat I’m speaking at in May, and one of the sections is on our being redeemed. What an amazing blessing it is to know we’re “free from the consequences of sin” (Webster’s Dictionary)!

Even though Adam and Eve chose to follow their own path and thus sin entered the world, God loved His children so much, He “sent redemption” to us. He established a covenant with the people of Israel , and atonement came through annual sacrifice. Why was this sacrifice required? God is holy, and without His providing a plan of redemption, we would be forever separated from Him. But He loves us too much for that.

So throughout the Old Testament, atonement was for God’s chosen people. Oh, but then the New Covenant! In just a couple of weeks, we’re going to celebrate the culmination of God’s plan for the redemption of all mankind: the death, burial, and resurrection of God the Son, Jesus Christ.

That’s how much God loves us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). And anyone who “calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” (Rom. 10:13).

What an amazing, awesome God we serve.

Praise Him today … and every day.

God's Truth (Ps. 111:6-8)

He has declared to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the heritage of the nations.
The works of His hands are verity and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
(Psalm 111:6-8, NKJV)

“The works of His hands are verity …”

Verity isn’t a word we use much these days, but it has rich meaning:

“ the quality or state of being true or real ... a fundamental and inevitably true value ... the quality or state of being truthful or honest”

God is truth. He is real. He has infinite value.

“The works of His hands are … justice … “

God is just. He is holy and righteous.

And He inspired a written account of His precepts, His commandments, His assurances, His encouragements. His word, the Holy Bible, is “trust and righteousness,” and it will “stand fast forever and ever.”

Do you know this God? Do you know the one true, real, holy, righteous God? Read His word. Read the history of His people. Read about His plan of reconciliation for you. Read about His love—an everlasting love.

Just for you.

God's Truth (Ps. 111:6-8)

He has declared to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the heritage of the nations.
The works of His hands are verity and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
(Psalm 111:6-8, NKJV)

“The works of His hands are verity …”

Verity isn’t a word we use much these days, but it has rich meaning:

“ the quality or state of being true or real ... a fundamental and inevitably true value ... the quality or state of being truthful or honest”

God is truth. He is real. He has infinite value.

“The works of His hands are … justice … “

God is just. He is holy and righteous.

And He inspired a written account of His precepts, His commandments, His assurances, His encouragements. His word, the Holy Bible, is “trust and righteousness,” and it will “stand fast forever and ever.”

Do you know this God? Do you know the one true, real, holy, righteous God? Read His word. Read the history of His people. Read about His plan of reconciliation for you. Read about His love—an everlasting love.

Just for you.

God's Grace (Ps. 111:4b-5)

The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
(Psalm 111:4b-5, NKJV)

The greatest gift we receive as children of God is grace—unmerited favor.

We deserve nothing from God. Nothing.

I take that back. We do deserve something. We are sinful, fallen, rebellious creatures who really only deserve God’s wrath and justice. We deserve punishment. We deserve hell.

What we don’t deserve is forgiveness. We don’t deserve God’s forgetting our sin. We don’t deserve His grace.

“ … God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). What an amazing grace we receive because of God’s compassion and love for us! Even knowing how sinful and rebellious I would be, Jesus still died for me.

And He did the same for you.

Have you accepted the gift of God’s grace? If you have, don’t take it for granted. Thank Him, and determine to live in humble gratitude.

It’s the least any of us can do for the most He did for us.

God's Green Earth (Ps. 111:2-4a)

The works of the LORD are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
He has made His wonderful works to be remembered ...
(Psalm 111:2-4a, NKJV)

Yesterday as I was driving to do some errands, I was once again blessed by the sight of majestic snow-capped mountains in the distance. Later, I glanced out into my backyard and had a splash of joy from lovely flowers blooming brightly. Still later, I held an adorable, dimpled-smiling baby and my heart was touched.

I couldn’t help but be in awe of God’s creation. And I thought to myself, How can anyone truly deny the existence of—at the very least—an Intelligent Designer? To think that all of this came from some kind of big bang that led to plant life and animal life. To think humanity developed from a single cell.

It makes no sense to me, and frankly takes a lot of faith.

What does make sense is that a loving, creative, glorious God created this world and all that’s in it. And so much of what He created, He did so for our pleasure. Those flowers and snow-capped mountains and smiling babies … those things that bring us so much joy …

Just to make us smile …

I’m reminded of a line from a Point of Grace song, “God’s Green Earth”:

“On God’s Green Earth
If every color was the same
And every child had just one name
There’d be no beauty for each of us to claim …”

What an amazing, loving, creative God we serve!

Whole-hearted Praise (Ps. 111:1)

Praise the LORD!
I will praise the LORD with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
(Psalm 111:1, NKJV)

One of the greatest privileges we have as followers of Christ is praising our Lord. He—the Sovereign Creator of all things—wants to hear our voices. When we lift our voices in abandoned praise, He is well-pleased.

And we can praise Him at any time. As we rise in the morning. As we go through our days. As we lie down at night. Words of praise can and should fill our hearts—our whole hearts.

Praise Him for His grace, His mercy, and His love. Praise Him for His holiness, His justice, and His righteousness.

Praise Him for His attributes: He is our refuge and strength (Ps. 46:1). He is our Provider (Gen. 22:14). He is our Healer (Ex. 15:26). He is the Lord of Peace (Judges 6:24).

Praise Him through struggles, knowing He’s working everything out for good (Rom. 8:28). Praise Him for His blessings, knowing He’s taking care of you (1 Peter 5:7).

Sing songs of praise. Memorize and recite psalms that lift His name in worship. Stand in the congregation of other believers and lift your hands in reverence.

He is worthy of our praises—our whole-heart praises.

A Happy Ending (Est. 8:9-17)

Esther 8:9-17 (CEV)

And so our story ends.

A law is enacted that the Jews may defend themselves against any attacks. And throughout the region, there is great rejoicing as the people of Israel realize their God has secured for them the victory.

So what lessons can we learn from Esther’s story?

First, pride will usually bring its own downfall. Perhaps it won’t lead to hanging on a tower, but it will alienate others. It will breed discontent. It will sow a desire for wanting more—and even more.

Second, standing by our convictions may mean persecution (Matt. 5:10-11; Mark 13:13). This is especially pertinent today. People are careful—for the most part—to avoid ridiculing others for race, gender, or religious background. Except if you’re a Christian, that is. We’re fair game. If we proclaim something as biblically-determined sin, we’re intolerant. If we surrender our lives to God’s will, we’re weak. If we rely solely on Him, we need a crutch.

Third, God is in loving control—whether we sense His presence or not. He never leaves us or forsakes us (Heb. 13:5). Never. And even if we never mention His name, He is here.

Finally, our God is the victor. Even when it seems the enemy is winning the battle, God will win the war (John 16:33). And if we follow Him, trusting Him in all circumstance, we too will be victorious.

We can learn a lot from Esther’s story. Pray for God to reveal His lesson for you.

And may the God of Esther and Mordecai bless and keep you. Amen.

A Plan to Save (Est. 8:3-8)

Once again Esther went to speak to the king. This time she fell down at his feet, crying and begging, "Please stop Haman's evil plan to have the Jews killed!" King Xerxes held out the golden scepter to Esther, and she got up and said, "Your Majesty, I know that you will do the right thing and that you really love me. Please stop what Haman has planned. He has already sent letters demanding that the Jews in all your provinces be killed, and I can't bear to see my people and my own relatives destroyed." King Xerxes then said to Esther and Mordecai, "I have already ordered Haman to be hanged and his house given to Esther, because of his evil plans to kill the Jews. I now give you permission to make a law that will save the lives of your people. You may use my ring to seal the law, so that it can never be changed."
(Esther 8:3-8, CEV)

Even though Haman has been taken care of, Esther’s problem isn’t yet solved. Her people are still scheduled for annihilation.

So yet again, she approaches the king—without his invitation. She has faith that King Xerxes really loves her.

And she has faith in the unnamed Jehovah that things will work out.

However, for the moment, she doesn’t really know how that will happen. The letters have already gone out. The plan is in effect.

What can be done? The king’s signature is on those letters and can’t be revoked.

King Xerxes comes up with a brilliant idea. Esther herself will make a law to save her people. She will use the king’s ring to seal it. It too won’t be revocable.

But if a law is already in place to destroy the people, what kind of new law could save them?

The Greatest Irony (Est. 8:1-2)

Before the end of the day, King Xerxes gave Esther everything that had belonged to Haman, the enemy of the Jews. Esther told the king that Mordecai was her cousin. So the king made Mordecai one of his highest officials and gave him the royal ring that Haman had worn. Then Esther put Mordecai in charge of Haman's property.(Esther 8:1-2, CEV)

Irony. Irony. Irony.

The book of Esther is chock full of it.

Haman wanted everything, and he ended up with nothing. Mordecai wanted nothing more than to worship his God, and he ends up with everything.

And that’s the greatest irony of all. Mordecai’s only “sin”—in Haman’s eyes, at least—in this story was his refusal to bow down to anyone but his God. His humility and faithfulness is overwhelmingly evident. In fact, I’m pretty certain the very last thing he wanted was to be a high palace official or to own Haman’s property.

Yet, I don’t believe the lesson we’re to learn is: If you’re humble, you’ll get recognition and wealth. Or even: If you’re prideful and arrogant, you’ll end up on a tower.

No. I believe the lesson for us all is to just focus on God. Focus on His will. Don’t let the world distract you from worshipping Him and Him alone. Then, be willing to do and be anything He wants you to be, whether it’s to stand at the palace gate or rule the land.

Humbly and faithfully serve Him. And Him alone.

Haman's End (Est. 7:9-10)

Then Harbona, one of the king's personal servants, said, "Your Majesty, Haman built a tower seventy-five feet high beside his house, so he could hang Mordecai on it. And Mordecai is the very one who spoke up and saved your life." "Hang Haman from his own tower!" the king commanded. Right away, Haman was hanged on the tower he had built to hang Mordecai, and the king calmed down.
(Esther 7:9-10, CEV)

And so Haman’s role in our story ends.

His pride, his arrogance, and his hatred have become his downfall … literally. And in the ultimate irony, Haman is hanged on the very tower he’d built to take Mordecai’s life.

So what can we learn from the tragedy of Haman?

Of course, it’s easy for us to look at Haman and comment on what he could have done differently, but what’s important is how we should behave. We have the words of Jesus Himself. We have Paul’s God-inspired letters.

We know that God desires our humility (Ps. 147:6; Prov. 3:34)). We know we should “esteem others better than ourselves” (Phil. 2:3). And when we do, we look out for their interests as well as our own. We certainly do not want to destroy them.

And the other lesson is exactly what our Lord Jesus taught: Love your neighbor (Mark 12:30) and love your enemy (Matt. 5:44). Imagine how Haman’s story would have played out had he known that lesson. Or had he even understood God’s commandment—“You shall not kill”—perhaps he would have made another choice.

But Haman did make a choice to let his pride and hatred consume him. And he ends up losing his very life.

A History of Hate (Est. 7:7-8)

The king was so angry that he got up, left his wine, and went out into the palace garden. Haman realized that the king had already decided what to do with him, and he stayed and begged Esther to save his life. Just as the king came back into the room, Haman got down on his knees beside Esther, who was lying on the couch. The king shouted, "Now you're even trying to rape my queen here in my own palace!" As soon as the king said this, his servants covered Haman's head.
(Esther 7:7-8, CEV)

Believe it or not, I feel pity for Haman. Just some, but pity I do feel. His story is not as rare as we might think. While Haman is certainly culpable for the choices he makes, so much of who he is directly results from a long line of hatred and prejudice.

So many have been raised to hate others because of their race or cultural background or religious beliefs. While they may not plan to annihilate those they hate, many choose to hurt them through words or other ways of rejection.

And now Haman’s heritage has caught up with him. The choices he’s made are going to bring about his own demise.

Ask yourself. Is there anyone against whom you’re prejudiced? Do you look down on someone just because you were raised to do so?

Don’t make Haman’s mistake. Don’t let hatred for a people be your own undoing.

The Plan Backfires (Est. 7:1-6)

The king and Haman were dining with Esther and drinking wine during the second dinner, when the king again said, "Esther, what can I do for you? Just ask, and I will give you as much as half of my kingdom!" Esther answered, "Your Majesty, if you really care for me and are willing to help, you can save me and my people. That's what I really want, because a reward has been promised to anyone who kills my people. Your Majesty, if we were merely going to be sold as slaves, I would not have bothered you." "Who would dare to do such a thing?" the king asked. Esther replied, "That evil Haman is the one out to get us!" Haman was terrified, as he looked at the king and the queen.
(Esther 7:1-6, CEV)

We’ve reached the climax of our story.

The second dinner party with the royal company and Haman is underway, and the king tells Esther yet again that she can have whatever she wants, up to half the kingdom.

Finally, Esther is able to tell the king exactly what she wants. The lives of her people.

I imagine what was going through Haman’s mind as soon as the words, “… a reward has been promised to anyone who kills my people.”

The queen is Jewish?

He must have been shocked. This was not part of the plan. Not at all.

And then the next words, “That evil Haman is out to get us!”

Terrified? I think that’s an understatement. Immobile with fright. Petrified.

Haman is beginning to realize that his hatred of a people and his plan to wipe them out is about to backfire.

Humilty versus Pride (Est. 6:12-14)

Afterwards, Mordecai returned to his duties at the palace gate, and Haman hurried home, hiding his face in shame. Haman told his wife and friends what had happened. Then his wife and his advisors said, "If Mordecai is a Jew, this is just the beginning of your troubles! You will end up a ruined man." They were still talking, when the king's servants came and quickly took Haman to the dinner that Esther had prepared.
(Esther 6:12-14, CEV)

Today’s verses show yet another stark contrast between Mordecai and Haman.

Mordecai has just been honored by the king. He’s been clothed in the king’s own robe and has ridden the king’s own horse. He’s been led by Haman with the proclamation, “This is how the king honors a man!”

And what does he do when it’s all over? He goes back to work. He doesn’t throw a party for himself. He doesn’t brag throughout the neighborhood. He doesn’t preen and tell everyone how amazing and wonderful he is.

He just goes back to doing what he usually does.

Can you imagine what Haman would have done had he been similarly honored? He would have kept the robe and worn it constantly—probably would have even slept in it. Had FaceBook been around, he would have posted his status and sent a message to all his friends. And photos of him on the horse would have filled his online album.

Instead, he slinks back home, utterly humiliated … just in time for the second dinner party with the royal couple. And hoping for some vindication—after all Mordecai isn’t dining with King Xerxes and Queen Esther—he quickly joins the party.

The Downward Spiral Begins (Est. 6:6b-11)

Haman was sure that he was the one the king wanted to honor. So he replied, "Your Majesty, if you wish to honor a man, have someone bring him one of your own robes and one of your own horses with a fancy headdress. Have one of your highest officials place your robe on this man and lead him through the streets on your horse, while someone shouts, `This is how the king honors a man!'" The king replied, "Hurry and do just what you have said! Don't forget a thing. Get the robe and the horse for Mordecai the Jew, who is on duty at the palace gate!" Haman got the king's robe and put it on Mordecai. He led him through the city on the horse and shouted as he went, "This is how the king honors a man!"
(Esther 6:6b-11, CEV)

Oh, how the mighty have fallen!

Haman is so very full of himself. He is so sure the king wants to honor him, Haman tells the king how he wants to be honored. The king’s robe and horse. Being led through the street with someone shouting “This is how the king honors a man!”

Everyone would see how revered Haman is.

Little did he know … In moments, Haman is enrobing his mortal enemy, Mordecai, and putting him on that kingly horse. And to make matters worse, he is the one leading Mordecai through the streets.

Solomon could have been writing about Haman with the proverb, “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling (16:18).

I know I can be prideful, and Haman’s story is a cautionary tale. Pride left unchecked can lead to, at the very least, stumbling. At worst? Destruction.

Lord, help me to be humble. Help me to “esteem others better than” myself (Phil. 2:3). Help me not to let pride cause me to stumble. Amen.

"How Do I Honor Someone?" (Est. 6:1-6a)

That night the king could not sleep, and he had a servant read him the records of what had happened since he had been king. When the servant read how Mordecai had kept Bigthana and Teresh from killing the king, the king asked, "What has been done to reward Mordecai for this?" "Nothing, Your Majesty!" the king's servants replied. About this time, Haman came in to ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on the tower he had built. The king saw him and asked, "Who is that man waiting in front of the throne room?" The king's servants answered, "Your Majesty, it is Haman." "Have him come in," the king commanded. When Haman entered the room, the king asked him, "What should I do for a man I want to honor?"
(Esther 6:1-6a, CEV)

I love all the twists and turns in Esther’s story.

Months have gone by since Mordecai overheard the plot against the king. Not only had nothing been done to honor Mordecai, but now he mourns over the impending annihilation of his people.

In a sleepless night—the same night that Haman’s ego expands exponentially—the king reads the chronicles of his time as Persia’s ruler. He recalls how Mordecai saved his life. And then discovers that nothing had been done to honor his savior.

What a tremendous oversight. And one the king wants to take care of. Immediately.

I have to give King Xerxes credit. When he recognizes his neglect, he does want to make sure Mordecai is honored. He does want to give credit where credit is due.

But what to do?

And then, in a marvelous bit of irony, enter Haman. Intending to ask about the tower to hang Mordecai.

And the first question he hears?

“What can I do to honor someone?” the king asks.

Haman's Obsession (Est. 5:10b-14)

When Haman got home, he called together his friends and his wife Zeresh and started bragging about his great wealth and all his sons. He told them the many ways that the king had honored him and how all the other officials and leaders had to respect him. Haman added, "That's not all! Besides the king himself, I'm the only person Queen Esther invited for dinner. She has also invited the king and me to dinner tomorrow. But none of this makes me happy, as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the palace gate." Haman's wife and friends said to him, "Have a tower built about seventy-five feet high, and tomorrow morning ask the king to hang Mordecai there. Then later, you can have dinner with the king and enjoy yourself." This seemed like a good idea to Haman, and he had the tower built.
(Esther 5:10b-14, CEV)

Is there any end to Mordecai’s ego … and treachery?

After dinner, he goes home and brags about how wonderful he is. He’s rich. He’s got great sons (and apparently logs of them). He’s been honored by the king. AND he just had dinner with the king and queen—and he’s the only one who was invited. AND he would be going back to dine with the royal couple again.

Good for me! he says. I’m so wonderful. Everything about me is awesome.

You’d think he’d be satisfied. But no. Not at all.

None of the amazing things in his life mattered to him as long as Mordecai lives. So what to do, he asks his wife and friends.

Build a seventy-five foot tower for the king to hang Mordecai, and then he could go off and enjoy dinner with the king and queen.

We look at Haman and condemn his actions—and rightfully so. But I have to wonder. How often do we overlook how immensely blessed we are and focus on the one thing that isn’t going our way. I mean, we certainly don’t desire someone’s death, but don’t we sometimes obsess about what isn’t working rather than what is?

I’m incredibly blessed. I know this, and I’m grateful. So very grateful. Yet, there are times when I overlook my blessings to mull on my ill health. Or my not finding work.

Then I have to ask myself, How like Haman am I? More than I should be. More than I’d like to be.

But unlike Haman, I can ask for forgiveness—and focus on those blessings.

Joy and Anger ... All At Once (Est. 5:9-10a)

Haman was feeling great as he left. But when he saw Mordecai at the palace gate, he noticed that Mordecai did not stand up or show him any respect. This made Haman really angry, but he did not say a thing.
(Esther 5:9-10a, CEV)

Haman has an issue with his emotions.

He leaves Queen Esther’s dinner party “feeling great.” And I think that’s probably an understatement. His ego has been stroked—a lot. He’s been wined and dined. He’s enjoyed conversation with the royal couple.

Yes. He’s “feeling great.” Absolutely.

And then he falls from the mountain high to the valley depths in a matter of seconds. Seeing Mordecai again—and Mordecai’s not showing him the respect he thinks he deserves—makes him really angry.

And again, I think that’s probably an understatement. I think the rage is simmering.

Yet, he doesn’t say anything to Mordecai. Mainly because he thinks Mordecai’s days are numbered.

And besides, he’s got another dinner date coming. More time with the royals.

More time to grow that already overblown ego.

The Plan Continues (Est. 5:6-8)

The king and Haman went to Esther's dinner, and while they were drinking wine, the king asked her, "What can I do for you? Just ask, and I will give you as much as half of my kingdom." Esther replied, "Your Majesty, if you really care for me and are willing to do what I want, please come again tomorrow with Haman to the dinner I will prepare for you. At that time I will answer Your Majesty's question."
(Esther 5:6-8, CEV)

I’ve often wondered why Esther asks for another dinner party rather than just tell the king what she wants. After all, he again tells her he’ll give her whatever she wants—even up to half his kingdom.

Is she fearful? Is she worried how he will respond?

Or is she laying a plot of her own? I imagine her reclining at the table and watching Haman preen in the presence of the king and queen. I see her spending the evening with Haman and really see his ego in full force. And I wonder if she decides to do a little cat and mouse herself.

She knows Haman is responsible for the plot against her people. She knows he would like nothing more than to see all Jews wiped out. And here he is, eating with one of them—and he doesn’t suspect a thing.

I have to think that the human side of Esther is a bit smug as she continues the plan of salvation for her people.

I know I would be.

Esther's Plan Begins (Est. 5:1-5)

Three days later, Esther dressed in her royal robes and went to the inner court of the palace in front of the throne. The king was sitting there, facing the open doorway. He was happy to see Esther, and he held out the gold scepter to her. When Esther came up and touched the tip of the scepter, the king said, "Esther, what brings you here? Just ask, and I will give you as much as half of my kingdom." Esther answered, "Your Majesty, please come with Haman to a dinner I will prepare for you later today." The king said to his servants, "Hurry and get Haman, so we can accept Esther's invitation."
(Esther 5:1-5, CEV)

Now we come to my favorite part of Esther’s story … for many reasons.

First, I am always overwhelmed by the faith of this still very young woman. She goes to the king’s doorstep, not knowing if doing so will mean her death sentence. She really does trust her God to complete His plan.

Second, I love the indication that the king really does care for Esther. When he sees her, he is happy. I have this vision of a look of delight covering King Xerxes face as he gazes upon his beautiful queen. Further, he offers her whatever she wants—“as much as half of my kingdom.” While he isn’t willing to give up more than half (that would make her richer and more influential than he), he’s willing to make her an almost equal. That says a lot!

Finally, I just love how Esther’s mind works. Instead of automatically asking for Haman’s plot to be overthrown, she begins this somewhat elaborate plan to save her people.

And she begins with a dinner party—which seems odd when you think of what’s at risk.

If I Perish ... (Est. 4:15-17)

Esther sent a message to Mordecai, saying, "Bring together all the Jews in Susa and tell them to go without eating for my sake! Don't eat or drink for three days and nights. My servant girls and I will do the same. Then I will go in to see the king, even if it means I must die." Mordecai did everything Esther told him to do.
(Esther 4:15-17, CEV)

Yes, Esther has been given a seemingly impossible choice. Saving herself or saving her people. There doesn't see to be a way that both will be saved.

But she does make a choice: She will risk her own life to save those of her people.

She doesn’t do it in a vacuum, though. She uses the best weapon in her arsenal: Prayer. When she asks Mordecai to tell the people to fast for three days, she doesn’t mean just to stop eating. Throughout the Bible, fasting is connected with prayer.

For example, when Nehemiah heard of the destruction of Jerusalem’s wall, he “was fasting and praying before the God of heaven" (Neh. 1:4). Daniel also “gave [his] attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes” (Dan. 9:3).

When we fast, we focus on God instead of our hunger. And so Esther asks for her people to focus on Jehovah—the unnamed presence in our story.

She fasts, focuses on God, and prays for His will, even if that will is for her to perish (NKJV).

For Such a Time (Est. 4:12-14)

When Mordecai was told what Esther had said, he sent back this reply, "Don't think that you will escape being killed with the rest of the Jews, just because you live in the king's palace. If you don't speak up now, we will somehow get help, but you and your family will be killed. It could be that you were made queen for a time like this!"
(Esther 4:12-14, CEV)

God moves in ways we often don’t understand. His thoughts really aren’t our thoughts. His ways aren’t our ways. (See Isa. 55:8-9.) So often we’re put into situations that we would never have chosen ourselves. A job we don’t like. A place far from home. A ministry we never anticipated.

Even a place in the palace.

Yet, if we follow Christ, if we trust our loving God, we can be certain that everything is in His plan, and He really will work all things for good and His glory (Rom. 8:28).

Mordecai certainly understands this. He is certain that the people of Israel will “somehow get help.” He believes that the God he trusts and serves would save His people. But Mordecai also knows that Esther’s life is at risk because it's likely her heritage would be found out—and she might be killed anyway.

Then he says those great words that I so love. The New King James Version says it like this: “… who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

How many “such a time” experiences have you had? Maybe you’re in one now. You don’t understand why God’s put you where you are, but if you just trust Him, He may just reveal your “such a time.”

Challenged Faith (Est. 4:9-11)

Hathach went back to Esther and told her what Mordecai had said. She answered, "Tell Mordecai there is a law about going in to see the king, and all his officials and his people know about this law. Anyone who goes in to see the king without being invited by him will be put to death. The only way that anyone can be saved is for the king to hold out the gold scepter to that person. And it's been thirty days since he has asked for me."
(Esther 4:9-11, CEV)

One of my favorite “talks” I give at women’s events is “Refreshing Your Faith” (aka “Fresh Faith”). In it, I talk about what happens when we have a crisis of faith, and I use Esther’s story as one of my examples.

Imagine for a moment. You’re the queen of Persia. You have everything at your disposal. Food—any king of delicacy your heart might desire. Servants to do your bidding. You spend your days being pampered and revered. The people in the palace love you.

You have it made.

Then you find out about a plot to destroy your people, and perhaps you are the only one who can do anything about it.

Only one small problem: Your husband, the king, doesn’t know you’re a Jew. Further, even if you wanted to reveal your heritage, you have no way of entering the king’s presence without risking your own life.

Your life or the lives of your people.

Not much of a choice. Yet that’s exactly what Esther faces.

What would you do?

One Man's Hatred (Est. 4:5-8)

Esther had a servant named Hathach, who had been given to her by the king. So she called him in and said, "Find out what's wrong with Mordecai and why he's acting this way." Hathach went to Mordecai in the city square in front of the palace gate, and Mordecai told him everything that had happened. He also told him how much money Haman had promised to add to the king's treasury, if all the Jews were killed. Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the orders for the murder of the Jews and told him that these had been read in Susa. He said, "Show this to Esther and explain what it means. Ask her to go to the king and beg him to have pity on her people, the Jews!"
(Esther 4:5-8, CEV)

I just love how I can read a part of scripture over and over, and I still gain new insight. As I meditated on today’s passage, I realized something I hadn’t before: Haman is going to pay the king for allowing him to kill all the Jews.

For some reason I thought the “tons of silver” mentioned in an earlier verse was going to come from the businesses and households of the Jews. Yes, they were captives, but it was likely they brought some of their wealth with them and set up shop.

But no, Haman actually puts a bounty on the heads of each Jew—man, woman, and child. Haman so hates these people—who have probably done nothing wrong to him personally—that he’s willing to pay what has to be a huge amount of silver to see them wiped out.

I can’t fathom that kind of hatred. And I know about hatred. I’ve mentioned in previous devotionals that I spend 20 years in rebellion against God, mostly because I’d allowed anger and hatred of the men who’d abused me to fill my heart. But I can honestly say I never wished or hoped for their destruction. I may have wanted them to own up to what they did, but I total annihilation? Never. And these were men who really did harm me.

The only “harm” Haman experienced was Mordecai’s refusing to bow down to him. And for that slight to his fragile ego, he would pay to kill an entire people.

Sackcloth and Ashes (Est. 4:1-4)

When Mordecai heard about the letter, he tore his clothes in sorrow and put on sackcloth. Then he covered his head with ashes and went through the city, crying and weeping. But he could go only as far as the palace gate, because no one wearing sackcloth was allowed inside the palace. In every province where the king's orders were read, the Jews cried and mourned, and they went without eating. Many of them even put on sackcloth and sat in ashes. When Esther's servant girls and her other servants told her what Mordecai was doing, she became very upset and sent Mordecai some clothes to wear in place of the sackcloth. But he refused to take them.
(Esther 4:1-4, CEV)

Can you imagine what Mordecai and the rest of the Jews felt after hearing the edict? In one year, they would be wiped out. Entirely.

Mordecai begins to truly mourn. Tearing his clothes and putting on sackcloth, then covering his head with ashes. It was as though his people are already dead. And the people mourn as well.

The next part of today’s verses is a bit confusing. Esther is upset about Mordecai’s mode of dress. Is she worried about appearances? Is she concerned that people might find out about her heritage? Is she fearful her place in the palace will be jeopardized?

It seems so as she merely sends clothes to prevent any embarrassment. Seems a bit callous when her people’s lives are threatened. But as we’ll soon discover, Esther hasn’t heard about the edict yet. And when she does, the last thing on her mind will be sackcloth and ashes.

A Death Sentence (Est. 3:14-15)

King Xerxes gave orders for these letters to be posted where they could be seen by everyone all over the kingdom. The king's command was obeyed, and one of the letters was read aloud to the people in the walled city of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink together, but no one in the city could figure out what was going on.
(Esther 3:14-15, CEV)

The edict is posted in Nisan, the seventh month of the Babylonian civil calendar. The destruction of the people of Israel is to take place in Adar, the sixth month. Twelve months later.

In some ways, this is more cruel than the orders themselves. The people have received a death sentence and have a year to fearfully await their annihilation. And because they’re captives, there is nothing they can do to overturn the king’s command.

And in an astonishing bit of irony, as the city writhes in confusion, the king and Haman congratulate each other and enjoy a drink. Or perhaps I should say an “expected” bit of irony. Haman has already shown his desire to destroy God’s people, so his celebrating is predictable. And the king seems to just love a reason to imbibe.

So as the royals pat each other on the back and begin the countdown toward the fruition of Haman’s plan, the people of Israel mournfully begin a countdown of their own.

Tragedy in the Making (Est. 3:12-13)

On the thirteenth day of Nisan, Haman called in the king's secretaries and ordered them to write letters in every language used in the kingdom. The letters were written in the name of the king and sealed by using the king's own ring. At once they were sent to the king's highest officials, the governors of each province, and the leaders of the different nations in the kingdom of Xerxes. The letters were taken by messengers to every part of the kingdom, and this is what was said in the letters: On the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month, all Jewish men, women, and children are to be killed. And their property is to be taken.
(Esther 3:12-13, CEV)

I read these words, and I’m sickened. Really. I feel sick to my stomach. One man’s hatred will lead to the total annihilation of an entire race of people living in Persia.

Read that last sentence again: “On the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month, all Jewish men, women, and children are to be killed. And their property is to be taken.”

I cannot in any way imagine what kind of mind it takes to even think about such a thing. And then to actually put this plan in motion?

But we can’t let King Xerxes off. He doesn’t even question a total destruction of a people. In his laziness or disregard or ignorance—I’m not sure which—he’s going to allow this. He’s the one, after all, who allows the letters to be written in his name and sealed with his ring.

Amazing—and not in a good way.

It’s tragic how hatred and fear of those different than we are can lead to such utter disdain for human life. Life that is absolutely precious in the eyes of our Father. Yet, Haman’s act wasn’t the first of its kind, nor will it—sad to say—likely be the last.

So what are we to do? In our own little circle of influence, we can show Christ’s love. We can show kindness to those who may not be of our race or from our culture. And we can pray for those who are still being repressed or mistreated—just because they’re different.

A Treacherous Plan (Est. 3:7-10)

It was now the twelfth year of the rule of King Xerxes. During Nisan, the first month of the year, Haman said, "Find out the best time for me to do this." The time chosen was Adar, the twelfth month. Then Haman went to the king and said: “Your Majesty, there are some people who live all over your kingdom and won't have a thing to do with anyone else. They have customs that are different from everyone else's, and they refuse to obey your laws. We would be better off to get rid of them! Why not give orders for all of them to be killed? I can promise that you will get tons of silver for your treasury.” The king handed his official ring to Haman, who hated the Jews, and the king told him, "Do what you want with those people! You can keep their money."
(Esther 3:7-10, CEV)

Oh the treachery!

Haman so hates Mordecai and the people of Israel, he immediately goes to King Xerxes to put his plan of total annihilation into effect.

And look at how he does it. “Those people” are different than “our people.” They—meaning Mordecai—refuse to obey. So let’s just get rid of them.

It’s not enough that the people of Israel are captives. It’s not enough that they’ve lost their freedom. It’s not enough that they live under the rule of a foreign nation.

No, Haman wants king-approved “orders for all of them to be killed."

I’m currently reading a biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and these words were chillingly repeated by Nazi Germany. “Those people”—the Jews in Germany—were different. They followed their own customs. They didn’t live exactly as the non-Jews did.

And so Hitler and his consorts decided to just “get rid of them.”

Treachery centuries ago. Treachery less than one hundred years ago. I think Haman and Hitler would have been great friends.

The Plot Thickens ... Again (Est. 3:5-6)

Haman was furious to learn that Mordecai refused to kneel down and honor him. And when he found out that Mordecai was a Jew, he knew that killing only Mordecai was not enough. Every Jew in the whole kingdom had to be killed.
(Esther 3:5-6, CEV)

At first blush, Haman didn’t seem that much of a villain, did he? He was just promoted and took the honor the king bestowed upon him.

But today, his true colors bleed out.

I mean, I understand his being furious at Mordecai. After all, Mordecai is disobeying direct orders. And perhaps I could understand Haman’s wanting to punish Mordecai, but it appears his first thought wasn’t to just punish—no, he first thinks of killing one man who refuses to obey.

Overkill (pun intended)? I should say so.

But that’s not enough for this particular villain. No. Punishing one man—even killing him—isn’t enough to sooth Haman’s bruised ego. He wants to kill every single Jew in the kingdom.

Now his heritage begins to come through. His ancestors hated the people of Israel and tried to wipe them out on more than one occasion.

Haman wants to do the same. And he devises a way to do just that.

Stay tuned as the plot continues to thicken.

Firm Faith (Est. 3:2b-4)

All of them obeyed except Mordecai. When the other officials asked Mordecai why he disobeyed the king's command, he said, "Because I am a Jew." They spoke to him for several days about kneeling down, but he still refused to obey. Finally, they reported this to Haman, to find out if he would let Mordecai get away with it.
(Esther 3:2b-4, CEV)

All the palace officials have been ordered to bow down to Haman, honoring him as they would one of their gods. And Mordecai refuses.

For the first time in our story, Mordecai divulges his Jewish heritage. He’s kept quiet about it, but when he has to make a decision to honor His God or save his own skin, he chooses His God.

His fellow palace officials seem to want to keep Mordecai from any repercussions—perhaps he’s as well liked as Esther is. They talk to him “for several days,” trying to convince him to kneel.

“It’s not so bad,” they say. “All you’re doing is following the king’s command. You can still bow down to your God. It’s not like you’re worshiping Haman or anything. And if you don’t … well, we’ve heard Haman can be tough. Just bow down, Mordecai.”

Yet, Mordecai remains strong and refuses.

And then, no matter why they tried to convince Mordecai, the other palace officials decide to tattle on him.

What would Haman do with this upstart Jew?

The Villain ... Boo! Hiss! (Est. 3:1-2a)

Later, King Xerxes promoted Haman the son of Hammedatha to the highest position in his kingdom. Haman was a descendant of Agag, and the king had given orders for his officials at the royal gate to honor Haman by kneeling down to him.
(Esther 3:1-2a, CEV)

Ah … a new character has entered our story.

Every good story needs a villain, and Haman is definitely that. If you’ve ever watched an old melodrama, he’s the one at whom you’d boo and hiss as he entered the stage.

Although, I have to say, at first glance, there’s nothing to indicate that Haman is anything other than someone who’s obviously worked hard to get to a position of honor. After all, it’s doubtful he reached the “highest position in [the king’s] kingdom” unless he earned it.

But we’re given a hint of whom Haman really is. He is a descendant of Agag, a leader of the Amalekites, who were bitter enemies of the people of Israel. Several times, the Bible describes how the Amalekites would attack God’s chosen people. And in 1 Samuel 15, God commanded the total and complete destruction of this mortal enemy.

So knowing Haman comes from a long line of Israel’s enemies is key for understanding what comes next in our story.

The Plot Thickens (Est. 2:21-23)

Bigthana and Teresh were the two men who guarded King Xerxes' rooms, but they got angry with the king and decided to kill him. Mordecai found out about their plans and asked Queen Esther to tell the king what he had found out. King Xerxes learned that Mordecai's report was true, and he had the two men hanged. Then the king had all of this written down in his record book as he watched.
(Esther 2:21-23, CEV)

Yesterday we learned that Mordecai had been put in the position of a palace official, which brought him closer to Esther. It also placed him in a strategic position to overhear a plan to assassinate the king.

And again, even though the name of Jehovah isn’t mentioned, it’s so clear there’s a providential plan.

Mordecai, a Jew, is within the palace itself. His cousin is the queen. He overhears an assassination plot. He’s close enough to tell Esther, and she tells the king.

The plot is overthrown, and the would-be assassins are hanged.

Coincidence? I don’t think so!

No, clearly, something pretty amazing is happening through Esther’s story.

Oh, and tuck that last verse away for a while. It will turn out to be very important.

God Uses Sinful Us (Est. 2:19-20)

When the young women were brought together again, Esther's cousin Mordecai had become a palace official. He had told Esther never to tell anyone that she was a Jew, and she obeyed him, just as she had always done.
(Esther 2:19-20, CEV)

As God continues to work out His plan for His people, Mordecai is put into a strategic position as a palace official. I’m not certain exactly what his role was, but he now has better access to Esther, and his new role will put him in just the right place at just the right time. (Come back tomorrow to see how!)

Neither of them has revealed his or her heritage, and so we now have a Jewish girl as queen and a Jewish man as a palace official. This when the people of Israel are captives of Persia. Oh, the irony.

It does make me wonder, though. There are several times in the Bible when something is achieved due to deception. Abraham claiming Sarah as sister. Jacob’s stealing Esau’s birthright. Rahab lying about the spies. Now Esther becoming queen via a lie of omission.

I know God doesn’t bless a lying tongue. But even when we—whether to cover our tush-ends or with purer motives—deceive, God can and will carry out His plan.

Praise Him that He works through our fleshly, frail, sinful selves.

"Everyone Liked Esther" (Est. 2:14a-16)

There a man named Shaashgaz was in charge of the king's wives. Only the ones the king wanted and asked for by name could go back to the king. Xerxes had been king for seven years when Esther's turn came to go to him during Tebeth, the tenth month of the year. Everyone liked Esther. The king's personal servant Hegai was in charge of the women, and Esther trusted Hegai and asked him what she ought to take with her.
(Esther 2:14a-16, CEV)

I would have liked to have known Esther. She seems like a pretty amazing young woman. Dearly loved by her cousin and guardian. Honored by the servants. Well-liked by everyone in the women’s area of the palace.

That last one is saying a lot.

Think about it. There are a lot of women vying for the position of Queen of Persia.

And let’s face it. Women can be somewhat catty toward one another, especially when they’re competing for the same man. I would imagine there were cliques of the similarly-minded. The popular girls’ table. The athletes. The drama queens.

Yet, here is this beautiful young girl whom everyone likes. Not only is she beautiful, she is sweet and caring. I imagine her helping the others with a servant’s heart. I see her encouraging a shy woman who is heading into the king’s chamber. I envision her smile lighting the room.

Because, after all, the light of Jehovah is shining through her.

Even though she doesn’t mention her Jewish heritage, she is still a follower of the one true God, and He continues to work His plan through her.

The Ecstasy ... and the Agony (Est. 2:12-14a)

The young women were given beauty treatments for one whole year. The first six months their skin was rubbed with olive oil and myrrh, and the last six months it was treated with perfumes and cosmetics. Then each of them spent the night alone with King Xerxes. When a young woman went to the king, she could wear whatever clothes or jewelry she chose from the women's living quarters. In the evening she would go to the king, and the following morning she would go to the place where his wives stayed after being with him.
(Esther 2:12-14a, CEV)

Verse 12 sounds really, really good to me! For an entire year, all the young virgins received beauty treatments. One whole year of being massaged with oil and anointed with perfumes. Ahhhh. And each of them, one evening, was able to choose beautiful clothes and jewels. Whatever she wanted.

And if that were the end of it, it would be a pretty wonderful story.

However, all that pampering was for one reason only: a night with the king.

There’s something about this that makes me sick to my stomach. Each of these young women—again we can only assume there were one hundred or so—went to spend a single night with the king. Kind of like a test drive. And one can only assume those nights weren’t full of playing monopoly or watching movies—or the ancient equivalent.

Then, after her night with the king, each young woman—no longer a virgin—went to live with the king’s many other wives. She was now a “wife” of the king. One of many wives.

I know I have to consider the context and the times. But it just seems somehow … wrong.

But I have to remember: God always uses what seems wrong to us and turns it to good, according to His plan.

An Illustration of Love (Est. 2:10-11)

Mordecai had warned Esther not to tell anyone that she was a Jew, and she obeyed him. He was anxious to see how Esther was getting along and to learn what had happened to her. So each day he would walk back and forth in front of the court where the women lived.
(Esther 2:10-11, CEV)

So far, we haven’t seen much real love displayed by our characters. While former queen Vashti might have loved King Xerxes, it was certainly (and understandably) conditional. And if the king really loved his former queen, he had a funny way of showing it.

But when we read about Mordecai’s care for Esther, we sense a true depth of love.

The Greek language has several words to connote love. Many of us are familiar with at least three of them: Agape (unconditional, sacrificial love); Phileo (brotherly love); and Eros (intimate love, usually between spouses). There’s also a fourth: Storge, which is the love of family.

Mordecai certainly shows Storge, as he warns Esther “not tell anyone that she was a Jew.” He knew this revelation could lead to her death.

But he also shows Agape, as he “walk[s] back and forth in front” of the place where Esther lives. Each day. Sacrificially.

He's anxiously and lovingly concerned about her well-being.

What an inspiring depiction of love in the midst of a—so far—relatively unloving story.

Favor from Man ... and from God (Est. 2:8-9)

When the king ordered the search for beautiful women, many were taken to the king's palace in Susa, and Esther was one of them. Hegai was put in charge of all the women, and from the first day, Esther was his favorite. He began her beauty treatments at once. He also gave her plenty of food and seven special maids from the king's palace, and they had the best rooms.
(Esther 2:8-9, CEV)

It’s often said that Esther is the only book in the Bible in which God’s name isn’t mentioned, but His presence is evident throughout it.

Today’s verses are the first where we really sense that God is working His plan through Esther. We don’t know exactly how many women were gathered to the palace, but we can assume there were many. One hundred? Or more? We don’t know for sure, but no matter the actual number, somehow Esther gains immediate favor with Hegai, the eunuch who is in charge of this new group of women.

God had a definite plan in place, and Esther is key to fulfill that plan. And so she receives special favor from a man of influence in the harem. Her beauty treatments begin “at once.” She gets her own maids and the “best rooms.”

Yes. She receives favor from Hegai. And favor from God.

A Star and a Tree (Est. 2:5-7)

At this time a Jew named Mordecai was living in Susa. His father was Jair, and his grandfather Shimei was the son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin. Kish was one of the people that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Jerusalem, when he took King Jeconiah of Judah to Babylonia. Mordecai had a very beautiful cousin named Esther, whose Hebrew name was Hadassah. He had raised her as his own daughter, after her father and mother died.
(Esther 2:5-7, CEV)

Two new characters enter the storyline. Two very important characters.

In today’s verses, we learn a bit about them. Mordecai comes from the tribe of Benjamin, which Saul described as the “smallest of the tribes of Israel” (1 Sam. 9:21). Mordecai’s great-grandfather had been captured by Nebuchadnezzar, so he comes from a long line of captives.

And from the first, we know that Mordecai is a man of integrity and compassion as he chose to raise his own cousin after she became an orphan. In fact, he chose to “raise her as his own daughter.”

And then there’s Esther. We immediately learn that she is physically beautiful. That in itself foretells her future.

Esther, this girl’s Persian name, means “star.” And her Hebrew name, Hadassah, means “myrtle tree.” Now, at first glance, I’d chose “star” over “myrtle tree,” but the meaning of names was quite important in biblical times. And further research indicates that “myrtle tree” is a “symbol of victory and a symbolic name for girls born on Sukkot because a branch of the myrtle bush, which has a lovely fragrance” (source: http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect.com/meaning_of_Hadassah.html).

So even her names give us hints of who this girl would be. She would be a star, a victorious star. She would bear a lovely fragrance.

As our journey continues, we’ll see that our initial impressions of both Mordecai and Esther are true. And we’ll be inspired by both.

A New Plan (Est. 2:1-4)

After a while, King Xerxes got over being angry. But he kept thinking about what Vashti had done and the law that he had written because of her. Then the king's personal servants said: “Your Majesty, a search must be made to find you some beautiful young women. You can select officers in every province to bring them to the place where you keep your wives in the capital city of Susa. Put your servant Hegai in charge of them since that is his job. He can see to it that they are given the proper beauty treatments. Then let the young woman who pleases you most take Vashti's place as queen.” King Xerxes liked these suggestions, and he followed them.
(Esther 2:1-4, CEV)

The book of Esther is full of irony, and verse one of chapter two is a doozy. It seems King Xerxes feels a twinge of regret over his listening to the voices of his so-called advisors. Once he “got over being angry,” he thought about Vashti and the “law he had written because of her.” I wonder if he missed her. After all, he had a harem full of women at his beck and call. Yet he thought of her.

Or perhaps I’m just romanticizing things.

In any case, in some way, the king missed having a queen. And so another parade is suggested.

This time, all the beautiful young virgins throughout the kingdom would be brought to the kingdom, and then they’d be gussied up and primped and pampered. Finally, they’d be presented to the king. And he’d choose a new queen.

Needless to say, the king likes this new plan. A lot, I’d say.

It seems quite sexist and archaic, but it’s a necessary evil for our story to play out.

Good News ... Worse News (Est. 1:19-22)

“Your Majesty, if you agree, you should write for the Medes and Persians a law that can never be changed. This law would keep Queen Vashti from ever seeing you again. Then you could let someone who respects you be queen in her place. When the women in your great kingdom hear about this new law, they will respect their husbands, no matter if they are rich or poor.” King Xerxes and his officials liked what Memucan had said, and he sent letters to all of his provinces. Each letter was written in the language of the province to which it was sent, and it said that husbands should have complete control over their wives and children.
(Esther 1:19-22, CEV)

Good news. Bad news. Worse news.

Queen Vashti’s refusal to parade in front of King Xerxes’ debauched guests could have led to her execution. People who “dissed” the king usually didn’t make it out alive.

So the good news is the queen's life is saved.

But that’s the only good news we read today.

The bad news? The queen is now banished, and they’re going to look for someone else who “respects” the king. In other words, someone whom the king can control. Someone who will stroke his ego.

But the worse news? The king’s so-called advisors come up with a way to oppress all their women. A fool-proof, king-approved plan: Husbands—rich or poor—would have complete control over their wives.

This smells like potential abuse to me. Men would be able to tell their wives to entertain their guests—naked. And their wives couldn’t refuse.

How tragic.

And why? Well, in my opinion, because a few men were so selfish and spineless, they needed a king’s edict to make certain they retained a semblance of power.

Just because one woman—quite rightly—stood up for herself.

A Queen's Refusal (Est. 1:13-18)

The king called in the seven highest officials of Persia and Media … These men were very wise and understood all the laws and customs of the country, and the king always asked them what they thought about such matters. The king said to them, "Queen Vashti refused to come to me when I sent my servants for her. What does the law say I should do about that?" Then Memucan told the king and the officials: Your Majesty, Queen Vashti has not only embarrassed you, but she has insulted your officials and everyone else in all the provinces. The women in the kingdom will hear about this, and they will refuse to respect their husbands. They will say, "If Queen Vashti doesn't obey her husband, why should we?" Before this day is over, the wives of the officials of Persia and Media will find out what Queen Vashti has done, and they will refuse to obey their husbands. They won't respect their husbands, and their husbands will be angry with them.”
(Esther 1:13-18, CEV)

Today’s passage is longer than usual, but the verses really need to be studied together. As I read them, a couple of things stand out to me.

First, King Xerxes really is a bit of a wimp. He can’t make any decision on his own. And he’s a bit of a whiner. You can almost see his pouty lip as he cries, “She wouldn’t come and dance naked for my friends. Tell me what I can do to punish her?”

Second, the men of the day aren’t in any way concerned about the feelings of women. I mean really. Vashti is Xerxes' queen. His wife. He must have some kind of love for her. But he thought nothing of asking her to debase herself in front of hundreds. He only wanted to feed his own ego.

Finally, the only thing the rest of the men were concerned about is how Vashti’s refusal would affect them. No worries about what she was asked to do. If the queen would “disobey,” then any women could do the same. They would refuse to respect their husbands.

The really sadly ironic part? I don’t think Vashti was being disrespectful to Xerxes. Had he asked her to come and politely greet his guest, she probably would have gladly done so. But to be asked to parade naked in front of a bunch of drunken men? Any self-respecting wife would refuse.

Yes, I do believe Vashti knew the risk she took in refusing, and she was absolutely right.

Tomorrow, we’ll look at the consequences of her right, but risky choice.