Ester

The story of Esther happened almost 2500 years ago, but while reading this ancient plot that Hollywood directors love, it sounded too familiar. A powerful ruler rises up and decides to have all the Jews killed in all his lands. The world went through that in World War II.

There are a few thing we can learn and see from the first half of this story. First of all let's look at Mordecai. A man from the tribe of Benjamin whose family had been in Babylon but returned to Judea territory. He loved Esther and raised her as his own, teaching her the ways of God and to honor and obey His law. As Daniel did a generation before, he did not bow to the rulers in power and was singled out for it. His obedience and worship was only for God. Even so, he lived our Romans 12 by still being a civil servant to the government. Even as assassination plots were heard he reported them, even though we are getting the idea that Xerxes is not the greatest king.

Esther sounds like a true foxy lady. Out of miles and miles of land and territory the king "choose" her to be the new queen. Sounds like God's sovereign hand to me. But really? 12 months of pampering even before she saw the king? Crazy talk. We can look to her as an example of humility. She did not let her beauty, new riches, new life or public adoration get to her head. She remained humbled and did not forget her dear relative, her people, and her God. She used the position she was in for good and for Gods glory. I have had these lines underlined for years, "if I perish, then I perish." Wow. That is some courage if you ask me. What an example...to stand alone in front of a ruler and society who hate God, his people, and commands.

And where is God??? We see his mercy and provision as the Jewish people have returned home and are reestablishing their cities, lives, and rituals. The temple has been rebuild and worship is taking place there again and it's worship is happening all over the lands. These pockets of Jews that are still dispersed are obeying God and standing apart from the "norm". God has allowed all these events to occur in the king's life in order for Esther to make her way to the king. God is present in every action to show His name and His glory, even when it's something ugly, He makes it beautiful. Even when in-humane laws are decreed that don't make sense, God has a plan.

I can't wait to read the rest tomorrow.
Thanks for always forgiving the grammatical mistakes too. Typing this on my phone :)