For such a time as this

I’ve been working through the book of Esther but often accounts like this are best understood when we see the whole story together. Whilst we can preach sermon series on books like Esther, Ruth and Jonah, there’s benefit from time to time to getting that big picture view to understand the overall message. So, here’s… Continue reading For such a time as this

Intercession

With Haman out of the way, the king hands his estate over to Esther and she appoints Mordecai in charge of it. Mordecai also receives the signet ring given to Haman, he is being exalted to a high position of authority in the kingdom (Esther 8:1-2). However, Esther is not yet satisfied, the danger has… Continue reading Intercession

The enemy

When Esther goes to King Ahasuerus to plead for her people, he asks who is responsible for the planned atrocity against them. He will of course know about Haman’s law but perhaps hasn’t yet connected Esther with the Jews. Esther explains that the one responsible is: An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!”[1] Earlier we… Continue reading The enemy

The Great Exchange

Jesus once asked “What benefit is there in gaining the world (prospering materially) if you lose your soul?” Esther understood this well. The king and Haman have come to her banquet and Ahasuerus offers her anything she desires, even half the kingdom (Esther 7:1-2) . She could have used this opportunity to benefit herself, to… Continue reading The Great Exchange

Bad timing

The King is restless and unable to sleep. This is a little bit of a theme in books describing the exile. Think of how Darius is restless whilst Daniel faces his ordeal in the lions’ den. To keep him occupied, and perhaps to read in a rhythm, that will help him drift off, the chronicles… Continue reading Bad timing

Haman oversteps

Haman returns from the palace in high spirits. It seems to him that he has not only won the king’s favour but the Queen’s too (Esther 5:9). However, he notices en-route that Mordecai is still defying him and refusing to bow down (5:10). This fills him with rage but he just about manages to restrain… Continue reading Haman oversteps

Esther and the King

Esther goes to see the king (Esther 5:1). Remember that this was potentially dangerous. It was possible that he would not welcome her and if so, this could lead to punishment by death. It’s funny isn’t it that we tend to report and gloss over these facts in a matter of fact way. Of course,… Continue reading Esther and the King

For this moment

Mordecai has asked Esther to go to the king and intercede for God’s people, the Jews who are threatened by Haman’s planned genoci in NJde. Esther responds by pointing out to Mordecai that this would put her own life at risk. She cannot simply go into the king as she pleases but must wait to… Continue reading For this moment

Honouring the enemy

After honouring Mordecai, Ahasuerus goes on to honour another man, Haman. He is appointed to high office and the people are commanded to bow did to him and pay him homage. Mordecai refuses and this is picked up on by palace officials. They also pick up on the fact that he is Jewish. Why does… Continue reading Honouring the enemy

The Anti-Christ and The Anti-Church

In Ephesians 5:21-32, Paul paints a picture of the church as the bride of Christ. Jesus is the loving, faithful, self-giving husband who pours his life out for her, he seeks her beauty and her good. She is faithful, honouring and submitting to him and so, the church, the bride he has won is the… Continue reading The Anti-Christ and The Anti-Church