Something to Share

Dear Friends,

Just got the following in an email... its so good, just have to share!

Answered                   ISSUE #41 By:Chris Govekar Meditation Isaiah 65:24-Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear."              Paul Harvey tells a story of a man named Jack Wurm, who found himself walking on a beach in San Francisco, California one chilly day in March, 1949. Jack was 55, broke and down on his luck. His restaurant business had just gone bankrupt and he was jobless, penniless and totally without hope. He was walking that beach in San Francisco, praying for a miracle, asking God to help him out of his horrible situation when he came across a bottle with a note inside.             When he picked up the bottle and opened it up, the note he found inside read, "To avoid all confusion, I leave my entire estate to the lucky person who finds this bottle and to my attorney, Barry Cohen, share and share alike." The note was signed by Daisy Alexander and dated June 20, 1937. When Jack looked into the writer of the note, he found that she'd died in London in 1939, the eccentric heiress to most of the Singer Sewing Machine fortune.  Even more amazingly, this "last will and testament" which Daisy had sealed in a bottle and tossed into the Thames River in 1937 held up in court and Jack suddenly found himself the recipient of almost $6 million in inheritance. (Paul Harvey, Destiny)             I'm sure that when he decided to walk on the beach that cold March morning, Jack had faith, however small, that God would answer his prayer, but not only did God have a plan, He had a plan He'd put in motion twelve years earlier to take care of a need Jack could never have known he'd have at just that time. We pray, often thinking that God CAN answer our prayers. Sometimes we pray believing that God WILL answer our prayers. How often, though do we pray believing the answer is already on its way, even before we think to ask?             Next time you feel tempted to give up on God and skip asking him to meet your needs, think of Jack and God's promise to Isaiah to answer our prayer even before we demonstrate the faith to ask. We serve a mighty God - before we ask, He's already answering!

©2010 Christopher Govekar ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals send your name and email address to: danl@firstcause.org and ask to be placed on the distribution list.  You can also sign up at our website at Reveration Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.

(remember week 4 by the 4th, in month 4)

Hi All,

Hard to believe April 1 is nearly here.  It'll be time to get back to our Esther study this week.  Are you all ready? Since the 1st is on Thursday, lets plan to watch the video by or over the Easter weekend then begin posting again on Monday, the 5th.  Hope this works for you all.  

Love to each!
Margie

Esther Study - Brief Break?

Hey Gals,

How would you all feel about taking a brief break in our Esther Study?  Several of us have stuff going on in the next couple weeks that will impact our ability to stay on track; like Jen's having a new baby AND moving all in the same week!  Some of you have admitted to being behind because of stuff going on in your lives too. And we have one new member who started behind ;-) So, if you don't mind, lets all take a collective break and plan on being caught up and ready to begin again April 1st. We'll start week 4 on month 4!  

In the meantime, please feel free to read and post whatever is on your mind.

Blessings to all!

M


 

Control-Alt-Delete

Help... a friend of mine is going through a 'growth spurt' after some tough life circumstances.  She is getting kinda crazy and out of control and indulging in some behaviors that she'll probably regret later!  I want to tell her to put on the brakes and think about what she is doing, but do not know how to send her the message in a gentle but firm way.  How can I listen to her (and hear all about her "adventures") offering support, without condoning her behavior?  I want to be a good friend but don't want to be offensive.  If she continues on this path, there is no doubt a train wreck in her future!  Any ideas?  She needs a control-alt-delete........

What is your Favorite?

Hey Girls,

Went to the beach with some friends for a couple days... it was fun!  They convinced me to watch Momma Mia which is movie that didn't interest me at all.  But it was pretty darn good!  Made me wonder about other movies and books that might have been missed.  Any body want to share some favorites with the rest of us?  Is there a book you read that everyone needs to read?  A movie?  Share...

Drinking over Chaos

Hamon and Xerexes as two interesting people. Hamon is a follower of his heritage and so hates the Jews. Not because anyone of them has done anything outrageous to him but because it is as it should be, in his belief. The king, who should be a leader is really a follower of Hamon (or confusion, chaos and the author of that is always the devil himself! So everything is very backwards. Just like being friendly towards your neighbor one day, and then the next day they are dead only because of their heritage. So this is an early view of racism. I don`t believe God is happy with the person who initiates the racism or the people who continue and encourage it (you can put any sin in there you want.


So what to do when we are hurt by another? Perhaps as when we are in the Pit with Jacob, the only way to manage is to look up. To look any other way is very defeating and non productive.

Still, in God`s time and in his way we will get out of the Pit. Have a good week everyone. 

~Janie

Purpose

Here is a devotional that fits right in with our study ....

Primary Purpose                 ISSUE #723 By: Dan York I read a fascinating article in The Oregonian.  The following sentences captured my attention.  Having a sense of purpose in life seems to provide a shield against illness-particularly in old age . . . Those with the highest sense of purpose were half as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those with the lowest sense of purpose during seven years of follow-up . . . In an earlier study, the same group [Rush University Medical Center in Chicago] found that the risk of dying from any cause was nearly cut in half among women and men with a greater sense of purpose.* Meditation Esther 10:3-Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, famous among the Jews, and highly popular with many of his relatives. He continued to seek good for his people and to speak for the welfare of all his kindred. Between 486-465 B.C. a large population of Jews lived in Persia under the reign of King Ahasuerus I.   The most prominent leader under the king was a man by the name of Mordecai.  Throughout Mordecai's life he did all he could to help his people.  When his cousin, Esther, lost her parents, he took her in his own home and raised her as his daughter.  When he overheard a plot to assassinate the king, he intervened through Esther to save Ahasuerus' life.   Whether by discernment or by religious conviction he refused to bow before Haman, the second highest official in the land.   Later, putting Esther's life at risk, Mordecai insisted she alert the king to Haman's plot to destroy the Jews.  His tenacious leadership led to Haman's hanging and saved the Jews from slaughter. Mordecai was a leader with a clearly defined purpose-all his life he sought to promote the welfare of his people.  His life poses a question you and I ought to ask ourselves.  What is my purpose in life?  I would contend that the Rush University study reveals a key principle.  Those who do not have a sense of purpose are far less likely to live well.  I would further contend that what we choose as our primary purpose is even more vital. If my primary purpose is to be a great athlete, what happens when I no longer can compete with those younger and stronger?  Ask Michael Jordan how fulfilled he feels these days.  What are the consequences if my primary purpose becomes pleasing myself?  Ask Tiger Woods.  If my primary purpose is to be rich when is enough, enough?  If my primary purpose is to obtain power or popularity, how do I handle sickness and mortality?  Could it be that every purpose under the sun eventually leads to despair except one-the purpose to please God?  Mordecai's intention to help his people tied into a deeper purpose of honoring and serving God.  So what is your primary purpose?  If you live to worship God, your life will radiate joy.  This joy is impervious to the pain, sin, heartache, sorrow and loss that come from living in a fallen world.  When we purpose to live for God we learn by grace that our worth is not determined by age, energy level, mental capacity or social-economic status.  Our worth is eternally priceless through Jesus the Savior who gave His life to make us matter.  Purpose focused on pleasing God renders a hallelujah vocabulary in a hell o yuck society.  It honors the very God whose purpose is to bless us with an eternal relationship with Him in a future world where awesome will be a weak adjective.  Something to think about . . . in reveration! Inspiration Just imagine what it would be like to say to yourself, "I have decided that my overriding purpose in life is to be worthy of Christ and to remember whom I represent."-Stuart Briscoe in Spiritual Stamina *Joe Rojas-Burke in "Antidote for illness comes with life goals" The Oregonian Thursday March 11, 2010.

©2010 Daniel York  ARR.

Non Esther topics too

Hey... The blog has become rather Esther focused but it isn't just for our Esther study!

If any one has anything else they want to "talk about" we certainly can. 

Here is a topic: How can we handle frustrating or frustrated people? It's so common for us, as women, to take and take and take until we break.  How can we change that so that we BRAKE instead?  How can we use a little tough love so that love isn't so tough? Anybody else have issues in this area? Anyone read a good book on the subject?  Anyone have some personal tips to share? 

A Little More Committed

I found it rather fascinating that the lesson for day 2 focused on the choosing of a day... for it comes on the exact day when we have one in our group who was given a chosen date.  Jennifer will be induced on March 18 if baby Mason does not come before then.  Interesting to me to see how God sometimes gets our attention through personal circumstances.  And His message today - for me anyway, was on the last page of the study; page 66.  "Trust that time is God's alone to give." It is just another way to say, God's timing is perfect.

In the story of Esther its a whole different set of circumstances.  But ultimately its still about life...

Here is some more commentary from "Be Committed."

Not content with merely having a high office and using it, Haman wanted all the public recognition and honor that he could secure. Although the ancient people of the Near East were accustomed to giving public displays of homage, the king had to issue a special edict concerning Haman, or the people would not have bowed down to him. Haman was a small man in a big office; and the other nobles, more worthy than he, would not willingly recognize him. This fact is another hint that Haman got the office not by earning it but by stealing it. If he were a worthy officer, the other leaders would have gladly recognized him.

Pride blinds people to what they really are and makes them insist on having what they really don’t deserve. The British essayist Walter Savage Landor (1775–1864) wrote, “When little men cast long shadows, it is a sign that the sun is setting.” Haman was a little man, indeed, but his vanity compelled him to make himself look and sound bigger than he really was.

“Fools take to themselves the respect that is given to their office,” wrote Aesop in his fable “The Jackass in Office”; and it applies perfectly to Haman. He was recognized, not because of his character or his ability, but because of the office he filled and because of the edict of the king. “Try not to become a man of success,” said Albert Einstein, “but try to become a man of value.” Men and women of value earn the recognition they deserve.

Haman’s promotion may have brought out the worst in Haman, but it brought out the best in Mordecai; for Mordecai refused to pay homage to Haman. It must be remembered, however, that the Jews didn’t violate the Second Commandment (Ex. 20:4–6) when they bowed down before people in authority any more than Christians do today when they show respect to leaders. For instance, Abraham bowed down to the sons of Heth when he negotiated with them for Sarah’s grave (Gen. 23:7). Also Joseph’s brothers bowed down before Joseph, thinking he was an Egyptian official (42:6). David even bowed down to Saul (1 Sam. 24:8), and Jacob and his family bowed before Esau (Gen. 33:3, 6–7). The Jews even bowed to one another. (See 2 Sam. 14:4 and 18:28.)

There were crowds of people at the gate, and some of them would be pleading for Haman to intercede for them. Consequently, Haman didn’t notice that Mordecai was standing up while everybody else was bowing down. The other officials at the gate questioned Mordecai about his behavior, and it was then that Mordecai openly announced that he was a Jew (Es. 3:3–4). For several days, the royal officials discussed the matter with Mordecai, probably trying to change his mind; and then they reported his behavior to Haman. From that time on, Haman watched Mordecai and nursed his anger, not only toward the man at the gate, but also toward all the Jews in the empire.

Why did Mordecai refuse to bow down to Haman? What was there about being a Jew that prohibited him from doing what everybody else was doing? Even if Mordecai couldn’t respect the man, he could at least respect the office and therefore the king who gave Haman the office.

I think the answer is that Haman was an Amalekite, and the Amalekites were the avowed enemies of the Jews. The Lord swore and put in writing that He had declared war on the Amalekites and would fight them from generation to generation (Ex. 17:16). How could Mordecai show homage to the enemy of the Jews and the enemy of the Lord? He didn’t want to be guilty of what Joab said about King David, “You love your enemies and hate your friends” (2 Sam. 19:6, NKJV).

Mordecai’s controversy with Haman was not a personal quarrel with a proud and difficult man. It was Mordecai’s declaration that he was on God’s side in the national struggle between the Jews and the Amalekites. Mordecai didn’t want to make the same mistake his ancestor King Saul had made in being too lenient with God’s enemies (1 Sam. 15). Because Saul compromised with the Amalekites, he lost his crown; but because Mordecai opposed them, he eventually gained a crown (Es. 8:15).

Keep in mind that the extermination of the Jews would mean the end of the messianic promise for the world. The reason God promised to protect His people was that they might become the channel through whom He might give the Word of God and the Son of God to the world. Israel was to bring the blessing of salvation to all nations (Gen. 12:1–3; Gal. 3:7–18). Mordecai wasn’t nurturing a personal grudge against Haman so much as enlisting in the perpetual battle God has with those who work for the devil and try to hinder His will in this world (Gen. 3:15).

Mordecai is not the only person in the Bible who for conscience’ sake practiced “civil disobedience.” The Hebrew midwives disobeyed Pharaoh’s orders and refused to kill the Jewish babies (Ex. 1:15–22). Daniel and his three friends refused to eat the king’s food (Dan. 1), and the three friends also refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s image (Dan. 3). The apostles refused to stop witnessing in Jerusalem and affirmed, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). That statement can be a wonderful declaration of faith or a cowardly evasion of responsibility, depending on the heart of the person saying it.

But please note that, in each of these instances, the people had a direct word from God that gave them assurance they were doing His will. And further note that, in every instance, the believers were kind and respectful. They didn’t start riots or burn down buildings “for conscience’ sake.” Because civil authority is ordained of God (Rom. 13), it’s a serious thing for Christians to disobey the law; and if we’re going to do it, we must know the difference between personal prejudices and biblical convictions.

Something else is involved: By confessing that he was a Jew, Mordecai was asking for trouble for both himself and the other Jews in the empire. Obedience to conscience and the will of God in defiance of civil law is not a casual thing to be taken lightly. Some of the “conscience protesters” we’ve seen on television, however, have seemed more like clowns going to a party than soldiers going to a battle. They could never stand with people like Martin Luther who challenged prelates and potentates with: “My conscience is captive to the Word of God. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise!”

Mordecai may have had shortcomings with reference to his religious practices, but we must admire him for his courageous stand. Certainly God had put him and Esther into their official positions so that they might save their people from annihilation. Their neglect of the Jewish law is incidental when you consider their courage in risking their lives.

Like a cancerous tumor, Haman’s hatred for Mordecai soon developed into hatred for the whole Jewish race. Haman could have reported Mordecai’s crime to the king, and the king would have imprisoned Mordecai or perhaps had him executed; but that would not have satisfied Haman’s lust for revenge. No, his hatred had to be nourished by something bigger, like the destruction of a whole nation. As with Judas in the Upper Room, so with Haman in the palace: he became a murderer. Mark Twain called anti-Semitism “the swollen envy of pygmy minds.” And he was right.

4. His subtlety (Es. 3:7–15a)

Follow the steps that wicked Haman took as he executed his plan to destroy the Jewish people.

He selected the day (Es. 3:7). Haman and some of the court astrologers cast lots to determine the day for the Jews’ destruction. This was done privately before Haman approached the king with his plan. Haman wanted to be sure that his gods were with him and that his plan would succeed.

The Eastern peoples in that day took few important steps without consulting the stars and the omens. A century before, when King Nebuchadnezzar and his generals couldn’t agree on a campaign strategy, they paused to consult their gods. “For the king of Babylon stands at the parting of the road, at the fork of the two roads, to use divination: he shakes the arrows, he consults the images, he looks at the liver” (Ezek. 21:21, NKJV).¹ The Babylonian word puru means “lot,” and from it the Jews get the name of their feast, Purim (Es. 9:26).

It’s interesting that Haman began this procedure in the month of Nisan, the very month in which the Jews celebrated their deliverance from Egypt. As the astrologers cast lots over the calendar, month by month and day by day, they arrived at the most propitious date: the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (v. 13). This decision was certainly of the Lord, because it gave the Jews a whole year to get ready, and because it would also give Mordecai and Esther time to act. “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord” (Prov. 16:33, KJV).

Was Haman disappointed with this choice? He may have wanted to act immediately, catch the Jews off guard, and satisfy his hatred much sooner. On the other hand, he would have nearly a year in which to nurse his grudge and anticipate revenge, and that would be enjoyable. He could watch the Jews panic, knowing that he was in control. Even if the Jews took advantage of this delay and moved out of the empire, he would still get rid of them and be able to claim whatever goods and property they would have left behind. The plan seemed a good one.

¹ 1 “Shaking the arrows” was something like our modern “drawing straws,” with the arrows marked with the possible choices of action. “Consulting images” had to do with seeking help from the images of the gods they carried with them. “Looking at the liver” involved offering an animal sacrifice and getting directions from the shape and marks on the liver.

Wiersbe, Warren W.: Be Committed. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1993 (An Old Testament Study. Ruth and Esther), S. Es 3:2

New Esther member :D

Exciting News!  We have another Jennifer joining our Esther study.  Jen works with Janie and me at the Birth Center.  Janie shared with her about what we are up to and she and I talked on Facebook.  After hearing about  the group, she accepted an invitation to come into it :D You will all enjoy the pleasure of having Jen on board. She is a brave gal to come in at week 3.  Lets all give her a big welcome!

Mood and attitude

Is it possible that Mordecai was divinely definite? Or was he just so set on pleasing the lord he would not bend a knee to a human leader? this males me wonder if he would bow to Xerxes  ? What do you guys think?

Anyways i thought today i would talk a little about moods. I mean we as woman are divinely good at mood swings. Why is it so wasy for us to get so carried away in the heat of the moment? So much so at times i feel i loose a part of who i  really am to the meany head that lies inside of me? I am really feeling i can relate more to Xerxes him self then to Esther at this point.

How can we as woman be like Mordecai in what we believe in? Without offending people or tarnishing the name of our loving God?How can we avoid allowing our busy lives interfere with standing our ground for Jesus?

I feel there are 2 obvious answers. Bible time and prayer (i.e getting to know God 1 on 1). but how do we carry what we know of God to keep us steady?

I guess i have more questions then answers or thoughts today. What do you ladies think?

A Dare

Did you watch this weeks video yet?  Its about meanness... whod'thunk we'd be doing a Bible study and focusing on meanness!?

Anyway, I am pretty sure we have all experienced or dished out some meanness in our lifetimes and I thought it might be interesting to share stories about "mean girls".  Do you have a memory that still "gets ya" every time you think about it?  Did you learn anything from the experience? 

I dare each of you... tell us the story.  Maybe we can all glean a nice lesson in the process!

 

Goodbye 2 Hello 3

Dear Daughters and Sisters,

 Isn't it incredible that we are headed into week 3?  You all have certainly made this study interesting with your insights and input.  How I enjoy "hearing" from all of you!  Its a much a richer experience than doing a study on my own.  Thank you all for the time and effort you put forth as you contribute here!!!

As we finish up Esther 2, thought I'd share again from  

~Be Committed ~

3. The intervention of Mordecai (Es. 2:19–23)

The second “gathering of the virgins” mentioned in verse 19 probably means that the king’s officers continued to gather beautiful girls for his harem, for Ahasuerus wasn’t likely to become a monogamist and spend the rest of his life with Esther alone. Those who hold that this entire occasion was a “beauty contest” see this second gathering as a farewell to the “candidates” who never got to see the king. They were thanked and sent home. I prefer the first interpretation. Queen or no queen, a man like Ahasuerus wasn’t about to release a group of beautiful virgins from his palace!

But most importantly, in verse 19 we now see Mordecai in a position of honor and authority, sitting at the king’s gate (4:2; 5:13). In the East, the gate was the ancient equivalent of our modern law courts, the place where important official business was transacted (Ruth 4:1; Dan. 2:48–49). It’s possible that Queen Esther used her influence to get her cousin this job.

Once again, we marvel at the providence of God in the life of a man who was not honoring the God of Israel. Neither Mordecai nor Esther had revealed their true nationality. Perhaps we should classify them with Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea who were “secret disciples” and yet were used of God to protect and bury the body of Jesus (John 19:38–42). Like these two men, Mordecai and Esther were “hidden” in the Persian capital because God had a very special work for them to do. Mordecai was able to use his position for the good of both the king and the Jews.

In Eastern courts, palace intrigue was a normal thing. Only a few officers had free access to the king (Es. 1:10, 14), and they often used their privileges to get bribes from people who needed the king’s help. (This is why Daniel’s fellow officers didn’t like him; he was too honest. See Dan. 6.)

It’s possible that this assassination attempt was connected with the crowning of the new queen and that Vashti’s supporters in the palace resented what Ahasuerus had done. Or perhaps these two men hated Esther because she was an outsider. Although it wasn’t consistently obeyed, tradition said that Persian kings should select their wives from women within the seven noble families of the land. These conspirators may have been traditionalists who didn’t want a “commoner” on the throne.

Ahasuerus enjoyed almost unlimited authority, wealth, and pleasure. He was insulated from the everyday problems of life (Es. 4:1–4); but this didn’t guarantee his personal safety. It was still possible for people to plot against the king and threaten his life. In fact, fourteen years later, Ahasuerus was assassinated!

God in His providence enabled Mordecai to hear about the plot and notify Queen Esther. When Esther told the king, she gave Mordecai the credit for uncovering the conspiracy; and this meant that his name was written into the official chronicle. This fact will play an important part in the drama four years later (6:1ff).

The phrase “hanged on a tree” (Es. 2:23, KJV) probably means “impaled on a stake,” one of the usual forms of capital punishment used by the Persians, who were not known for their leniency to prisoners. The usual form of capital punishment among the Jews was stoning; but if they really wanted to humiliate the victim, they would hang the corpse on a tree until sundown (Deut. 21:22–23).

Mordecai received neither recognition nor reward for saving the king’s life. No matter; God saw to it that the facts were permanently recorded, and He would make good use of them at the right time. Our good works are like seeds that are planted by faith, and their fruits don’t always appear immediately. “Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous, good shall be repaid” (Prov. 13:21, NKJV). Joseph befriended a fellow prisoner, and the man completely forgot his kindness for two years (Gen. 40:23; 41:1). But God’s timing is always perfect, and He sees to it that no good deed is ever wasted.

The plot that Mordecai successfully exposed, however, was nothing compared to the plot he would uncover four years later, planned and perpetrated by Haman, the enemy of the Jews.

Wiersbe, Warren W.: Be Committed. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1993 (An Old Testament Study. Ruth and Esther), S. Es 2:19

Beauty is as beauty does

Look at this video...Beauty Is as Beauty Does

Now I know Esther didn't see the Mickey Mouse club but she learned the same lesson along the way.  Beauty Is as Beauty Does!

As I filled in the blanks to week 2, day 4 what I discovered about Esther was that she was a smart gal.  She was trusting.  She was careful and thoughtful.  She didn't ask for anything extra.  And she listened to her elders.

The Bible tells us on several occasions that she found favor with those around her.  How? The word doesn't tell us exactly.  But I imagine that what she learned in  her early years, when she was adopted and loved, helped her to figure out the simple beauty of kindness and caring - which is more important than simply being beautiful!

Beauty is as Beauty Does.

No show? Week 2

Hi Everyone,

Cara is struggling to catch up with us...between moving, migraines, and school she is still behind. Until she is able to catch up and do her posts, thought I'd share some insights from resources available with my Logos Bible software that includes some great study supplements. Read on if you want to dig a little deeper...

  This is from a book on the Old Testament called Be Committed

Esther Chapter 2. The choice of Esther (Es. 2:5–18)

We are now introduced to Mordecai and his cousin Esther, who, along with Haman, are the principal players in this drama. Once again, we see the hand of God at work in the life of this lovely Jewess. Consider the factors involved.

The influence of Mordecai (Es. 2:5–7). Mordecai is named fifty-eight times in this book, and seven times he is identified as “a Jew” (2:5; 5:13; 6:10; 8:7; 9:29, 31; 10:3). His ancestor, Kish, was among the Jews taken to Babylon from Jerusalem in the second deportation in 597 B.C. (2 Kings 24). Cyrus, King of Persia, entered Babylon in 539 and the next year gave the Jews permission to return to their land. About 50,000 responded (Ezra 1–2). In subsequent years, other Jews returned to Israel; but Mordecai chose to remain in the Persian capital.

While the Babylonians made life difficult for the Jews, the Persians were more lenient to aliens; and many Jews prospered in the land of their captors. Mordecai eventually held an official position in the government and sat at the king’s gate (Es. 2:21). It’s likely that he was given this position after Esther’s coronation, because he had to walk back and forth in front of the house of the women in order to find out how his adopted daughter was doing (v. 11). If he were an officer of the king, he would have had access to inside information.

Esther was Mordecai’s cousin and adopted daughter (v. 15). Her Persian name Esther means “star,” and her Hebrew name Hadassah means “myrtle.” (It’s interesting that the myrtle tree bears a flower that looks like a star.) A beautiful woman, she was one of those taken into the king’s harem. An English proverb says, “Beauty may have fair leaves, yet bitter fruit.” We wonder how many young ladies in the empire regretted that they had been born beautiful!

One of the key elements in this story is the fact that the people in Shusan didn’t know that Mordecai and Esther were Jews. The palace personnel found out about Mordecai when he told them (3:4), and the king learned about Esther at the second banquet she hosted for him and Haman (chap. 7).

This fact presents us with some problems. For one thing, if Mordecai and Esther were passing themselves off as Persians, they certainly weren’t keeping a kosher home and obeying the laws of Moses. Had they been following even the dietary laws, let alone the rules for separation and worship, their true nationality would have quickly been discovered. Had Esther practiced her Jewish faith during her year of preparation (2:12), or during the four years she had been queen (2:16 with 3:7), the disguise would have come off.

Anyone has the right to conceal his or her true nationality, and this is not a sin. As long as nobody asked them, Mordecai and Esther had every right to conceal their racial origin. If people thought that the two cousins were Gentiles, well, that was their own conclusion. Nobody lied to them. “All truths are not to be spoken at all times,” wrote Matthew Henry, “though an untruth is not to be spoken at any time.” Nevertheless, that Esther and Mordecai did not acknowledge the God of Israel in the midst of that pagan society is unfortunate.

So much for their subterfuge. What about their nonkosher lifestyle? Even though the Law of Moses was temporary, and it would be ended with the death of Christ on the cross, that law was still in effect; and the Jews were expected to obey it. Daniel and his friends were careful to obey the law while they lived in Babylon, and the Lord blessed them for their faithfulness (Dan. 1). Why would He overlook the unfaithfulness of Mordecai and Esther and still use them to accomplish His purposes?

But even more serious than their lifestyle is the problem of a Jewess in a harem and ultimately marrying a Gentile. The Law of Moses prohibited all kinds of illicit sex as well as mixed marriages (Ex. 20:14; 34:16; Lev. 18; Deut. 7:1–4), and both Ezra and Nehemiah had to deal with the problem of Jews marrying Gentiles (Ezra 9–10; Neh. 10:30; 13:23–27). Yet, God allowed a pure Jewish girl to become the wife of a lustful Gentile pagan king, a worshiper of Zoroaster!

Some Bible students see this whole enterprise as an empire-wide “beauty contest” and Esther as a contestant who probably shouldn’t have entered. They also assert that Mordecai encouraged her because he wanted to have a Jew in a place of influence in the empire in case there was trouble. Perhaps that interpretation is true. However, other students feel that the women were not volunteers but were selected and assembled by the king’s special officers. The girls were not kidnapped, but everybody knew that the will of an Eastern monarch could not successfully be opposed. In this case I don’t think we should condemn Esther for what happened to her since these circumstances were, for the most part, out of her control; and God did overrule them for the good of her people.

When you consider the backslidden state of the Jewish nation at that time, the disobedience of the Jewish remnant in the Persian Empire, and the unspiritual lifestyle of Mordecai and Esther, is it any wonder that the name of God is absent from this book? Would you want to identify your holy name with such an unholy people?

The encouragement of Hegai (Es. 2:8–9). Just as Joseph found favor in Egypt (Gen. 39:21) and Daniel in Babylon (Dan. 1:9), so Esther found favor in Shushan. God is so great that He can work even in the heart and mind of the keeper of a harem! Hegai was a Gentile. His job was to provide pleasure for the king, and he didn’t know the true God of Israel. Nevertheless, he played an important role in the plan that God was working out for His people. Even today, God is working in places where you and I might think He is absent.

Hegai had a year-long “beauty treatment” to prepare each woman for the king. It included a prescribed diet, the application of special perfumes and cosmetics, and probably a course on court etiquette. They were being trained to do one thing—satisfy the desires of the king. The one who pleased him the most would become his wife. Because of the providence of God, Hegai gave Esther “special treatment” and the best place in the house for her and her maids.

The nationality of Esther (Es. 2:10–11). Had Esther not been born into the Jewish race, she could never have saved the nation from slaughter. It would appear that the two cousins’ silence about their nationality was directed by God because He had a special work for them to accomplish. There was plenty of anti-Semitism in the Gentile world, and Mordecai’s motive was probably their own personal safety, but God had something greater in mind. Mordecai and Esther wanted to live in peace, but God used them to keep the Jewish people alive.

The approval of the king (Es. 2:12–18). Each night, a new maiden was brought to the king; and in the morning, she was sent to the house of the concubines, never again to be with the king unless he remembered her and called for her. Such unbridled sensuality eventually would have so bored Ahasuerus that he was probably unable to distinguish one maiden from another. This was not love. It was faceless anonymous lust that craved more and more; and the more the king indulged, the less he was satisfied.

Esther had won the favor of everybody who saw her; and when the king saw her, he responded to her with greater enthusiasm than he had to any of the other women. At last he had found someone to replace Vashti! The phrase “the king loved Esther” (KJV) must not be interpreted to mean that Ahasuerus had suddenly fallen in love with Esther with pure and devoted affection. The NIV rendering is best: “Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women” (v. 17). This response was from the Lord who wanted Esther in the royal palace where she could intercede for her people. “Known to God from eternity are all His works” (Acts 15:18, NKJV).

It’s worth noting that Esther put herself into the hands of Hegai and did what she was told to do. Hegai knew what the king liked, and, being partial to Esther, he attired her accordingly. Because she possessed such great beauty “in form and features” (Es. 2:7, NIV), Esther didn’t require the “extras” that the other women needed. (See 1 Peter 3:1–6.)

The king personally crowned Esther and named her the new queen of the empire. Then he summoned his officials and hosted a great banquet. (This is the fourth banquet in the book. The Persian kings used every opportunity to celebrate!) But the king’s generosity even touched the common people, for he proclaimed a national holiday throughout his realm and distributed gifts to the people. This holiday may have been similar to the Hebrew “Year of Jubilee.” It’s likely that taxes were canceled, servants set free, and workers given a vacation from their jobs. Ahasuerus wanted everybody to feel good about his new queen.

Wiersbe, Warren W.: Be Committed. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1993 (An Old Testament Study. Ruth and Esther), S. Es 2:5

Beauty treatments

In my translation it is translated to purification. and that can be interrupted in a different manner then beauty treatments. To me its not about making a beautiful person more beautiful, these girls that were brought to the kings house were not from royal families, the were common girls, so the treatments that they went through were those to make them more proper. They were to groom the girls to be able to obey, sit in a royal fashion, and proper etiquette. could you imagine presenting the king with a lady straight from the farm with no training on how to act in good company..imagine the way she would eat or talk...she may have been beautiful but her manners were that of a child growing up with her hands to eat with. Imagine the confusing she would have had with 3 forks, and 2 spoons at her place setting. I still get confused on which is the salad fork and the steak fork..

This is also were we are introduced to Esther, and I'm not going to go through all we know about her because we read it and it was in the video. But her cousin was part of the kings party, so he was taught all the ways of a noble man. and in return taught them to Esther. So this is way she caught the attention of the kings Chamberlain right away and obtained his kindness. She already possessed the qualities the king desired.

She was the right one for the job..have you ever had a problem and had a friend that has gone through it before? several of us have and we go to that friend for support right? So if the chamberlain found a women that fit the bill he would give the most attention to her and not worry about the rest so much because he already had the right girl for the job. No wonder Esther will become the next queen..she didn't even have to try out for the part. they knew she would be perfect...just like our friend that has been though our situation before us.

Remembering-w2d1

Happy Tuesday!

What struck me this time was the the way and manner that Xerxes remembered Vashti. I can just see the old goat sitting in his throne head in his hands thinking about his war loses and then it hits him. Vashti! I bet that an image of her pretty face appeared behind his eye lids reminding him of a better time.

I can actually relate to this and maybe you can too. Think about a time you got relly mad a t a love one or a friend....... Did you think about all the good time and laughter? No i bet like me you get stuck in the moment and only focus on the argument at hand. Then later when your down in the dumps just trying to hold on to something good you remember those times when the laughter was what made your day and you once again long for those times.

Why dont we ever take the time to approach a bad situation after we take five to cool off? Im not talking 5 years but five mins? I  mean think of the people we banish from our lives? Cus we where mad and didnt think with a clear head?

This is something i think we can all work on what could it hurt?

Stretching a Little

For our charts under unknowns -I think U might be for UNITY. Right or wrong we stand together.The Jews were together, the gentiles together. We tend to gossip together. The group was encouraged to get drunk together and wage a war together. So how does the Jew or the gentile or the drunk or the gossip see a different point of view and break away from unity and go perhaps a better way?JB

Cheating a little?

Hey Gals,
Can we cheat a little and build our PURIM charts together? Its the chart in the back of the Study Guide. Beth explains about it on pages 30-31 at the end of the 1st week.

When you do your post this week include something for the list!  I'll start P-Party = big boasting banquet that King Headache gave in the 3rd year of his reign for the nobles and officials. M-Moments  = when Vashti decides not to attend. Who can give us a URand I? (Unknowns, Rescues and Ironies).