On the surface this poetic book (also called “Song of Songs”) depicts an interaction between a man and woman in process of marrying. Reading this book at that surface level misses a much deeper meaning. The book primarily depicts a love story between Christ and His bride the church (us), and Christ’s relationship with individual…
Month: November 2021
A Prayer for Creation Care
Today I offer a prayer for creation care. With mounting concerns over our global climate and conditions, it is becoming very clear that Christ followers need to be playing active roles is slowing this world’s degradation. I believe it’s our God-given responsibility to be good stewards of everything in our care, partnering with Jesus who…
Esther 10
This brief chapter (three verses) informs us the king has a far reach with great power, and Mordecai advanced to being his second in command (replacing Haman), like Joseph was second to the Pharaoh in Egypt. “…Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular…
Esther 9
This chapter describes the Jews defeating those who sought to destroy them, and the creation of the Feast of Purim, to celebrate God’s deliverance. “And Mordecai… sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus… obliging them to keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the…
Esther 8
In this chapter Esther and Mordecai devise a plan to save the Jews from Haman’s genocide edict. “Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, ‘Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows, because he intended to lay hands on the Jews….
Esther 7
In this chapter Queen Esther’s second feast with the king and Haman takes place. ” ‘What is your wish, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you….’ Then Queen Esther answered, ‘…if it please the king, let my life be granted… and my people… For we have been sold… to be destroyed, to be killed, and…
Esther 6
Haman’s plan to hang Mordecai backfires, and he is forced to honor him instead. “So Haman came in, and the king said to him, ‘What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?’ And Haman said to the king, ‘…let royal robes be brought… and the horse that the king has…
A Prayer of Deriving Satisfaction and Contentment from God
Today I offer a prayer of deriving our satisfaction and contentment from God. The world will promise us the world, but the world is not enough – only God can satisfy our souls, for we are designed to be His people, and He promises to be our God. Father God, Everlasting Lord, You have been…
Esther 5
After three days of fasting and praying, Esther is accepted in the king’s presence, where he promises her up to half of the kingdom. Esther’s only request at that time is that he and Haman join her at a feast she prepared. They do so, the king makes her the same offer, and she invites…
Esther 4
In this chapter Mordecai, Esther, and the other Jews learn of Haman’s plot against them and many go into mourning. Esther and Mordecai then communicate via messenger and devise a dangerous plan. “Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, ‘…if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews…