<\/p>\n
Ezra 6:14-22; Ezra 4:6; Esther 1:1-4:17<\/strong><\/span> Today we begin reading about Queen Esther! Hold on tight because Esther is an amazing book \u2013 Don\u2019t miss it!\u00a0 Below is Esther:<\/span> ~ Esther ~<\/strong> A map of the Persian empire at the time of the book of Esther in approximately 480 B.C. is below.\u00a0 You can see the city of Susa, just above the Persian Gulf, where the book of Esther begins, as we read in verses 1 & 2 today: \u201cThis happened in the days of King Xerxes,\u00a0who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia.\u00a0At that time he ruled his empire from his throne at the fortress of Susa.\u201d<\/em><\/span> Today in Esther chapter 4 we read about Mordecai persuading Queen Esther to help save the Jews from Haman\u2019s evil plot. In verse 14 we read these amazing words of Mordecai\u2019s to Esther: \u201cAnd who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?\u201d<\/em> For such a time as this<\/span>. Powerful words to consider. You\u2019ll recall similar words were used in the narrative of Joseph in Genesis \u2013 Joseph was sent ahead to Egypt by God to save his family from famine \u201cfor such a time as this.\u201d Esther was married to the Persian King for such a time as this. And I believe that you and I have been placed on this earth this very day for such a time as this. Do you believe it is true that you really have been placed on this earth by God for such a time as this? Do you believe that there is a definite purpose for your life that God has called you to? Do you realize that you have the choice \u2013 as Esther had the choice \u2013 to move forward with God\u2019s vision and plan for your life or to say no to God? Our time on this life is short. We can live our lives in accordance with God\u2019s will and purpose for us or we can waste away our life with useless distractions. Trust me \u2013 the devil wants nothing more than to distract you from what God has called you to for such a time as this. So, what say you? Will you live your life wholly and purposefully for God for such a time as this? Will you leave the distractions behind?<\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org\u2019s commentary on today\u2019s readings in Esther titled \u201cMiss Persia\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span> and \u201cHanging Out At the Gate\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video:\u00a0 <\/strong>Today\u2019s readings reminded me of Steven Curtis Chapman\u2019s amazing song \u201cDive.\u201d\u00a0 What in your life is God calling you to dive into?\u00a0 Dive in!<\/span><\/p>\n \n
~ Click here to read today\u2019s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~<\/span><\/em>
~ Listen to today\u2019s Scripture with <\/em>The ESV Bible<\/em><\/span> ~<\/p>\n
Author:<\/span> Unknown
Date:<\/span> Fifth century B.C.
Content:<\/span> The book of Esther deals with a momentous event that took place after the Persians had destroyed Babylon and while many Jews were still living in the land of their captivity. The story concerns a Jewess named Ester who had become the wife of the Persian King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). An evil advisor to the king, named Haman, sought the destruction of the Jews in order to gain control of their wealth, but Esther tactfully intervened and saved her people from this fate. Haman was executed, and after some civil strife things quieted down once more. The remarkable deliverance of the Jews was celebrated by a feast named Purim and it remains to this day.
Theme:<\/span> The providence and power of God are the central points of this book. God was protecting his people even in their captivity and was working al things together for their good. God\u2019s power is seen in the overthrow of Israel\u2019s enemies. It is important to note that God used human beings to accomplish his purpose here, rather than doing it directly himself. We must be ready at all times to do God\u2019s will when he so directs. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers \u201cThe One Year Bible Companion\u201d p. 9)\u00a0 <\/em>More commentary on the book of Esther is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.\u00a0 Below is a fresco of \u201cQueen Esther\u201d from 1450 by Italian artist Andrea Del Castagno:<\/span>