TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 145
Your kingdom come, your will be done. - Matthew 6:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
An amusing story is told of a three-year-old, kneeling beside her bed, who was overhead praying, “Our Father, Who does art in heaven, Harold is His name. Amen.” She had sat in the church pew Sunday after Sunday, reciting words of pure nonsense! Her childish ignorance may not be completely unlike our own misunderstandings of the Lord's Prayer. Take as an example the text of today's key verse. If we pray for the dawning of God's kingdom, do we know enough to partner with God in this great endeavor and then recognize its arrival?

This month's study of the book of Esther helps us to understand essential principles about the kingdom of God. Today's reading of Psalm 145 provides the perfect framework for what we can anticipate learning from Esther. Psalm 145 exalts the praiseworthy qualities of God that make Him the King over all. First, His “kingdom is an everlasting kingdom” (v. 13). In Esther's story, we discover God's great power displayed centuries before Christ was ever born. Our King ruled then, and He still rules today!

Not only is this King eternally powerful, He is also loving. The story of Esther allows us to see God's action to deliver His people, the Jews, from genocide. “[He] is near to all who call on him . . . He hears their cry and saves them” (vv. 18-19). When God's people suffer and then pray for His mercy, He shows Himself faithful to save them. He is the King of compassion.

Finally, the book of Esther reveals that our God and King is righteous. “The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy” (v. 20). He rules justly, delivering the innocent and punishing the wicked.

In the presence of such a King, the response is celebration. In Esther's time, in the time of the psalmist, and even today, we have great cause to praise Him (vv. 1-2), to testify of His greatness (vv. 4-7), to trust His goodness and compassion (vv. 8-9), to be comforted by His presence and care (vv. 14-16), and to hope in His righteousness (v. 20).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Make a list of the attributes of God that are praised in Psalm 145: His power, love, goodness, compassion, and righteousness. Under each heading, write specific ways you've recently seen this aspect of God's character displayed in your own life or in your church. As you recall the times when God has revealed Himself, praise Him! And if you're having trouble seeing God at work in your life, ask for the faith to believe that He is powerful, loving, and good.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 17:24-28
The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth. - Acts 17:24
TODAY IN THE WORD
A theater critic once claimed, “Playwrights are architects . . . and actors are the inhabitants.” Only the author of a play or the architect of a building know all the hidden details—they designed the blueprint! Those who see a play or a building may appreciate its beauty, yet never comprehend how it holds together.

Following this analogy, the book of Esther reads like a very good play. On one level, we are reading a narrative “structure,” or storyline. At first, Esther can be read like just another great story of love, greed, murder, power, and revenge. In fact, because Esther never explicitly mentions God, many would argue that this is all that the book of Esther has to offer.

This isn't the architect's view. For since Esther has been included in the canon of Scripture, we can argue that God is its author and “architect!” Throughout our study of Esther we'll be answering questions about the why's and how's and so what's in order to learn two things: more about the “Architect” and more about how He builds.

We find ideas about God and His kingdom that have existed since the psalmist's time, as we saw yesterday, to Esther's time, to Paul's time, and even to today. Paul's text for his sermon from today's reading in Acts emphasizes many of the same themes that we'll see in the book of Esther.

First, God is creator and Lord over everything (v. 24), the Grand Architect and the Great King! In Esther, God's presence and His power, though not explicitly mentioned, are unmistakable. Second, God has sovereignty over when and where we live as humans (v. 26). In Esther, God brings Esther to the throne of Queen of Persia by superintending the smallest details. Finally, God also hears and answers the cries of His people in Esther, proving that “He is not far from each one of us” (v. 27).

All of this reminds us that when we can't understand God's purposes for our lives, we trust by faith that He has the blueprint!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Verse 27 is a wonderful promise for us to grasp when we feel spiritually distant from God. He desires that “men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”

If you find yourself in a spiritual wilderness, begin our study of Esther with this prayer of faith: “Father, I know You are near. I know You want to be found. Help me to see You at work, not only in the book of Esther, but in my life today.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Esther 1:1-8
To God belong wisdom and power. - Job 12:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the 1939 movie, The Wizard of Oz, a tornado lifts and carries Dorothy, her dog, Toto, and her house, to a magical land. They must journey to the Emerald City to seek audience with the Wizard of Oz. It is by his power that they hope to return to Kansas. Upon first meeting him, they tremble with fear as his thunderous voice booms through a cloud of smoke. Toto later sniffs out that this fear-inspiring Wizard is nothing more than a man behind a curtain, turning switches and pulling levers.

Until we draw back the curtain in this opening scene of the book of Esther, King Xerxes appears to be the embodiment of power in this story. In verse one, we discover that he ruled over the entire Persian empire, from India to Cush, or modern-day Ethiopia. The Persian empire dominated the world scene at that time, and is in fact one of the greatest empires in all of human history. As king at that time, Xerxes had absolute authority. He never faced an electoral challenge, never had to answer the indictment of a special prosecutor, and never waited on a legislative body to enact his wishes. King Xerxes could do everything as he pleased when he pleased.

He was not only powerful, he was also extraordinarily wealthy. To describe the cel- ebration he threw in today's passage as lavish hardly does it justice—it lasted for a full six months, its food and wine knew no limit, and its posh décor of linen, gold, and marble was breathtaking. The feast served one purpose: to flaunt not only the wealth of the kingdom but the splendor of King Xerxes (v. 4). And interestingly, the feast was given early in the reign of King Xerxes, in his third year as king (v. 3). Make no mistake, the king was sending one message and one message alone, not only to those in his administration, but to everyone throughout the kingdom: I am king! My riches are vast, and my power unparalleled! Tomorrow we'll quickly discover the limits to this “absolute” earthly power.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you ever considered how many of our personal sins and failures amount to either too much fear of man or too little fear of the Lord? This month's study intends to “draw back the curtain” on the limited power of a human kingdom to reveal the true power of a divine King. Scripture reminds us of this: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Prov. 29:25). Pray that the Lord will help you to fear Him alone.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Esther 1:9-15
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. - 1 Timothy 3:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
Princess Diana was frequently considered one of the most beautiful, desirable women in the world. Men wanted to be with her; women wanted to be her. She seemed to have it all—a fairy-tale wedding, beauty, and access to one of the greatest fortunes in the world. Yet, as Diana told friends, she was deeply unhappy, partly because her husband was in love with someone else. All of her beauty and charm and wealth could not guarantee her the love of someone else.

King Xerxes discovered this same limit to his power in today's reading. At the end of the lavish feast he'd been throwing, he was completely drunk and “in high spirits” (v. 10). He had been a tremendous host to the entire kingdom, winning their affection with food and wine. And by his lavish hospitality, he was ensuring their loyalty as royal subjects. His final boast concerned the beauty of his wife, Queen Vashti. Nothing was missing from this picture of power and prominence: he had the greatest political influence of that time, wealth beyond measure, and now a wife for all to envy.

There was only one problem—she snubbed him! After King Xerxes went to such great lengths to display his power, he felt sure to be mocked for his impotence to rule in his own household. Little wonder he “became furious and burned with anger!” (v. 12). This was no simple domestic quarrel—it threatened to damage the image of power he worked so hard to create. And that's why today's reading ends with a council of the experts in law and justice. Queen Vashti had to be punished for her insubordination to the king.

Yesterday we talked about “drawing back the curtain” on human power in the book of Esther. Today's reading shows us that no human being, not even a powerful king like Xerxes, has absolute authority or control. We discover a great theological treasure here in Esther. King Xerxes provides a contrast for the one true King “eternal, immortal, invisible” (1 Tim. 1:17). It is He alone who has true power over all of creation.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Job declares of our God, “He stands alone, and who can oppose him? He does whatever he pleases” (Job. 23:13). Because it's true that God's power and plans cannot be thwarted, it would be foolish to attempt life without Him. A symptom of this tends to be our own prayerlessness. Make a new habit to begin your day by prayerfully naming each item on your to-do list and calendar. Pray for wisdom in what you have planned, grace for the interruptions, and faithfulness to the Spirit's unexpected leadings.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Esther 1:16-22
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. - Proverbs 21:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
A common phrase is sometimes heard in evangelical circles to describe the relationship between husbands and wives: “He may be the head of the household, but she's the neck that turns the head!” Usually this wife is known for pulling the strings of the family behind the scenes, while making her husband feel like he's really in charge.

In today's reading, we discover that God has the power to direct the course of human history. His plans don't depend upon volunteers. As our verse for today indicates, God can do His will though we think it's our idea! For example, though King Xerxes had only one plan in mind in the beginning of chapter two, God had another. King Xerxes was looking for a way to punish Queen Vashti who made a mockery of him; God was creating a way to position Queen Esther for His purposes.

In advising the king, the nobles cleverly cast Queen Vashti's actions not as a threat to the monarchy but as a threat to all marriage. “For the queen's conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands” (v. 17). They intended to minimize the political damage by framing Queen Vashti's insubordination in terms of a wife challenging her husband, rather than a subject challenging her king. And so the decree is issued: Queen Vashti is banished from the king's presence, deposed as queen, and her place would be given to someone else (v. 19). Vengeance proved to be a sure antidote for the king's earlier anger (v. 21).

What looked like an arbitrary and excessive act of vengeance by an egotistical king was really the first step in God's plan to later save His people. While King Xerxes was busy protecting his image, God was at work to protect His people from a future threat.

Yesterday we saw the powerlessness of King Xerxes. With the majority of the ancient world under his control, he could do nothing to force his wife's submission. He could not control her choices. By contrast, today we see the power of our King, who can do anything He chooses. Human choices will never stand in the way of His sovereign power. He can even use the king's heart to get the job done.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We've seen several principles about God and His working. For one, the human heart is never beyond His reach. He can heal marriages by making us willing to forgive and love! He can bring a belligerent atheist to his knees. He can change the heart of a rebellious child. This is a great hope for our prayers!

Over what situation or relationship do you find yourself powerless simply because you cannot change another person? Pray to the God who can!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Esther 2:1-4
The world and its desires pass away. - 1 John 2:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
In a recently published book of essays, one woman writes a tragic account of her pursuit of independence from others: “The reality was . . . I did not know how to live in a decent way with another human being. . . . I tormented every man who'd ever loved me: I called them on everything. . . . There was, of course, more than a grain of truth in everything I said, but those grains, no matter how numerous, need not have become the sandpile that crushed the life out of love.”

This same wistful regret echoes through the first verses of today's reading. We do not know King Xerxes's emotional state at this time, but we can draw clues from the historical context. King Xerxes divorced Queen Vashti in the third year of his reign. He didn't marry Queen Esther until his seventh year as king. In the interlude, King Xerxes made a disastrous expedition to Greece. In 480 b.c. his navy faced defeat at Salamis, and in 479 b.c. his army was routed at Plataea. His ambitions for expanding his empire must have deflated, along with his power-hungry ego.

So when the text tells us matter-of-factly that King Xerxes “remembered Vashti and what she had done and what he had decreed about her” (v. 1), one wonders whether or not he regretted his decision to banish Queen Vashti. His failed political conquest left him lonely and longing for the marital companionship he once shared with Vashti. At least that's how his personal attendants saw it. As a solution to his melancholy, they propose that the king fulfill his royal decree and “let the girl who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti” (v. 4).

This passage illustrates the emptiness of pursuits apart from God's kingdom. King Xerxes ruled the largest empire of his time, but it wasn't enough. He wanted to strive to conquer more territory. King Xerxes had a harem full of beautiful women, but he wanted a queen. Even all that his power and pleasure afforded him left him like a poor man, begging for more. Without God, his life would always be a life of striving, rather than of rest and peace.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Read 1 John 2:15-17. It contrasts the temporal desires of the world with the eternal pursuits of heaven. One example of the world's desires is pursuit of wealth. Open your checkbook register or this month's Quicken report for a quick inventory: Where have I invested for God and where have I invested for myself? If you haven't “put your money where you mouth is,” begin to make changes and commitments in giving of your finances as well as time and skills to your church and ministries of Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Esther 2:5-7; 2 Chronicles 36:15-23
You are a chosen people . . . belonging to God. - 1 Peter 2:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Christmas story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer cheers the hearts of children. His bright red nose, which other reindeers mock, ends up saving Christmas by guiding Santa's sleigh on a stormy Christmas Eve. He and his other friends from the Island of Misfit Toys prove that being a misfit serves a purpose that no ordinary toy could!

Today's reading notes that Esther didn't seem like the most promising candidate for Queen of Persia. She was a misfit of sorts. In verses five and six, the family tree of her uncle, Mordecai, reveals that they were about three generations removed from the Jewish exile into Babylon. Our reading from 2 Chronicles describes how over one hundred years earlier, the Jewish people faced the shame of watching their holy temple pillaged and their people captured. Only the poorest of the poor remained in the land. The rest were forcibly settled in Babylon. When the Persians later defeated the Babylonians, Jews were given permission to return to Judah if they wished. Many, including Mordecai and Esther, chose to remain in Persia.

This young girl belonged to two cultures. Her Hebrew name, Hadassah, was a remin-der of her family's roots in a distant land (v. 7), and this heritage might be viewed unfavorably in Persia (cf. 2:10). On the other hand, her Persian name, Esther, indicated the culture in which she had been raised. It would be natural to feel alienated from both worlds.

Not only did Esther not fit easily in the culture, her sense of belonging within a family had also been lost. Verse seven tells us that Esther was an orphan. Her parents died, leaving her in the care of an uncle who apparently had no other family. The text makes no mention of either siblings or cousins.

With a background such as this, we would understand if someone had an identity crisis. Had Esther gotten stuck in the cycle of self-pity, the story might have ended here. But we will soon see that these misfortunes in Esther's life were not obstacles in God's plan. They became the very means for Esther to serve as God's instrument.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's key verse gives Christians the truth about our identity: we are a people called by God, made holy and purposed for declaring His glory. No personality flaw, no physical disfigurement, no personal inadequacies make us misfits in God's kingdom. Everyone belongs because we belong to God!

Is there anything that makes you think you are a misfit in God's kingdom? Ask God for the faith to see this not as an obstacle to His purposes but as something useful for Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Esther 2:7-11
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; . . . do not abandon the works of your hands. - Psalm 138:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
A simple equation can determine one's financial health: assets minus liabilities. So financial planners give simple advice: increase what you own, and decrease what you owe! But what's true in accounting isn't necessarily true in God's economy. Our “worth” in God's sight cannot be determined by the simple equation of ability minus inability, adequacy minus inadequacy.

We learned yesterday of Esther's liabilities. She was displaced because she didn't belong either to a culture or to a family. Today we learn of Esther's great asset—her personal beauty (v. 7). This beauty earned her special regard when she was brought into the king's harem. Hegai noticed her immediately, and her beauty won her preferential treatment in the harem (v. 9).

But Esther's asset wasn't exclusively her physical beauty. Proverbs 11:22 declares that physical beauty degrades without character: “Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.” We catch a glimpse of Esther's true beauty in verse 10, and find that her beautiful form and features were coupled with strong character. Mordecai instructed her not to reveal her Jewish identity, and she deferred to his wishes. By willingly submitting to Mordecai, Esther proved herself to be a woman of humility.

What we find in the person of Esther is a portrait of advantage and disadvantage, asset and liability. On the basis of ethnicity, she might have been easily disqualified from the position of Queen of Persia. But liabilities aren't always liabilities in the hands of God—it's her Jewishness that positioned her perfectly for the rescue mission for which God had ordained her.

And her beauty, as an asset enhanced by her character, was the means that God used to earn the favor of those around her. She soon needed this favor in order to become queen and later, to help save God's people.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In God's kingdom, the balance sheet of our usefulness to God looks quite different than the sum of our strengths and the difference of our weaknesses. God can certainly use personal assets as He did with Esther's beauty. God also uses personal liabilities as He did with Esther's Jewish identity. Faithfully steward the blessings God has given you for His purposes. And don't let your personal inadequacies be an excuse for not serving God!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Esther 2:12-14
In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? - Psalm 56:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
Several popular television series in recent years exploit the world of dating, allowing millions of Americans to watch hopeful men and women seek “love.” Their every misstep, attempt at romance—and in some cases, competition with other suitors—is served up as entertainment. Whatever their true motives for appearing on such a show, it seems clear that this is hardly the best way to find a life partner!

While we think these sorts of television programs are a new development, it's not a far cry from Xerxes's search for a queen. In Esther 2:3 and 8, the language seems to indicate that eligible girls in the kingdom were forcibly brought into the harem. The king appointed men from all 127 provinces to search out the most beautiful girls and corral them to the palace, not waiting for willing volunteers or even for the consent of the girls' parents.

Having arrived at the palace, the girls were pampered with the most extravagant spa treatments they could have desired. For a full year, they did nothing other than enhance their natural beauty with the cosmetics and perfumes of their time (v. 12). Though many may have been brought against their will, their treatment hardly sounds torturous. But wait—there's a catch.

Verses 13 and 14 describe what happened after that initial year: each girl was allotted one night with the king. For a year, she had been exfoliating her skin, penciling her eyebrows, coiffing her hair—and for what? A one-night stand. And she had to make it memorable enough that King Xerxes would remember her name in the morning (v. 14). But if she wasn't chosen to be the next queen? Tragically, no girl resumed normal life at home as she once knew it with her family. Instead, she became a type of second-class wife to the king, committed to live out a kind of “widowhood” in the harem for the rest of her days.

Scholars estimated that approximately 1,400 girls took their turn before Esther arrives on the scene in tomorrow's reading. Over one thousand girls have their dreams for the future dashed at the whim of one king whose foolhardy anger got them in this predicament in the first place!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Imagine Esther's feelings before her turn to go before King Xerxes. How do you approach difficult situations such as these? Are you filled with fear? Worry? Do you turn to prayer?

Philippians 4:6 teaches us how we in the “kingdom” should approach fearful situations. If we belong to the Lord, we must “not be anxious about anything, but in everything present [our] requests to God.” And then we are promised peace!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Esther 2:15-18
Your beauty . . . should be that of your inner self. - 1 Peter 3:3-4
TODAY IN THE WORD
When the invitation arrived for the royal ball, Cinderella's stepsisters scattered in a flurry of activity. They must have the perfect attire for the occasion! They cast all their hopes for impressing the prince into the hands of a ball gown and shoes!

On the night of her presentation to the king, each eligible maiden in King Xerxes's harem placed much importance on that perfect ensemble. Before being taken to the palace, each had access to anything she wanted (cf. 2:13), probably a reference to jewelry and clothes. We can infer that the strong-willed girls in the harem didn't stop to ask for advice on hairstyle or fragrance or lip color.

This wasn't Esther's approach, however. Rather than relying upon her own opinions, she sought the advice of Hegai, the supervisor of the harem (v. 15). First, this demonstrated great humility and her extraordinary wisdom. Who would know the king's preferences better than the supervisor of the harem? He saw the girls whom King Xerxes summoned more frequently than others. He noted their similarities and could interpret King Xerxes's preferences based upon his observations.

Esther had the same effect on all who saw her: she won their favor. Note that Esther was not just another pretty woman; a pretty woman who is smug and haughty inspires contempt, not favor. Additionally, Esther was surrounded by the most beautiful women from this vast kingdom. Something else had to set her apart. From our reading on May 8, we saw Esther's beauty as far more than a sketch of attractive physical features. With today's passage we can add more brushstrokes to our portrait of Esther's beauty. She combined physical attractiveness with a gracious, humble demeanor. Her beauty radiated from the inside out.

At least King Xerxes thought so! What the niv translates as King Xerxes being “attracted to” Esther more than the other girls is rendered more fairly in other translations as “loved” (v. 17). King Xerxes fell in love with Esther—no doubt he admired her physical beauty, but he probably also hoped her demure behavior would make her a more worthy queen than headstrong Vashti!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Humility is one of the primary tools we need in order to be kingdom people. Unfortunately, sinful human nature operates according to the law of envy (cf. Eccl. 4:4). It's too easy to despise others out of envy for their blessings. For this reason, God's people have to be especially gracious and humble, just as Esther was, when they are blessed by Him. Showing humility, then, earns favor rather than contempt, and this ultimately gives glory to God our Father (cf. Matt. 5:16).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Esther 2:19-23
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. - Proverbs 16:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
On the morning of September 11, 2001, a small detail averted further destruction in Washington, D.C. and the loss of many more American lives. United Flight 93, taking off from Newark and flying to San Francisco, left 42 minutes after its scheduled departure. This delay allowed some passengers to learn of the other plane hijackings that had taken place earlier that morning. These passengers knew that they, too, would become a bomb in terrorist hands, so they heroically tried to take back the plane from the hijackers.

One simple detail of one ordinary morning—a flight delay—spared many lives. God's rescue mission for His people in the book of Esther is a display of His work through details. In today's reading, we find Him at work, preparing His plans for a crisis that hasn't yet been announced.

First, we find Mordecai, sitting at the king's gate (v. 19). Most biblical scholars agree that this detail provides evidence that Mordecai held some sort of official position in the court of King Xerxes. Those seated at the gate were most likely respected men of the land (cf. Prov. 31:23). Some speculate that Queen Esther had appointed him to this position since becoming queen.

Second, we learn that Esther had continued to keep her identity secret (v. 20). As the story unfolds in further chapters, we learn that Mordecai had not kept secret his own Jewish identity. Therefore, it's clear that what did remain secret at this point in the story is the relationship of Esther and Mordecai.

Next, we learn about the assassination plot against King Xerxes. Mordecai overheard this, revealed it to Queen Esther who then warned the king, giving credit to Mordecai (v. 22). No credit or recognition was given to Mordecai at that time.

These details are hardly insignificant in the scope of the story. Nothing is coincidental. God has purposed in this story to place Mordecai at the king's gate precisely when a conspiracy was plotted. Esther's Jewish identity had to remain secret for the time being. And Mordecai's recognition for his heroism was providentially delayed for a later time.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Some biblical skeptics believe that a narrative so perfectly plotted as this one proves that the Bible is fiction, not fact. Not so! To the contrary, this proves that God is the most magnificent craftsman, weaving a masterpiece out of our lives with what seem to be small and insignificant threads. In the kingdom of God, nothing is ordinary. A trip to the grocery store, a regular day at the office, an afternoon at your child's soccer game can be divine appointments. Ask God for wisdom to see where He is at work.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Esther 3:1-6
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. - Proverbs 16:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
Authors use literary devices to create effect and emphasize certain aspects of their work. For example, foreshadowing is used to create suspense. Another literary device used often in the book of Esther is the creation of a “foil,” someone whose traits contrast with another character, emphasizing therefore the qualities of that character.

The book of Esther has a series of contrasts. As our month's theme suggests, the book of Esther teaches us about the kingdom of God by the contrasts we see revealed in King Xerxes's kingdom. Furthermore, we can learn how to be “kingdom people” not simply by imitating the good of Esther and Mordecai but also by avoiding the evil of their “foils.”

In today's reading, Haman, Mordecai's foil, stepped on to the scene. He was greedy for self-promotion. It started favorably for him, since the king gave him second place in the kingdom, “a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles” (v. 1). On his daily walk to the palace, Haman basked in his own glory as his colleagues bowed when he passed.

One man at the king's gate refused to follow the royal decree: Mordecai (v. 2). Despite the fact that his heroism from yesterday's reading had been overlooked, Mordecai continued to faithfully serve the king in his royal position. He didn't make it his job to make sure that he was rightfully rewarded for every deserving act.

Haman, on the other hand, couldn't stand the thought of a shred of honor withheld from him. When Mordecai refused to bow, Haman was enraged! Just as those who tattled on Mordecai knew, Haman feared that this small breach of respect threatened to undermine his power (v. 4). If Haman tolerated Mordecai's insubordination, no one else would feel compelled to bow before him.

Haman proved just how ruthless and power-hungry he really was by determining his course of action. It was not enough to kill Mordecai—he decided to exterminate his entire race (v. 6)! Though Haman threatened Mordecai's destruction, Proverbs 16:18 foretells Haman's destruction, all because of his great pride.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What is your pride quotient? Here are a couple of tests. When you didn't receive a well-deserved promotion at work, did you complain bitterly about it? When a family member wronged you, did you refuse to forgive her, insisting that she didn't deserve it and was never sorry in the first place? And when you've offended another person, did you offer a litany of excuses for your behavior instead of a specific and direct apology?

“Yes” to any of these questions indicates that you need to face God in prayer to ask for a humble heart!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Esther 3:7-14
Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. - 2 Timothy 3:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Jews in Nazi Germany, Bosnians in Yugoslavia, Kurds under Hussein's Iraqi regime, and Africans in the Darfur region of Sudan—all have been victims of attempted genocide. They have suffered the murderous rage of those wishing to wipe out their entire race. Today's reading introduces a historical plot of genocide.

Haman approached the king with his murderous plan. Aware that King Xerxes also worshiped the gods of power and money, Haman cunningly proposed his agenda. First, he warned the king about a people who threaten his power, a people who “do not obey the king's laws” (v. . Haman didn't mention that the Jewish people weren't categorically guilty; in truth, the only lawbreaker was Mordecai. And the royal decree Mordecai disobeyed was hardly the most crucial of the Persian laws affecting Xerxes. But rather than admit he was out for personal revenge, Haman was shrewd to suggest that it was “not in the king's best interest to tolerate them” (v. . He then proposed an easy and affordable solution—genocide, free of charge for the king (v. 9)! King Xerxes didn't have to devise a plan, and neither did he have to fund it! Haman was willing to take care of everything.

Before the curtain closed on today's action, Haman, “the enemy of the Jews,” held the symbol of power, the king's signet ring. With that ring, he had the power to command anything he pleased. His venomous hatred of Mordecai and the Jewish race, coupled with the power now his, inspired real fear among the Jews. Verses 12 through 14 describe the first steps towards executing Haman's murderous intentions. Decrees were written in every language and dispatched to every province; the fate of the Jews seemed irrevocable.

What began as one man's quiet resistance seemed to be an entire people's impending doom. Mordecai was no fool. He knew Haman's bloodthirst for power. So he wasn't just hoping that Haman would overlook his disobedience. No doubt Mordecai knew that he would suffer a severe penalty for his actions, and he could have chosen the entirely different route of compliance. Yet fear of Haman did not deter him from a greater loyalty.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Because of our loyalty to Christ and His kingdom, living for Him provides eternal gain but often earthly pain (cf. Matt. 10:22; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-13). Our suffering in the West, however, is incomparable to Christians suffering in countries like China, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, and Sudan. Take advantages of resources made available by organizations such as Voice of the Martyrs that can show you how to pray for our brothers and sisters suffering for the name of Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Esther 3:15-4:8
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. - Psalm 56:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Until the former U.S. Secretary of State, Colin Powell, called the murder and persecution of Africans in the Darfur region of Sudan “genocide,” the world seemed content to turn a blind eye to the tens of thousands dead and over a million refugees. Global sentiment in this modern crisis resembled the reaction in Esther's day to Haman's decree of genocide: “the city of Susa was bewildered” (3:15).

In today's reading, we see visceral expressions of grief and fear in response to the royal edict. Mordecai, along with many other Jews, ripped their clothes and put on sackcloth. They paraded in the city streets, wailing and weeping loudly. The Jews knew their fate if something didn't change. In ten months, they and their families, men, women and children alike, would lose their lives because of Haman's royal decree. To whom should they turn in this time of anguish? Upon whom could they count for mercy?

The Jews couldn't expect King Xerxes or Haman to give any time and energy to reconsidering this selfish decision. Esther 3:15 paints a vulgar picture of their joviality in the face of human suffering. Sitting down for drinks, their mood indicated that they acted like their day amounted to routine kingdom business.

The local Persians didn't look like they would be taking up arms in defense of the Jews. Their reaction to the royal edict was no more than tepid ambivalence. Such an unjust and horrible decree barely stirred the slightest anger.

In today and tomorrow's reading, we'll see the source of hope for the Jews is ultimately the God of the heavens and earth, the true King over all. Mordecai's common-sense approach in turning to Esther in today's reading didn't negate God's help. Rather, he recognized that God can work through ordinary human channels just as well as He can use supernatural and extraordinary means. Mordecai assessed the situation: Queen Esther, a Jew herself, alone had the motivation and influence with the king necessary “to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people” (v. .
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Read Psalm 56. It describes the emotions of one who is under attack by his enemies. Rather than fearing his enemies, the psalmist turns to God in confidence. “In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”

Are you facing persecution in your workplace, school, or neighborhood? Have people accused you unjustly or slandered your name? Turn to God for your source of help, peace, and confidence.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Esther 4:9-14
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
In October 1996, Lance Armstrong, a competitive cyclist, was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer, which had spread to his lungs and his brain. Everyone predicted the end of his career; doctors feared for his very survival. But Lance's perseverance triumphed over doubt. Beginning in 1999, he has won six consecutive victories at the Tour de France, a feat no other cyclist has achieved.

Today's reading reveals two conflicting perspectives in the face of devastating news: Mordecai's faith and Esther's fear. Mordecai saw deliverance, but Esther saw doom. Mordecai didn't believe that evil human intentions will triumph over God's purpose to preserve His people. “Relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise” (v. 14). Esther, however, felt the gripping fear of the seen reality. She knew the law: anyone who approached the king in the inner court without being summoned would be put to death (v. 11). The king had not summoned her in thirty days. Could she possibly hope for his mercy?

Mordecai finally tried to persuade her go before the king with compelling arguments. First, she must not believe that she alone would escape the fate of the Jews (v. 13). How easily Esther could have believed this. Think back to the beginning of this chapter—while all of the Jews mourned the decree, Esther seemed oblivious to the news. She didn't understand the reasons for Mordecai's grief, and that's why she originally sent Hathach to question Mordecai (4:5). Having been unaware of this decree, Esther might have hoped that she would be immune to its orders. Mordecai stirred her to action by a call to self-preservation.

Second, he asserted the reality of deliverance. The Jews would be rescued, but if she didn't act on their behalf, she and her family would perish. She faced the possibility of having her own life ended, even if her people were saved.

Finally, he left her with a question: “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (v. 14). Because this question serves as the lynchpin for Esther's theological lessons about purpose, tomorrow we'll discuss its implications.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Mordecai's faith and Esther's fear parallel the story of Peter walking on the water (Matt. 14:22-33). At first, Peter courageously stepped out of the boat toward Jesus. However, taking his eyes off Jesus and fearing the wind and the waves, Peter began to sink.

Like Peter stepping out of the boat, Mordecai had great faith. Like Peter sinking in the water, Esther had little faith at first. Mordecai seized hope. Fear seized Esther. Where is your focus in troubling circumstances? How can you turn your gaze back to Christ?