The Book of Esther ... Read it and Rejoice!

This week I am not going to say too much about the story in the book of Esther. You should read the entire book yourself in one sitting. You can do this in about 30 minutes. If you have time, read it again. It's a great story! An exciting plot! Interesting characters! You will be introduced to a wealthy, egotistical king who loves being surrounded by beautiful woman; a queen who loses her position because she doesn't show up to one of the king's parties; a beautiful young Jewish girl named Esther who later becomes queen; a wise (older) cousin named Mordecai who raised Esther like his own daughter and suggests that Esther not tell anyone that she is Jewish; a character named Haman, who you learn to despise because of his evil plots to kill Mordecai and all the Jews and of course God, whose name is actually never mentioned in the story but you can see Him working behind the scenes in every scene / act of the story.


You will cheer when you see how the tables turn and the good guys win and the bad guys get what they deserve.  You will also learn about an important fast which will drive you to consider fasting when your life depends on it.  You will also be introduced to Purim, a feast or holiday that the Jewish people still hold in the middle of March celebrating their deliverance and salvation. Aside: This would be a great holiday for us as believers and followers of Jesus to consider celebrating at least once a year because of what Jesus has done for us when we were saved.  Something fun to do in March (usually)!

I was personally interested in learning more about Purim.    When doing an Internet search, I found a great site worth looking called Judaism 101 which is actually written by a devout Jew "lay person" but it is a site that is well used and respected by rabbis.  It is written in an easy to read style (which I like) and full of very interesting "stuff".  It doesn't hurt to learn more about our spiritual heritage ... since Jesus was a practicing Jew.  The site provides an excellent overview of the story in Esther, an understanding of Purim and a recipe for making a desert called  Hamentaschen - "Haman's Pockets".  They look yummy - could be a new Tim's product! To all my friends who like desert ... let me know if you make some Haman's Pockets.


Thank you Heavenly Father for always being there and working on our behalf and looking after us even though we can't see You. Forgive us for when we fail to seek You and Your kingdom first. Thank you Father for giving us all these true stories in your Word which encourage us and increase our faith and help us to live by faith and to see what You have done and are doing in our lives.  Thank you Son of God, Jesus, for paying the penalty of our sin and providing us salvation by your shed blood.  Thank you for Holy Spirit for coming into our lives, filling us, directing us, teaching us, counseling us and encouraging us.  You and your Word provide us what we need to live for you. Without You we can do nothing of value for expanding His Kingdom.  Empower us.  Anoint us for the works you have planned for us to do.  Lord thank you for the family of God, our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Thank you for your commandments and promises. Help us to obey your commandment to love You and others so that others will know that we are your disciples. We bless your Holy Name.

Here is song from my past that for some reason I have been singing often this week ...
Heavenly Father We appreciate You - Chorus

Remember.... Communion Sunday this Sunday.  Prepare!  Examine self.  Confess any sin. Be filled with the Holy Spirit! and  ... Read Esther and let the Holy Spirit speak to you pesonally.