Read 1 PETER 2:9–12

In a 2012 naturalization ceremony in Atlanta, people from fifty-four countries gathered to take the oath of citizenship to the United States and then pledge allegiance to the flag. “Pledging allegiance to the flag was one of the proudest moments of my life,” said Stephen Park. “I believe strongly in the Constitution of this country. . . . I wanted the right to vote and I wanted the right to call myself an American.”

This metaphor of naturalization helps us to understand the weight of Peter’s message in our reading today. Recall that this letter was written to people spread across a wide geographical area (1:1). Yet despite their different ethnic backgrounds, different families of origin, and different cultural identities, they were now united in Christ as the people of God (v. 10).

In verses 9 and 10, Peter masterfully weaves together numerous phrases and allusions from the Old Testament to describe the identity of believers in Jesus. “Out of all nations you will be my treasured possession . . . a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Ex. 19:5–6). In contrast to those who deem the Cornerstone to be a stumbling block, those who trust Christ are joined in faith with all believers as part of the holy people of God (see Hosea 2:23).

Just as becoming a naturalized citizen confers both privileges and responsibilities, being part of God’s people shapes what we embrace and reject. Our new identity allows us to praise our great God who has chosen us, called us out of darkness, and showed mercy to us (vv. 9–10; see Isa. 43:20–21). It also motivates us to resist the sinful desires that try to pull us back into our old way of life. We are God’s chosen, royal, special people; praise and mercy triumph over sin and self- destruction.

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This passage gives us ammunition against temptation. First, remember who you are—God’s treasured possession. Second, the practice of praise—focusing on who God is—strengthens us against sin. Third, join together with other believers. We are not isolated atoms but part of God’s people who can intercede for and support one another.

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Read 1 PETER 1:10–12

Mapmaking in the sixteenth century was a mix of information gathered by explorers and educated guesses about previously undocumented parts of the world. One persistent mystery for European mapmakers was what lay between the Americas and Asia—was it a land border? A vast body of water? Were the two continents connected? The Italian mapmaker Gastaldi is thought to be the first to draw a map of the Bering Strait in 1563, though his atlas was not published until it was discovered in a private collection of manuscripts in the 1920s.

Like those early mapmakers, the Old Testament prophets had some information about the coming of Jesus and the message of the gospel, but the Holy Spirit did not reveal the full details to them. They had to trust by faith that the message they were given would bless readers hundreds and even thousands of years later. As we look back at the Old Testament today, we see Christ revealed there.

For instance, Isaiah 53, from which our key verse today is taken, paints a powerful portrait of the Savior who died for sins on our behalf. This chapter predicts “the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow” (v. 11; Isa. 53:10–12). Our salvation rests on this gospel: that Jesus, the Son of God, willingly became human in order to die for our sins, and God raised Him from the dead. He promises eternal life in relationship with God to all who trust Him (vv. 3–5, 12).

Peter mentions the gospel here in part to encourage his readers to rejoice in their identity. Yes, they were suffering—but so had Jesus. And just as Jesus was raised to glory, so too would His followers be given a glorious inheritance of salvation that is worth more than gold.

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Some think the Old Testament isn’t relevant for Christians or that it features an angry god who punishes people. Neither view is correct; 1 Peter says that it is filled with grace and points to Jesus. Read Isaiah 53, and follow Peter’s example by praising God that the gospel was made possible through the suffering and glory of Christ.

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Read ESTHER 9:16–19

The book of Ecclesiastes declares that for everything there is a season: “a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (3:4). In the city of Susa and throughout the Persian kingdom, the Jewish people had reason to celebrate. They had been vindicated; the enemy had been vanquished.

Verses 16 through 18 summarize what took place on these two days of the month of Adar. When thousands of people attempted to attack the Jews in the provinces, they were killed— some 75,000 (v. 16). The Jews in Susa took two days to complete their triumph over their enemies. Notice that their deliverance required their participation—God had made a way of salvation, but they still had to take up arms to seize the victory.

At last, they had been given “relief from their enemies” (v. 16). Considering all the prior months filled with terror, weeping, and grief, this victory in battle brought long-anticipated calm and then an overwhelming spirit of joy.

This was a time to celebrate. Evil had been thwarted. God was in control. Two different days were named times for “joy and feasting.” In both cases, they observed the day by giving presents to one another. They had lived through a significant period of hardship, but they had also witnessed God’s provision in a miraculous way. He had been generous to them, so they now would be generous with one another (v. 19).

God created His people for times of work, times of rest, and times of celebration. In Exodus 10:9, Moses instructed the Israelites to “celebrate a festival to the Lord.” In Exodus 12:17, they celebrated the Festival of Unleavened Bread. God’s provision for His people deserves to be honored and remembered. It is a time for great joy.

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God wants us to have time for work and time for rest and rejoicing. Be sure you observe a day of celebration in your regular routine. Whether a special meal or another meaningful observance, thank God for His provision and remember how He has worked in your life. We should rejoice, for we serve a good and generous God.

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Read ESTHER 9:5–15

War inevitably results in casualties. The American Revolutionary War left an estimated 25,000 Americans dead and another 25,000 wounded. World War II claimed 405,000 U.S. lives, with an additional 670,000 wounded. Whether winners or losers, war can be costly.

In today’s passage, the Jews dispatched their enemies who had threatened them. In the city of Susa alone, 500 men were killed (vv. 6, 12). With the sanction of Xerxes, the Jews were permitted to eliminate the people who had plotted against them and to ensure their long- term safety. God had ordained and directed the vindication of His people.

Notice a miraculous element in this passage that points to the hand of God. Whereas the Jewish people once feared for their lives, now they were enabled by God to kill their enemies quickly and ferociously. After the battle, they meted out judgment against the

ten sons of Haman, described here as “an enemy of the Jews” (v. 10). During the festival of Purim today, celebrants often read through the book of Esther aloud. Tradition calls for the names of Haman’s sons to be read together, in one breath, without pause. This reflects the way in which they were killed, quickly and together.

What was not done during battle is also notable. The Jews chose not to “lay their hands on the plunder” (v. 10). In contrast to the evil plans of Haman, they did not wish to gain material goods, only to defend themselves and ensure the safety of God’s people. They did not use the battle as an excuse to enrich their own coffers; rather, they focused on what was more important: bringing justice to the enemies of God. The king continued to honor Esther’s request. He extended his permission to Esther, Mordecai, and God’s people, to right what had been wronged.

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Like the psalmist, we may cry out for God to act and punish those who do wrong. This passage reminds us that God is faithful, even when we don’t know His timetable. He is all-powerful and all-knowing God, and He has the final victory. Praise Him that when all is said and done, our God will triumph over evil.

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Read ESTHER 9:1–4

In one miracle to bring His people into the Promised Land, God dried up the Jordan River, allowing the Israelites to cross safely to the opposite side. The Lord instructed the people to erect a memorial of twelve stones that would serve as a continual reminder to them of His mighty salvation. “All the peoples of the earth” would bear witness to His power (Josh. 4:24).

In today’s passage, we also see God’s power on display, bearing witness to people from every nation. The thirteenth day of the twelfth month had finally arrived. Originally, Haman had declared that the Jewish people would be killed on this date. Now, “the tables were turned” (v. 1). With the new edict, the Jews had the power to overtake their enemies and destroy them. So great was their force that Scripture tells us that “no one could stand against them” (v. 2). The people had organized and gathered not only to defend themselves and their possessions but also to go on the attack.

Word spread about the new edict and the newfound power of the Jewish people. So great was their influence that “the people of all the other nationalities were afraid of them” (v.2). God had not only rescued them but also strengthened them. Mordecai, who once sat outside the gate in sackcloth and ashes, now had a prominent role in the government. “His reputation spread throughout the province, and he became more and more powerful” (v. 4). By increasing Mordecai’s power, God brought glory to Himself.

God’s hand had moved decisively throughout the kingdom. Haman was destroyed. The Jewish people were redeemed. Esther was saved. Mordecai was honored. God had not only delivered His people, He had gone beyond all expectations.

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God can go beyond your expectations, too. Sometimes we go to God and ask hesitantly for small things. But we serve an all-powerful God. He can do far more than we would ever dream. Do not hesitate to bring big requests to God. Just as He redeemed the Jewish people in extraordinary ways, He can provide for you today.

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Read ESTHER 8:11–17

At the end of World War II, The Washington Times stated, “WAR IS OVER.” The Chicago Daily Tribune declared, “GREAT WAR ENDS.” With capital letters and bold type, newspapers ushered in rejoicing across the nation that the war was finally over.

The new edict written by Mordecai and sealed by the king’s ring (v. 10) brought about rejoicing throughout the land. The new law undermined the original one written by Haman. Rather than sanctioning the murder of the Jews, the new edict returned power to God’s people (vv. 10–11). The edict said that on the day set for their destruction, the Jewish people could defend themselves. Notice the action verbs in verse 11. They were given the authority to “destroy, kill and annihilate” anyone who dared to try to attack them.

The date of the edict is also significant. Mordecai gave this permission to his people on the very day that Haman’s edict was set to be carried out, on the “thirteenth day of the twelfth month” (v. 12). While the original harmful law was not erased, the new law ensured their protection.

The old had become new. The effect of this new edict was immediate and widespread. No longer was Mordecai a man in mourning, dressed in sackcloth and ashes. He was now arrayed in gold and purple. The city of Susa, once filled with grieving people, is now described as “joyous” (v. 15). For God’s people this was a time of great joy and happiness. They had been vindicated. Their lives had been spared.

God had triumphed over their enemies. As a result of this victory, many people of other nationalities became Jews. Rather than oppose God’s people, they wanted to be part of a people who experienced such mighty deliverance.

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Jesus places us under a new covenant, where His burden is easy and His yoke is light (Matt. 11:30). Though we still struggle with temptation, we have the power of the Holy Spirit to resist being controlled by sin (1 Cor. 10:13). We have the armor of God, spiritual weapons that the Lord has given us as part of our victory over evil (Eph. 6:10–18).

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Long before smartphones and email, the telegram was used from the mid 1800s to late 1900s to quickly deliver urgent messages across a long distance. The sender would go to a local post office and hand over a telegram form containing the intended message. Since a sum was charged for each word, brevity was of high importance. In addition to delivering personal messages, telegrams shared reactions to world events and informed people of breaking news.

The king’s decision to allow Mordecai and Esther to write another decree set in motion the wheels of this new law (v. 8). Mordecai had been given the king’s signet ring, so he had the power not only to enact the new law but also to expedite the process.

Notice the urgency in today’s passage. Verse 9 starts with the words “At once.” This law would be written, approved, and enacted without delay. The royal secretaries were quickly brought in to pen the law. Only two months and ten days had passed since Haman issued the original edict (see 3:12), but there was no time to waste: the new edict was ready to be delivered, sent by couriers riding “fast horses” (v. 10).

The new edict affected the Jewish people who were scattered throughout the kingdom. Remember that the mourning in response to Haman’s decree had been widespread: “In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing” (4:3). People living in terror now needed to hear word of the new law, in all 127 provinces from India to Cush (8:9). The edict was translated into the people’s own script and language. With an impressive measure of speed, the good news was spread throughout the land.

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Like Esther and Mordecai, we are the bearers of good news. We have news of salvation from the King! How often do we communicate this good news with the urgency it deserves? Consider today how you might tell someone about the life- changing message of the gospel. Ask God to bring one person to mind who needs to hear this truth.

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Read ESTHER 7:1–4

Each U.S. president holds the power to overturn a judicial ruling and pardon someone who has been found guilty under a federal law, and the decision is not subject to congressional review. With a presidential pardon, a guilty person can be saved.

In today’s passage, Queen Esther was given the opportunity to ask for a pardon of sorts for herself and for her people. At the banquet, in Haman’s presence, King Xerxes repeated his promise to Esther for a third time. Not once, but three times, the king said he would grant her request, “up to half the kingdom” (v. 2).

Finally, Esther broke her silence and asked for her life to be spared. She also asked that the king spare the lives of her people. Remember that until this moment, Esther had not revealed her ethnicity to the king. She was taking a tremendous risk in making this request.

But her plea to the king also exposed the evil intent of Haman, who was seated with them at the table. Haman was not satisfied to take the Jewish people into slavery, as they had experienced in the past. If they had been made slaves, they would have had hope of recovering their freedom one day. Instead, Haman wanted to eliminate them altogether, taking their lives and plundering their possessions. Esther used the word sold to further reveal his evil intent (v. 4). Haman had not pursued this without an eye on profit. He would make money from his evil act.

Esther begged for her life before a human king. He had the power to change the law and save her life. We too stand condemned under the law. And our King has the power to remove the penalty and redeem us.

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We have been offered a pardon. Scripture says that according to God’s Law, we are guilty, but while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Because of Him, the penalty of sin has been removed. Through Christ, we are redeemed. If you do not have an assurance of salvation, read Romans 3—6, and accept God’s pardon today.

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Read ESTHER 6:1–10

People will try counting sheep, drinking warm milk, taking deep breaths, and moving the television out of the room in order to get some shut-eye. In today’s passage, God uses a sleepless night to change the course of history.

The beginning of Esther 6 contains an ironic turn of events. Haman was preparing to destroy Mordecai. But now there would be a great reversal: he would be asked to construct an elaborate plan to honor him.

Notice how God intervened in the plot line of the tragic story. Even before Xerxes heard Esther’s request, Mordecai’s act of bravery was brought to his attention. The king could not sleep. We know that throughout Scripture, God often spoke to men and women in dreams and visions, and we can reasonably conclude that He was responsible for this restless, sleepless night in the palace. God engineered events to bring something to King Xerxes’ attention.

The king asked for the book that chronicled the historical records of his kingdom. Certainly the lengthy, detailed manuscript would be enough to induce drowsiness! But the book had the opposite effect. The king was reminded of Mordecai’s act of heroism when Mordecai prevented his assassination (2:21–23). Although the guilty officials had been put to death for the attempt, Mordecai had never been rewarded.

In a wonderful ironic twist, Haman was asked to suggest a reward for the hero. In his self-centered way, Haman assumed the recipient of the king’s gratitude would be himself (v. 6). He certainly never expected that the recipient would be Mordecai. While honoring Mordecai would delight the king, it was devastating and humiliating for the man who wanted to destroy him.

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Do you realize that your acts of loyalty and love can delight your King? Psalm 147:11 says that God delights in those who fear Him and put their hope in Him. It is wonderful to know that we can bring joy and honor to our God. Ask Him today to guide your steps and to make each word and action one that will bring Him delight.

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Read ESTHER 4:9–17

In 1982, Angela Cavallo was watching her son Tony while he worked on his 1964 Chevy Impala. Suddenly, the car came off the jacks and collapsed on top of him. In an unbelievable act of strength and courage, Angela lifted the car up four inches while neighbors pulled her son to safety. She credits her unexpected surge of strength to prayer.

Today’s passage describes an act of courage that could be fueled only by prayer. When Esther heard Mordecai’s request, she was troubled. She sent back word, explaining the penalty that might come to her if she bothered the king with an unwanted request (v. 11). She was required to wait until being summoned by the king. It was highly unusual, even forbidden, that she—or anyone else for that matter—should enter the king’s presence unbidden.

While Esther had been the king’s favorite, there was no guarantee that he would extend the golden scepter to her and spare her life. Mordecai reminded Esther that, whether she went to the king or not, she would be at risk. As a Jewish woman, she too would be killed. Then Mordecai reminded her of the miraculous circumstances of her life, challenging her to answer: “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (v. 14).

Esther took seriously the gravity of the situation. A woman of faith, she asked that the Jews in Susa fast for her. For three nights and three days, Esther, her attendants, and the Jews in Susa would fast. Then, she would enter the king’s presence and make her risky request.

Esther’s final words reveal the status of her heart: “And if I perish, I perish” (v. 16). She would pray, take action, and trust the consequences to God.

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Today’s passage is a portrait of courage, and it also highlights the importance of prayer. Before taking action, Esther and the community spent time in prayer and fasting. Before our bold moves should come our bold prayers (see Heb. 4:16). What do you need to bring before God in prayer today? Pray for the requests on your heart.

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Read ESTHER 4:1–5

The custom of wearing black garments to a funeral dates to the Roman Empire, when togas made of dark-colored wool were worn during times of mourning. Women would often cover their heads with black caps or veils. The immediate family of the deceased would wear black for an extended period of time— widows for as long as two years.

The effects of Haman’s evil act were immediately felt by the Jewish people. There was “great mourning” in every province of the country (v. 3). Mordecai visibly displayed his grief by putting on sackcloth and ashes.

Sackcloth, similar to today’s burlap, was a material made of coarse, black goat’s hair. It was traditionally worn as either a sign of mourning or of repentance. When Jacob thought his son was dead, he mourned and put on sackcloth (Gen. 37:34). Ashes were applied to the head, or sometimes the mourner would sit amidst them to signify humility or being downcast and afflicted.

While people throughout the empire wept and fasted at the news of their terrible impending fate, Xerxes and his nobility wanted no part of it. They ruled that anyone showing visible signs of mourning would not be allowed within the palace gates. They wanted to create an artificial bubble in which everyone was happy and successful and safe.

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Read ESTHER 3:12–15

In William Shakespeare’s Othello, the character of Iago epitomizes evil. He will do anything to gain power, no matter whom he must destroy. He pretends to be sincere while manipulating others into committing terrible crimes. Iago deceives Othello into believing that his wife, Desdemona, has been unfaithful, a lie that results in their tragic deaths. No matter how destructive his actions, Iago shows no remorse.

Today’s passage reads like a terrible nightmare. Haman, the vain and evil palace advisor, had secured the king’s permission to eliminate the Jewish people. The decree, signed and sealed during the first month, was to be carried out on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. The Jewish people had eleven months to live.

Within the timespan of a single day, they would be decimated. Note the viciousness of this plan: “destroy, kill and annihilate” (v. 13). The order did not just apply to the leaders of the Jewish people but to everyone: young and old, women and children. And, just as Haman had desired, they would “plunder” the belongings of the Israelites.

The decree was written in every language, delivered to every location, and distributed to every leader. It was sealed by the signet ring that King Xerxes had given to Haman. As the proclamation was delivered to the furthest locations and read in every tongue, shock and fear prevailed.

Meanwhile, Haman had no remorse. Instead, he celebrated: “The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered” (v. 15). He was willing to pay any price to soothe his own vanity. In eleven months, the Jewish people would be destroyed.

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Many of us have received devastating news—a job layoff, a terrible medical diagnosis, or a betrayal by a friend. Just like Haman’s pronouncement, these are truly horrible events, and God does not ask us to pretend otherwise. But thankfully we can know that devastating news never catches Him off guard. He is still present and still cares for us.

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Read ESTHER 1:19–22

Some archaic laws are still on the books, specifically pertaining to women. For example, in Vermont, women must have permission from their husbands to wear false teeth. In Michigan, women cannot cut their hair without their husband’s approval. And, in one California town, it is illegal to wear high heels unless you are carrying a permit.

Queen Vashti had defied Xerxes by refusing to appear before his guests. He was furious and realized that her public defiance must be punished. Now we see the pronouncement of judgment: the king’s advisor recommended that he issue a royal decree preventing Vashti from ever entering his presence again. She was banished from her esteemed position and from the privilege and entitlement that came with it. She would no longer be queen (v. 19).

But the advisor suggested even more action. He said the king should make an example out of Vashti, replace her with a new queen, and put in place a rule for all married couples. His recommendation pleased both the king and his court (v. 21). So the decree was carried out to the kingdom, announcing that every man should be considered a “ruler” in his own household (v. 22).

Vashti’s act of public defiance had a life- altering consequence, which no doubt satisfied the anger of King Xerxes. But what the king did for personal reasons, God used for divine reasons. With Vashti deposed, the stage was now set for the arrival of a new queen, Esther, who would save her people from destruction. The story echoes Joseph’s trial and unjust treatment described in the book of Genesis. Only later in his life did Joseph realize that God had redeemed his suffering for a divine purpose (Gen. 50:20). Certainly, God’s plans surpass our own.

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Sometimes our circumstances truly are not fair. Why would God allow injustice to happen? Why do wicked people seem to triumph? Scripture reveals how God’s divine plan supersedes and even works beyond man’s plans. What Xerxes intended for his own satisfaction, God used for the good of the nation. Ask God to work His perfect will in your life.

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Read ESTHER 1:9–12

After being imprisoned and threatened with execution in Iran, American journalist Roxana Saberi falsely confessed to being a spy. Later she recanted, even though she knew that telling the truth would jeopardize her freedom. And indeed, rather than release her as promised, her captors kept her in prison for months. She said about that harrowing time: “I would rather tell the truth and stay in prison instead of telling lies to be free.”

Standing for what’s right takes courage. The book of Esther includes the stories of two women who challenged corrupt rulers. The first woman we meet is Queen Vashti. We know that she was an incredibly beautiful woman. Just as King Xerxes lavishly decorated his palace with only the best that money could buy, he also insisted that the women in his life be physically attractive. He demanded only the best.

While Xerxes was holding a lavish seven-day banquet, the queen presided over a separate banquet for women (v. 9). On the last day of the banquet, a very drunk king called for his queen (v. 11). He demanded that she come to him so that he could display her before the attendees of his banquet. Some commentators interpret Xerxes’s request as a vulgar attempt to force the beautiful Queen Vashti to appear naked in front of these drunken men. Certainly his demand was insulting and embarrassing to Vashti, and she refused (v. 12).

Xerxes was not used to anyone denying his request. He was furious with Vashti. Not only had she disobeyed the king’s direct request, she had defied him in front of his guests. She undermined his illusion of total power and control. Queen Vashti was admired for her physical beauty. But what makes her stand apart in this text was her willingness to stand up to a despot.

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When is it worthwhile to stand up for what you believe? At what cost? While many of us take the road of least resistance when it comes to conflict, sometimes it is necessary to do what is right, no matter the cost. Ultimately, our allegiance is to God. He can give us courage to stand up for what we believe, even when we are pressured to do wrong.

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