Read ESTHER 9:20–28

Jewish people still celebrate the Feast of Purim each year, usually during the month of March. They set aside a day to celebrate God’s deliverance of their people as recorded in the book of Esther. They exchange gifts, make charitable donations, prepare special dishes like pastries nicknamed “Haman’s Hat,” and participate in the public reading of Esther. A special prayer, Al ha-Nissim, which is translated “For the Miracles,” is said at morning, noon, and night. They take time to celebrate and remember what God has done.

Indeed, the Jewish people had a miracle to celebrate. God had delivered them from death. Today’s passage records the very first Purim celebration. Mordecai made the day official (v. 21). They were to do three things: observe a day of feasting, give presents to one another, and give to the poor (v. 22). Certainly this would have been a welcome announcement after months of fear and days of intense battle. God had been good to His people and delivered them from Haman’s wicked plot.

This passage re-tells the story and explains the meaning of the word Purim, which comes from the word pur, the lots that are cast in divination (v. 24). Haman had decided the fate of the Jewish people by consulting fortunetellers who had cast lots, but God prevented Haman from carrying out his wicked plan.

Notice the word every used repeatedly in verse 28. This celebration would be carried out by “every family, and in every province and in every city” (v. 28). The happiness should be pervasive. This event had decided their fate and changed the course of history. They were never to forget what God had done. Purim would help them remember, so “the memory of these days” would not die out for future generations (v. 28).

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We often come to God with requests, and He has invited us to do so. But sometimes we need to set aside time to thank Him for what He has done. We must tell the stories of God’s blessings to our children and our children’s children. Take time today to thank God, to remember what He has done, and to celebrate His work in your life.

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Read ESTHER 8:1–6

Thomas Cromwell was executed for treason on July 28, 1540. Before he met his fate, under the monarchy of Henry VIII, he wrote a letter to the king begging for mercy. Sent from his cell in the Tower of London, Cromwell pled: “Most gracious Prince, I cry for mercy, mercy, mercy!”

After reading of Haman’s punishment in Esther 7, we might assume that the edict targeting the Jewish people would be null and void. Certainly Esther and Mordecai were rejoicing! But in chapter 8, we again find Esther begging for mercy, asking the king to spare her life and the life of her people.

Before he responded, the king honored Mordecai by giving him the signet ring originally given to Haman. The ring bore the symbol of the king and was a representation of his power. Signet rings were pressed into clay to leave an impression and to authorize documents.

Giving the ring to Mordecai was another significant sign of recognition and respect. Echoing that action, Esther then appointed Mordecai over all of Haman’s estate. Clearly, his position in the kingdom had increased.

But Esther had a more consuming concern. Despite the punishment of Haman, the law which she protested was still in place. An edict, once signed and sealed by the king, would be considered final. The severity of the situation is clear from Esther’s actions: she wept and fell prostrate at the king’s feet. Her life and the lives of her people were hanging in the balance.

She asked the king to write another law which would save her people. “For how can I bear to see disaster fall on my people?” (v. 6). Would God work through this earthly king to deliver His people?

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When subjects approached the king, they could never be certain of the response. No wonder Esther was nervous. We serve a merciful God, who invites us to bring our requests before Him. We can confess our sins, give Him praise, and share our needs with the Lord, knowing that He is loving and gracious to His people.

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Read ESTHER 7:5–10

One of the classic Looney Tunes cartoons involved a road runner and the coyote who wanted to catch him. Wile E. Coyote ordered ammunition and trapping devices from the Acme Corporation, certain that he could explode, capture, or otherwise destroy the Road Runner. But, in every episode, the Coyote always failed and ended up being the one who was injured.

Haman, who wanted nothing more than to destroy Mordecai and the Jewish people, soon found himself the victim of his own plot. The banquet did not go as Haman expected. Rather than being honored as a special guest of the king and queen, he was accused by Esther of an evil plan to eliminate the Jewish people that would also take her life.

On hearing the news, the king “got up in a rage” (v. 7). Had he forgotten that he himself had approved the edict to destroy the Jewish people, an order that would now harm his queen? Perhaps he was embarrassed and angry that he had been so fully deceived by Haman.

Haman was “terrified” (v. 6). Realizing his life was hanging in the balance, he turned his attention to Esther. The king, returning from his walk in the palace garden, saw Haman begging Esther for mercy, but it appeared that he was attempting to assault her. For the king, this violation of his trust was the final straw: he ordered Haman’s execution.

The violent means of punishment Haman had previously arranged for Mordecai would now be used for his own execution. Often in Scripture God speaks about the wicked meeting doom: “The violence comes down on their own heads” (Ps. 7:16). Certainly God had not overlooked the evil intent of Haman. He had not only rescued His people, but He also saw that Haman received his just reward.

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Today’s reading teaches a cautionary lesson. We are not to be caught up in arranging the fate of our enemies. God said that vengeance will be His, and we are to leave their fate in God’s hands (Rom. 12:19). It is not our prerogative to obsess over the punishment of the evil ones. They will meet their fate and receive the punishment they deserve.

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Read ESTHER 6:11–14

An Aesop’s fable involves two roosters who each want to be king of the farmyard. Finally, one won the title. The losing rooster hid in a corner while the winner squawked and ran about the yard, boasting with pleasure. Suddenly, an eagle flew by, swooped down, and snatched the winning rooster in his talons. The losing rooster, still sitting by the wayside, became the new reigning king. Pride, said Aesop, goes before a great fall.

In an act of supreme humiliation, Haman was forced to honor Mordecai as a hero. He helped him put on the king’s royal robe and led him through the streets on the horse announcing that the king was pleased with Mordecai (v. 11). How devastating this must have been to Haman who had assumed he would be the intended recipient.

Notice the contrasting actions of the two men in today’s passage. After being honored, Mordecai returned “to the king’s gate” (v. 12). Despite having just received great honor from the highest in command, he did not strut about but immediately resumed his duty.

Haman, on the other hand, was self- centered, consumed by grief at his own loss. He immediately shared his displeasure with those closest to him. They advised Haman not to continue his pursuit of Mordecai and the Jewish people: “you will surely come to ruin” (v. 13). The text does not tell us Haman’s response. But knowing his deep hatred for Mordecai and how insulted he felt, it would be safe to assume their caution had little effect on him.

Regardless, Haman had little time to reflect on his choices as he was expected at the king’s table for the banquet given by Esther (v. 14). Haman was still motivated by personal pride, and God was not finished with his story.

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Today’s tale cautions against our pride. We are not to be puffed up or worried about our own honor or reward. Instead, we should let God honor us in His own way and timing. Lay your personal concerns and vanity at His feet, and let Him reward you. Even more, do not be concerned with eliminating your competition. Pride leads to destruction.

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Read ESTHER 5:1–8

In September 2016, a group of middle- school students in St. Augustine, Fla., were chosen to meet with royalty. Their artwork was presented as a gift to the king and queen of Spain, who included the historic American city on their royal tour. The children wore their nicest clothes and were visibly awestruck by the experience. Said Caitlyn, one of the student artists, “I was really excited, and I didn’t know what to think or expect.”

An invitation to meet royalty is not to be taken lightly. Even though she was queen, Esther waited three days before approaching the king (v. 1). She adorned her royal robes but did not approach the king directly. Instead, she stood nearby where he would be able to see her (v. 2). The tension builds in the text: we know that Xerxes thought highly of Esther, but we still breathe a sigh of relief when he extended his scepter, a sign that she was welcome to approach the throne.

We learn a few things about Esther from this passage. First, we see that she was respectful. She took care in approaching his throne, wearing appropriate outfits and waiting until he addressed her first. Second, she was patient. She did not rush to give the king her request, even though the urgency was weighing on her mind. Instead, she asked that Haman and the king join her for a banquet (v. 4).

At the banquet, the king once again extended a generous offer, “up to half the kingdom” (v. 6). Instead of bursting forth with a plea, Esther exhibited grace and patience. She asked the king and Haman to attend yet another banquet the following day. Esther was beautiful and smart, and also gracious, respectful, and patient. She proceeded thoughtfully, knowing many lives depended on her success.

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How wonderful that we can approach the throne of grace without intimidation or fear. We should never take it for granted that we have been invited to talk one-on-one with God, the all-powerful King of the universe, at any time. We have an all-access pass to the throne room of the King. Thank Him today and bring Him your concerns.

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Read ESTHER 3:5–11

Muhammad Ali was known for being a winning boxer with tremendous self- confidence. Before a fight, he would boast about his skill, declaring, “I am the greatest.” But eventually the greatest was humbled. In 1970, Ali met his match in Joe Frazier during the “Fight of the Century,” suffering his first loss after 31 consecutive wins.

Haman’s self-regard moved past confidence into full-fledged vanity. He enjoyed lording his elevated position over everyone, requiring people to bow down before him and kiss his ring. Haman was also cruel and fueled by hatred for God’s people. Haman’s rage against Mordecai escalated when he learned that Mordecai was Jewish (v. 6). Rather than focusing on destroying one man, Haman became bent on eliminating all of God’s people.

Haman asked the king’s fortunetellers to pick a lucky time for him to carry out his evil act (v. 7). Next, he had to figure out how to manipulate the king in order to get approval for his plot. Notice how Scripture subtly reveals where the real power and authority lie—not with Xerxes, who, although he is supposed to be the most powerful person on earth, is manipulated by others throughout this story.

Haman gained Xerxes’ approval for his plan by exaggerating the perceived threat. He said that the Jews dispersed throughout the empire, and their customs and manners were different from the rest (v. 8). Haman preyed on Xerxes’ fear of instability to convince him to authorize the massacre.

Haman’s trickery and flattery were so successful that Xerxes agreed to fund the plot to destroy the Jews. The king would not stop this evil man. Would evil finally triumph over good? Would God’s people be destroyed?

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Are you facing opposition because you have taken a stand for God? Perhaps you’ve resisted joining in the neighborhood gossip, or you won’t cut corners at the office. Trusting God doesn’t free us from opposition, but it does remind us who has the true power and who will be victorious. Ask the Lord to give you courage and grace to stand firm.

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Read ESTHER 3:1–4

King Nebuchadnezzar constructed a golden statue and ordered everyone to worship it. Three young Jewish men in the king’s court refused to bow, and they were punished for their defiance by being thrown into a furnace. To the king’s amazement, the fire did not destroy them. Instead, God protected them, and their obedience to God became an example to the king, his court, and the Jewish people. Nebuchadnezzar praised the God of Israel: “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants” (Dan. 3:28).

Years later, Mordecai was in a similar predicament. Some time had passed since Esther became queen. Things had been going well for both Esther and Mordecai, who were now situated in their positions in the king’s court.

But we meet a new person in today’s passage: Haman the Agagite. He was promoted to an elevated position in the court by King Xerxes, “higher than that of all the other nobles” (v. 1). To reinforce Haman’s status, the king ordered that everyone must kneel and pay honor to Haman.

Mordecai refused to obey. His repeated act of civil disobedience was soon noticed by others. From verse 4, we can assume that Mordecai chose to reveal his Jewish heritage as a way to explain his refusal to pay homage to Haman. People urged him to go along with the new order, to just bow down. When Mordecai resisted their peer pressure to kneel before Haman, they reported his insubordination.

Right away we see Haman’s character revealed. He could not tolerate one man who refused to bow before him. He decided to target not only Mordecai but also all his people—a vendetta that would destroy the Jews.

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Mordecai’s action reminds us that we serve first and foremost our heavenly King. His commands guide our actions and give us courage to stand up for our beliefs, no matter how unpopular they may be. Ask God to give you a heart that is open and obedient to His leading and willing to bear witness to Him no matter how uncomfortable the situation.

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Read ESTHER 2:8–14

Elizabeth Arden opened the first modern beauty salon in America in 1910. In 2016, the cosmetic industry in the United States is expected to earn an estimated $62.4 billion. Today, Americans spend more on beauty each year than they do on education.

Today’s passage is all about beauty. Esther was brought to the palace in Susa, one of many who were selected to compete for a desirable position: becoming the next queen (v. 8). But the road to royalty was not easy. Even though it was clear that Esther was naturally beautiful and had won the favor of Hegai, supervisor of the harem, she still had to undergo twelve months of beauty treatments (v. 12).

The verses describe what sounds like a modern-day exclusive spa. Esther was given treatments with oil, myrrh, perfumes, cosmetics, a special diet, and seven female attendants. Due to Hegai’s favor, she was moved into the best place in the king’s harem.

But while everyone fussed over what appeared on the surface of this young woman, there was one thing they did not realize. Esther was a Jew. She had been told by Mordecai to keep her nationality a secret (v. 10). Mordecai continued to demonstrate his love and care for Esther, making sure she was being treated well (v. 11). He alone knew the truth about who she was.

Imagine twelve months of being judged solely on your external appearance, twelve months of rooming with other beautiful women who want to displace you in the king’s favor. Certainly Esther was getting the royal beauty treatment, but she was also enduring scrutiny and judgment and competition, with life- changing stakes. The road ahead would not be easy.

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Many of us get discouraged when we look in the mirror. The cosmetics industry thrives on these insecurities. But in Scripture, we read again and again that our God looks beyond the physical. What pleases God is a beautiful heart. Ask God today to create a gentle spirit within you, one that He can use to do His will.

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Read JOHN 14:15–24

Jonathan Edwards, the great eighteenth-century American pastor and theologian, wrote of the Trinity and salvation: “So that it is God of Whom our good is purchased and it is God that purchases it and it is God also that is the thing purchased. Thus all our good things are of God and through God and in God. . . . All our good is of God the Father, it is all through God the Son, and all is in the Holy Ghost as He is Himself all our good. God is Himself the portion and purchased inheritance of His people. Thus God is the Alpha and the Omega in this affair of redemption.”

Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit was another essential step in God’s “affair of redemption.” It again demonstrates how the Trinity are interrelated: The Father sends the Spirit (v. 16), confirming what we have already seen of His role as source, planner, or originator of salvation.

The Son requests the Father to send the Spirit in order to empower His followers to carry forward the gospel, confirming His role as the accomplisher of salvation. The Spirit is sent by the Father at the Son’s request in order that Christian believers might live obedient lives worthy of the gospel, confirming His role as enabler of salvation. This passage also shows us that the Son abides in the Father, just as we abide in Christ (v. 20; see John 15:4–5). The Son’s words are the Father’s words. To obey Jesus’ commands is to be loved by both Father and Son (vv. 15, 21, 23). The best evidence of divine love is the sending of the Spirit. He grounds us in truth and is our advocate or helper in living it out (vv. 16–18).

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David prayed that he would “dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life” (Ps. 27:4). Jesus delivers the answer to that longing. He promised that He and the Father would come to believers and “make our home with them” (v. 23). Even while we wait for the fullness of dwelling with God for eternity, we have His presence with us now!

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Read MATTHEW 22:34–46

Math professor Richard Evan Schwartz authored a book about the numbers 1 to 100. It’s called You Can Count on Monsters. Written for children, the book includes drawings of “monsters” representing prime or composite numbers and their factors. The composite monsters can be split into smaller ones, while the primary monsters are indivisible. The artwork and this creative approach make learning the math fun and engaging.

Jesus was also a highly creative teacher; for example, see His questions in today’s passage. When the religious leaders tested Him, He responded with an answer and a question that demonstrated an Author’s knowledge of God’s Word.

To identify the greatest commandment was easy: everything is about wholeheartedly loving the Father and bringing Him glory (v. 37).

Then Jesus posed a puzzler for them: Whose son is the Messiah? (v. 42). He quoted Psalm 110—in which verses 1 and 4 are messianic prophecies—to give His listeners an opportunity to draw the conclusion that the Messiah is also the Son of God. Logically, how could a descendant of David also be David’s Lord (v. 45)? That would only be possible if the descendant (the Messiah) were also God (the Son).

David spoke by the Spirit, so this psalm had to be true. Furthermore, for God to invite the Messiah to be seated at His right hand suggested a favored and even equal position. That would be possible only if both Father and Son were God. Ultimately, the first Person of the Trinity wins the victory on behalf of the second (see 1 Cor. 15:24–28). “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow” (Phil. 2:9–10).

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The fact that the Bible was inspired—or “breathed”—by God is grounds for our faith in its truthfulness. Inspiration makes it trustworthy and practical: the Word is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” How does Scripture help you to be “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17)?

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Read LUKE 1:26–38

The Creation account in Genesis connects God the Holy Spirit with the generation of life. In the beginning, before God spoke, when “the earth was formless and empty . . . the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” (1:2). When God created the first man, Adam, He “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life” (2:7). In Hebrew, the same word is translated as both “breath” and “spirit,” indicating God’s ability to create a distinctive kind of life made in His image.

In today’s reading, we see that the Holy Spirit is the One who generated life in the womb of the virgin Mary (v. 35). Only God can do the impossible and bring life from nonlife. Just as He breathed human life into the dust of the ground, so also He conceived life in a virgin’s womb. God is the One who ultimately holds all power over life and death.

God the Father planned it all. His promises never fail (vv. 36–37)—one of David’s descendants would be an eternal King (vv. 32–33). He sent an angel with a message to Mary; she responded differently from Zechariah, submitted obediently, and counted herself a recipient of God’s favor and blessing (vv. 28, 30, 38).

The baby to be born was, of course, Jesus, the Son of God (vv. 31–32)—the Messiah and the second Person of the Trinity. He is God Incarnate. Through the Son, the Father would fulfill His covenant with David. Christ—the Greek title that means “Messiah”—will reign forever and ever (see Rev. 11:15)!

By focusing on the Three-in-One in this episode, we gain a greater appreciation for God’s faithfulness, love, power, promises, plan of redemption, and sovereignty over life, as well as of the awe-inspiring mystery of the Incarnation of Jesus.

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How can the first Person of the Trinity send the third to conceive the second as a human baby? Paradoxes like this are a mode of being beyond our understanding. Rather than be distracted by the mysteriousness of the Three-in-One, ask what God wants you to learn about Himself this month. Make this a topic for prayer today.

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