Read 1 PETER 2:1–3

Babies love to put everything in their mouths—toys, books, even their own feet! As they are just becoming aware of their senses, babies use their sense of taste to explore the world around them. In addition, a baby’s mouth has more nerve endings per square inch than any other body part, so mouthing objects is the best way for a baby to discover how things feel. This normal developmental milestone usually ends by age three.

Scripture uses the metaphor of taste often to describe our experience of God. The psalmist says, “Taste and see that LORD is good” (Ps. 34:8), and “How sweet are your words to my taste” (Ps. 119:103). The prophet Ezekiel was instructed to eat the scroll of the Lord (Ezek. 3:3), an image repeated in Revelation 10:10. And the book of Hebrews also describes tasting the goodness of God (Heb. 6:4–5). Taste indicates an intimate experience beyond the senses of seeing or hearing.

Peter says that we have had that kind of experience with God’s goodness! We can attest, in a deep and powerful way, that His love and salvation transform and sustain us. These first verses of chapter 2 are connected to Peter’s exhortation in the previous chapter about how we relate to God and others. God’s goodness to us should motivate us to reject habits and practices that destroy community. This list—malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander— describes the deadly poison that can infect relationships when we are seeking our own status and advantage (v. 1).

Instead, we should imbibe “pure spiritual milk” (v. 2). The contrast here is between purity and deceit and between nourishment and destruction. We have already tasted God’s goodness, and now we should continue to drink from His wells of truth so that we can thrive in community and grow in grace.

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Sins like envy and deceit can creep into our lives quietly. We resent the gifts or success of others; we try to present ourselves as better than we are. Proper humility is key: we must remember that our salvation depends on God’s goodness to us, not on our own status. Ask God to root out these sins and give you a renewed taste for His good gifts.

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Read 1 PETER 1:22–25

One joy in the autumn season in many parts of the United States is seeing the changing colors of the leaves. Cars filled with “leaf peepers” drive through New England or along the Blue Ridge Parkway, hoping to catch the peak moment of a landscape awash in red, orange, and golden leaves.

The most beautiful panorama of leaves won’t last, however. Eventually the leaves will fall, winter will come, and the colors shift to a muted palette of gray and white. Most things in life change: children grow, relationships ebb and flow, seasons pass, loved ones die. But the promises and Word of our God do not wither or fade or change (vv. 24–25). The absolute trustworthiness of God should shape our relationships.

We’ve already explored the Father- child relationship that we enjoy with God. But our salvation also affects our relationships with each other. As we grow in holiness and obedience, we also grow in our ability to love others (v. 22; see 1 John 3:11). This love results from our new birth, our new hope, and our new identity in Jesus. There’s a sense here of God’s love pouring into our lives, transforming us, and then overflowing into the way that we live in love with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The command to love each other also requires our humility and grace. We can’t obey this command because we are perfect but because God is perfect. We don’t obey this command because other people are reliable but because God is reliable. We can love others, even when they fail or disappoint us, because the foundation of this love is the gospel—God’s expression of love for us (v. 25). His love and His promise will never fail or fade; gloriously, they endure forever.

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Appreciating God’s creation can be a helpful way to focus our attention and worship toward Him. When you notice the changing colors as the season changes from autumn to winter, praise Him for His unchanging Word. If you plant bulbs this fall, thank Him that your new birth in Jesus is from imperishable seed that is guaranteed to blossom for an eternity.

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Read 1 PETER 1:17–21

The first formal celebrations and services to honor fathers were held in 1908, 1910, and 1912 in various places in the United States. But Father’s Day, held on the third Sunday of June, did not become an official national holiday until 1972. Congress had resisted earlier efforts, with some claiming it would make the celebration of fatherhood too commercialized.

Most people agree that celebrating the role of fathers is a good thing. But it’s also true that many people experience painful relationships with deeply imperfect human fathers. Thankfully, each of us is offered the opportunity to know the perfect heavenly Father, described in these verses.

Peter has used the word Father three times in this chapter to describe God, and each instance reveals another facet. In verse 2, God the Father is described as part of the Trinity, along with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. In verse 3, God is described as the Father of Jesus Christ, and in verse 17 He is identified as our Father. It’s important to see that God is not an abstraction or a distant Being—He is continually in relationship with Jesus and now also with us.

This perfect Father is not capricious or vicious (v. 17). As foreigners in this world, we too easily focus on those with earthly power, but we should instead remember that our reverence and awe is due to God. He is the one we are called to imitate, and He is the only one who knows all things and can judge perfectly in all situations (see Deut. 10:17; Gal. 2:6).

This perfect Father also has power over all things, including death (v. 21). In His love, He has redeemed us through the sacrifice of Jesus. And because He has raised Jesus from the dead, we have the confidence that He will also deliver us.

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What an amazing thing to be chosen and loved by this perfect Father! Why not have a “Father’s Day” celebration to praise Him? He doesn’t want a tie or a barbecue set—just our faith, love, reverence, obedience, and praise. You could devote a few minutes today to praising your Father, or plan a gathering of praise with family and friends.

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Read 1 PETER 1:13–16

When Kate Middleton was preparing to marry Prince William, heir to the British throne, she reportedly had to undergo what the press dubbed “princess training.” She was instructed on how to greet royalty and other dignitaries, to put on and remove her coat, and to conduct formal banquets. She would be royalty and was expected to act in a way that reflected her new identity.

Peter has begun this letter by describ- ing the way that salvation forms our new identity. We are now followers of Christ, not this world, and although we experience suffering and trials, we know that God has promised us an eternal inheritance. With the reality of our new life established, Peter offers us “Christian training.”

Our verses today address the way our perspective and our relationship have changed through Jesus. First, rather than be distracted by uncontrolled passions of the world, we have an eternal perspective of hope (v. 13). We are no longer limited to thinking that this life is all there is, so we’d better eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we’ll die. Instead, we can exercise self- control as we anticipate the return of Christ (see Gal. 5:22–23).

Second, we are the children of God. He loves us and claims us. He has called us (v. 15). Our growth in holiness does not come out of our own efforts to impress others or to prove that we’re good enough for God to love us. He has already shown His love for us through Jesus, and we become more like Him when we focus on who He is and what He has done and will do. Our holiness results from our relationship to God as His beloved children who are sanctified by the Spirit (vv. 2, 16).

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Peter’s first readers lived under a regime that actively persecuted Christians; our culture prioritizes personal passions over self-control and holiness. Prayerfully consider if there’s an area of life where you need more restraint. How can focusing on the return of Jesus and your identity as a child of God help you grow in holiness?

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Read 1 PETER 1:6–9

The 2016 Summer Olympics were held in Brazil this year, the culmination of years of training and dedication for thousands of athletes. Psychologists have studied how athletes stay motivated to endure rigorous preparation for months and years before the pinnacle of competition. For many, when faced with yet another day of swimming laps or doing speed drills or perfecting their form, it helps to remember the goal: representing their country and winning a medal.

Our reading today is the second section of Peter’s opening doxology in verses 3 to 12, which is one long sentence in the Greek text. As we saw yesterday, God’s work through Jesus has provided us with a living hope and promised inheritance. But like an intricate symphony weaving together major and minor keys, Peter acknowledges that his readers, these foreigners and strangers, are also suffering and grieving due to “all kinds of trials” (v. 6).

Scripture never ignores the reality of our suffering. Peter does not instruct his readers to “just look on the bright side.” But God’s Word does give us perspective in our suffering. Enduring these trials strengthens our faith. Persevering through times of suffering deepens our joy. We are able to face these challenges, day in and day out, because we focus on God’s promise to save us—and we believe that our God always keeps His promises.

Notice how many times the words rejoice or joy appear in these verses. Scripture often juxtaposes suffering and joy (see Ps. 30:5; 1 Thess. 1:6). This seems contrary to our assumptions— we’re happy when things are going well, right? This spiritual mystery should encourage us when we go through challenging times: God uses suffering to bless us with joy, a joy that allows us to praise Jesus and keep our eyes fixed on Him.

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God doesn’t promise us nirvana or prosperity or freedom from pain. But He does promise that suffering and trials can never take away our eternal salvation or His love for us. If you’re in the middle of a difficult slog, ask the Lord to fill you with the “joy of your salvation,” to keep your focus on your eternal inheritance in Jesus (Ps. 51:12).

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Read 1 PETER 1:1–5

Poets who work in structured verse have to follow specific guidelines. A sonnet must have fourteen lines. Iambic pentameter requires strict adherence to a five-beat meter. A haiku has three lines: five syllables, then seven, then five. Every word has to be carefully selected for a poem to convey meaning and imagery within a limited space.

Today we begin a study of the books of 1 and 2 Peter. Just as with excellent poetry, each verse is filled with rich messages of truth and beauty. One scholar described 1 Peter as “the most condensed New Testament resume of the Christian faith,” and the great reformer Martin Luther believed that this short letter was filled with essential information for Christians.

In verse 1, we are introduced to both the author and the audience. The apostle Peter was writing to Christians in five regions that together would be nearly the size of California. This large area had a diverse population of local people and Roman colonists sent to settle there when the empire expanded. Peter immediately notes a paradox in the identity of his recipients. They are “exiles,” or strangers in the world, and “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God” (v. 2). Throughout the rest of this letter, we’ll see these two contrasting poles used to describe the identity of believers. In relationship to the world, we are strangers and exiles, people who don’t fit in. In relationship to God, we are chosen and sanctified heirs.

Peter’s focus in these opening verses shifts quickly from his readers to God, as he begins to introduce one of his key themes: our salvation. Notice the work of the Trinity in verse 2, and glorious hymn of praise that begins in verse 3. God is the source of our salvation, and worthy of our worship.

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First Peter explores how our salvation through Jesus shapes our identity, especially in themes of what humility means in the Christian life and the work of the Trinity. Jot in a notebook all the action words used in these first five verses to describe God’s work for us; for example, we are chosen, given new birth, and shielded by His power.

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Read ESTHER 10:1–3

What makes a man great? What distinguishes him from the ordinary? Ralph Waldo Emerson connected greatness to humility: “A great man is always willing to be little.” Winston Churchill observed, “Good and great are seldom in the same man.”

Mordecai, was a man who was not only great but also good. What factors contributed to Mordecai’s success? First, Mordecai was devoted. He took care of his cousin, Esther. He raised her and loved her as his own daughter (2:7). Even when she was grown and entered the king’s palace, he would visit every day to see how she was doing (2:11). He demonstrated his love toward Esther with consistent, unselfish actions.

Second, Mordecai was brave and a person of decisive and courageous action. He uncovered the conspiracy against the king and saved his life (2:23). He learned of Haman’s plot to execute the Jewish people and devised a plan to save them. Third, Mordecai was a person of integrity and humility. Even though he knew the consequences, he refused to bow down to Haman (3:2). When he learned of the fate of his people, he did not sulk privately but put on sackcloth and ashes and mourned at the king’s gate (4:2).

Mordecai earned the respect of the Jewish people and the king because he was caring, decisive, humble, and consistent. He was a man of honor. Esther 10 says King Xerxes left behind a tremendous legacy that included “his acts of power and might.” But those records also featured the “greatness of Mordecai” (v. 2).

God worked through the good lives of Mordecai and Esther for the good of His people. They would not be forgotten.

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How is God working through your life? As we conclude the study of Esther, ask God to use you, as He did Esther and Mordecai, as His faithful servant. Ask Him to humble you, challenge you, and stretch you as you follow Him through the twists and turns of your own life story. Ask Him for the courage to be a great man or woman of God.

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Read ESTHER 9:29–32

The Library of Congress has more than 20,000 documents from President Abraham Lincoln’s life and political career. Among the collection are letters, speeches, and personal notes. One particularly treasured artifact is a draft of the Emancipation Proclamation dated July 22, 1862. Great effort is taken to preserve these records of our history.

As we close the book of Esther, we see that the events which have transpired will not be forgotten. Queen Esther and Mordecai wrote a second letter of confirmation to establish the days of Purim. They had “full authority” given to them by the king (v. 29). Notice the level of documentation that confirmed their decision. In addition to the writing of the official edict, letters were sent to each of the 127 provinces. The letters brought good news, words of “goodwill and assurance” (v. 30), and established the tradition of celebrating Purim. They did more than simply inform the Jewish people who were alive at the time of Esther and Mordecai. This information was intended to be recorded and handed down for generations to come.

Throughout Scripture, there is an emphasis on recording the words of God and memorializing the significant moments between God and His people. In Exodus, the Ten Commandments were written on tablets of stone to record the Law of God for His people. Throughout the Old Testament, genealogies were carefully recorded, temple ceremonies paid close attention to detail, and parents passed along the stories of God to their children.

Each word, every letter, was recorded so they would “remember the days of old” (Deut. 32:7)—not just to remember the event or to celebrate a fun holiday, but to remember how God had moved to deliver and vindicate His people and to celebrate His mercy and power.

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Have you written down your personal testimony? Some genealogists find important dates penned in the family Bible. Write a simple record of how God has worked in your life. Tuck it in your Bible or share it with your family. Show how God has been important to you and let future generations see how His hand has been at work in your life.

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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).

APPLY THE WORD

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).

APPLY THE WORD

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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