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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Read ESTHER 1:1–8

The book of Esther may remind you of a classic, “once upon a time” children’s story with a wealthy king, his beautiful queen, and an evil villain. But while the characters might resemble a fairy tale, the book of Esther depicts actual events that shaped Jewish history and instituted the festival of Purim, a tradition that continues to this day. Esther’s brave actions saved the Jews from massacre and preserved the lineage of Christ.

The opening verses of Esther place these events in a historical timeline. King Xerxes (also known by his name in Hebrew, Ahasuerus) ruled over 127 provinces, from India to Ethiopia (v. 1). At the beginning of this story, King Xerxes was holding court in the city of Susa, during the third year of his reign. This ruler of the Persian Empire had incredible wealth. The text records the splendor of his court with its beautiful wall hangings and an array of purple, the color of royalty (v. 6). Gold, silver, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones decorated the furniture. People drank wine in abundance from golden goblets (v. 7).

Xerxes wanted to paint a picture of a perfect kingdom with no problems. Certainly there was no lack of wealth. Every individual was given everything they desired (v. 8). And Xerxes was sure to get the credit for the glamor and abundance. But even the extraordinary power and wealth of the king had limitations. Note how the text highlights the number of days his “majesty” had been on display (v. 4). No matter how grand the court of King Xerxes was, his reign was limited and pales in contrast with the majesty of God. God’s kingdom will know no end. The temporal plans of individuals in this book lay subject to the will of our Almighty God.

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As we begin the book of Esther, it is helpful to remember that no matter what evil plans people make, God still sits upon the throne. We can be assured that God is ultimately in control, and the final outcome is preserved by Him. It is easy to worry about life from our own human perspective, but we must never forget who is King.

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Read EPHESIANS 1:3–14

A recent study found that the five happiest cities in America are all in one state: Louisiana! The researchers explored well-being and life satisfaction data from many sources. The five happiest cities emerged as Lafayette, Houma, Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and Alexandria, Louisiana.

Today’s reading, which is all one sentence in Greek, perfectly captures the genuine happiness and joy of redemption. The Father is the giver of this greatest of all blessings. He possesses all wisdom and under- standing (v. 8), and in it He sovereignly chose us (vv. 4–5). At just the right time, He revealed His will and lavished on us the riches of His grace (vv. 6–10). His plan for history is moving irresistibly forward (v. 11).

The Son is the means of salvation. The blessings the Father gives are “in Christ” (v. 3). He has chosen us “in him” (vv. 4, 11). Our adoption and inclusion in God’s family are “through Jesus Christ” (vv. 5, 13). God’s grace is “in the One he loves” (v. 6). Our forgiveness is “in him” and “through his blood” (v. 7). God’s will is “purposed in Christ” and His plan is to put everything “under Christ” (vv. 9–10; Phil. 2:9–11). Our hope is truly “in Christ” alone (v. 12).

The Spirit is the “seal” of our salvation, God’s mark of ownership (vv. 13–14). He is also “a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance,” a down payment on the fullness of salvation. If God can refer to Himself as a “deposit,” how inexpressibly glorious the complete reality will be! Let’s close our study this month with a Trinitarian benediction: “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor. 13:14). Amen!

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As you think about this study of the Trinity, what has God taught you about Himself? Prayerfully ask the Lord to reveal which truth He would like to apply in your life. You may find it helpful to write down your thoughts in a spiritual journal or discuss them with a close friend. May God richly bless your attentive consideration of His Word!

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Read ROMANS 8:5–17

The Greek word oikia can mean “house,” as in the physical building. It can also mean “household” or “family,” the people who live there, as well as “extended family” or “clan,” the entire family tree. The term can also indicate the “estate,” that is, wealth and property belonging to the family. This makes the New Testament metaphor of believers being a family or “household of faith” a rich one (see Gal. 6:10)!

Part of this powerful metaphor declares believers to be “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (v. 17). To be an heir of God means we live by the Spirit; we have been transformed through our spiritual rebirth (vv. 5–8). We have a different life purpose, with our minds now set on what God desires. Our lives lead to a different outcome, life rather than death. This is because we have a different relationship with God, one in which we now seek to please, obey, and submit to Him (see 1 John 3:10).

Life by the Spirit is the evidence that our salvation is real (vv. 9–11). If one is in God’s kingdom, one has the Spirit and a certain hope of resurrection. Conversely, not to have the Spirit indicates one does not belong to Christ at all. Therefore, we have an obligation to live in line with our new spiritual life and identity (vv. 12–13). We should cooperate with the Spirit in putting sin to death in our lives.

The Spirit is the One who brings us into the Father’s family, an adoption made possible by the Son (vv. 14–17). Jesus is, as it were, our older brother, and through Him we have the privilege of calling God “Abba.” Thanks to the Trinity, we’re no longer slaves to sin but are instead children of God!

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What are your “inheritance rights” as a child of God? They include new spiritual life and the promise of bodily resurrection. But they also include a promise of suffering (v. 17). No doubt we prefer to think of blessings and rewards, and these are very real. But we should also rejoice in the privilege of suffering for His name (see Matt. 5:11–12; Acts 5:41; Phil. 1:29).

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Read ACTS 2:29–41

A classic hymn prays: “O holy, blessed Trinity, / Divine, eternal Unity, / O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, / This day your name be uppermost. . . . / My Maker, hold me in your hand; / O Christ, forgiven let me stand; / Blest Comforter, do not depart, / With faith and love enrich my heart.”

All three Persons of the Trinity play their role in the believer’s salvation and daily spiritual life. On the day of Pentecost, Peter declared God’s eternal plan of redemption, including the involvement of the entire Trinity (vv. 30–36). Jesus, the Son, was the man they had recently seen arrested and crucified. He was in fact God’s promised Messiah, from the line of David but greater than the famous king—as David had prophetically known would be the case. Now resurrected, Jesus had been exalted to the right hand of God, having completed His mission of salvation.

The Father was the maker and fulfiller of the Davidic covenant, the One responsible for the overall plan, including the sending of His own Son. He was the One sovereignly calling Peter’s listeners to repentance and faith in Christ. Finally, the third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, was the explanation for the phenomenon of tongues they had just witnessed, in which everyone had heard the gospel proclaimed in their own language (2:1– 12). He had been sent by the Father and the Son as part of the gift of salvation, to enable and empower the newborn church to spread the good news of God’s love far and wide.

In response, thousands of Peter’s listeners were “cut to the heart,” repented, believed on Jesus, and were baptized the same day (vv. 37–41).

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Praise our triune God for the gift of salvation and the Trinity’s ongoing role in our spiritual lives! You might sing or listen to music that praises God. You might pray, celebrating the parts that each Person of the Godhead plays in redemption. You might serve others, participating in the commission we have: to follow God.

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Read JOHN 3:1–8

Seventeenth-century Puritan pastor John Owen noted that the Bible teaches with regard to the Holy Spirit “that he will come unto us, that he will be our comforter, that he will teach us, lead us, guide us; that he spoke of old in and by the prophets, that they were moved by him, acted by him; [and] that he ‘searcheth the deep things of God.’” Therefore, “we must acknowledge the Holy Ghost to be a substance, a person, God; yet distinct from the Father and the Son.”

Spiritual rebirth is a work of the Holy Spirit, made possible by the Son, and planned and presided over by the Father. The entire Trinity is integrally involved in the work of salvation. We’ll conclude our study with five days to focus on this topic, beginning with today’s reading in John 3 and then moving beyond the Gospels to explore more fully the Trinity’s roles in redemption.

Jesus spoke to Nicodemus of the necessity of being “born again” or “born from above” or “born of the Spirit” (vv. 3, 5). His explanation of what this means involved the entire Trinity. Spiritual rebirth is a requirement for entering the Father’s kingdom. It is a work of the Holy Spirit (vv. 5–8). And the Son knows how it all works because He accomplished it via His death and resurrection.

The phrase “born of water and the Spirit” likely indicates a natural birth (water) then a supernatural birth (Spirit). In verse 6, “Flesh gives birth to flesh” (natural) but “the Spirit gives birth to Spirit” (supernatural). He, as only God can, changes death (where natural birth inevitably leads) into life. The wind metaphor in verse 8, in addition to highlighting God’s glorious sovereignty and mystery, reminds us of His creation and life-giving breath (see Gen. 2:7).

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The Gospel of John intentionally echoes and builds on the opening chapters of the book of Genesis to reveal more of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. When you have time for additional Bible study, read the first three chapters of Genesis and the first three chapters of John, and make notes about themes you see repeated.

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Read MATTHEW 28:16–20

In the late 1700s, many Christians saw world evangelism as God’s business, not theirs. In response, a young English minister named William Carey wrote a tract arguing that all Christians in all eras of history should obey the Great Commission. He then sailed for India, where he spent his life in the service of the gospel. Today he is credited with launching the modern missionary movement.

The Great Commission makes clear the missionary responsibility of the church, and it puts it clearly in the context of our Triune God. The disciples were commanded to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (vv. 19–20). This divine, authori- tative mandate came directly from God the Father via God the Son.

Realistically, the disciples were not represented in this passage as a crack team of evangelists. Very properly, they worshiped the risen Christ, but it also says that “some doubted” (v. 17). Faith isn’t instantaneous; it takes time to grow. Making disciples, not just converts, is a time-consuming process. The faith that saves is just the start of how God wants to transform our lives!

Most significantly, Jesus promised, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The tone is reminiscent of Moses addressing the Israelites before his death: “Be strong and courageous . . . for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:6). Though ascending to the Father, Jesus—God the Son and “God with us”—did not leave His church alone. He has promised to be with us throughout this present age!

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Consider how you can be involved with missions. The Lord might call you to serve Him in a different cultural context, or perhaps share your gifts of financial or prayer support. Missionaries appreciate gifts of encouragement through email and remembered birthdays. And mission organizations need the gifts of organization.

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Read JOHN 20:19–23

Early on the Sunday morning following Christ’s crucifixion, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and found the stone rolled away. She reported this to Peter and John, who ran there and found no body, only empty grave clothes. They were puzzled and fearful. What happened? Would they be blamed for the missing body? Would they be arrested and executed?

Over time, the incredible truth dawned on them. Jesus had risen from the dead, just as He said! He appeared to them, ate with them, and spoke with them (v. 19). He showed them His crucifixion scars (v. 20). The Son now possessed a glorified body—as we will also one day (see 1 Cor. 15:20)—that could do things like pass through locked doors, but it was still identifiably His body. He understood the disciples’ state of mind and gently transformed their feelings from fear to joy.

Christ also gave them a task infused by the Trinity. They were to go forth with the message of the gospel. As the Father had sent the Son to accomplish redemption, so the Son now sent them to spread the news of God’s love (v. 21). They would do with God’s strength— Jesus “breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’” (v. 22). This was a foretaste of Pentecost, the full anointing of the Spirit that came fifty days after Jesus’ ascension.

He also gave them the authority to speak in His name (v. 23). This verse does not imply that we cause God to forgive or not forgive. The Greek verb actually indicates that the forgiveness has already taken place. It means that to proclaim the gospel is to participate in God’s work of redemption, in which forgiveness of sin is crucial.

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How are we as followers of Christ participating in the spread of the good news of the gospel? We should all testify to God’s work of salvation. Whether witnessing to a neighbor, praying for missionaries, or serving in a church outreach, we have an amazing privilege of following the command of Christ and participating in God’s desire to share His love with all people.

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Read LUKE 11:5–13

When we call God “Father,” we associate that term with “affection and authority,” according to author Ben White. But this would have been countercultural in the New Testament world. In the Roman Empire, fathers played virtually no part in parenting, infanticide was practiced regularly, and men ruled their families as absolute tyrants, including owning all property and having the right to make or break children’s marriages.

In other words, White says, “The New Testament authors portray God the Father as radically unlike Roman fathers.” When we as God’s children pray to Him, then, we are not praying to a romanticized version of a human father but to a far superior Father. If even human fathers normally do the right thing by their children, how much more so will God (vv. 11–13)? Or if even a grumpy person for whom it is inconvenient will give a friend bread because of that friend’s tenacity, how much more so will God (vv. 5–8)? He has none of the sinfulness that causes human fathers to sometimes wrong their children or friends to sometimes act selfishly.

In today’s passage, Jesus taught His disciples about prayer, mainly highlighting the need for boldness and persistence. To say, “Ask and it will be given to you,” was not a blank check for getting our own wishes and desires. Rather, Jesus meant that prayer is how we seek to align our wills with God’s will, and when that happens our prayers will be granted. His ways are higher, His plans are better, and one day we’ll see that all His answers to our prayers were best.

The third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, is described here as an answer to prayer (v. 13). To those who ask, God gives the best gift of all—Himself.

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Ask the Spirit to help you to reflect on your prayer life. In verse 9, the imperative verbs imply a continuous action: “Keep on asking,” “Keep on seeking,” and “Keep on knocking.” A prayer request is not a one-time event; instead, prayer is a spiritual habit or discipline, a way of life. That’s how Paul could exhort us to “pray continually” (1 Thess. 5:17).

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Read MATTHEW 10:5–20

Believers around the world today are suffering for the sake of the gospel. The Spectator, a British publication, called it “the war on Christians.” They reported that the secular International Society for Human Rights estimates that 80 percent of all acts of religious discrimination globally are directed at Christians. Each year for the decade preceding 2013, an average of 100,000 Christians were martyred—that’s eleven Christians every hour of every day.

No wonder Jesus said He was sending His followers out as “sheep among wolves” (Matt. 10:16)! As in yesterday’s devotion, in today’s reading we see the entire Trinity involved in spreading the good news of the kingdom. The sending of the Twelve, unlike the sending of the 72, was limited to the Jews (vv. 5–8), not because God’s love excluded Gentiles (see v. 18) but simply because “the lost sheep of Israel” were to hear first (see Rom. 1:16).

The Father is involved because the “kingdom of heaven” is His kingdom. The promises being fulfilled are His promises. The day of judgment that awaits unbelievers is His day of judgment. The Spirit is involved because He was sent by the Father. He will give faithful believers wisdom about what to say when they are persecuted (vv. 16–20). And the Son is involved, of course, because He Himself is the promised Messiah. With this mission, He was training His twelve disciples in proclaiming the kingdom, trusting God and God’s people to provide, and facing opposition (vv. 9–15).

Bearing witness to the kingdom was and is more important than mere safety. The Good Shepherd sends us, too, out as faithful sheep among the wolves of the world. Thankfully, we, too, can rely upon the Spirit of our Father to speak through us!

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As we pray for the persecuted church around the world, consider joining with a prayer partner to intercede for believers who are oppressed. Just as Jesus’ followers were sent out in pairs, praying with a partner can be encouraging and powerful. “For where two or three gather in my name,” Jesus said, “there am I with them” (Matt. 18:20).

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Read LUKE 10:1–24

In recent years, Middle Eastern Chris- tians have suffered intense persecution. The Week reported that in Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and elsewhere, believers “are murdered in mob violence or by militant groups. Their churches are bombed, their shops destroyed, and their homes looted. Laws are passed making them second-class citizens, and the majority of them eventually leave.”

Christ told His followers to expect persecution (see John 15:20). Suffering is part of being entrusted with the gospel. In today’s reading, Jesus sent out seventy-two of His followers with the good news of the kingdom. Since the table of nations in Genesis 10 lists seventy-two entries, some scholars think this number might symbolize the global scope of God’s plan. Jesus warned these followers that they were going out as sheep among wolves, and some people would greet them with hostility (vv. 3–12).

Despite any opposition they had faced, the seventy-two had returned with a successful ministry report. In the name and with the power of Jesus, they had cast out demons and done other miracles (vv. 17–19). They were not to take pride in this, because it was all the work of God, but rather to rejoice with eyes of faith (vv. 23–24).

The Son set the example for them by praising the Father in the joy of the Spirit (v. 21). The message had gone out and God had been glorified! Eternal life (having one’s name written in heaven) cannot be gained through human wisdom or power but only through the Son and His perfect revelation of His sovereign Father. As two Persons but one in essence, the Father and the Son have perfect knowledge of one another and the perfect plan to show God’s love to the nations (v. 22).

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Faced with the power of God, Satan is helpless. In this spirit—in the Spirit—pray for the persecuted church around the world. Ask that these believers would be given “authority to trample on snakes and scorpions” (figures of speech for demons and evil spirits) and opportunities to continue to spread the good news of the kingdom.

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