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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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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