March 13, 2010

Hosea 2:1- 23

Say to your brethren, My people, and to your sisters, mercy is shown. 2 "Bring charges against your mother, bring charges; for she is not My wife, nor am I her Husband! Let her put away her harlotries from her sight, and her adulteries from between her breasts; 3 Lest I strip her naked and expose her, as in the day she was born, and make her like a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst. 4 "I will not have mercy on her children, for they are the children of harlotry. 5 For their mother has played the harlot; she who conceived them has behaved shamefully. For she said, I will go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, My wool and my linen, My oil and my drink. 6 "Therefore, behold, I will hedge up your way with thorns, and wall her in, so that she cannot find her paths. 7 She will chase her lovers, but not overtake them; yes, she will seek them, but not find them. Then she will say, I will go and return to my first husband, for then it was better for me than now. 8 For she did not know that I gave her grain, new wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold- which they prepared for Baal. 9 "Therefore I will return and take away My grain in its time and My new wine in its season, and will take back My wool and My linen, given to cover her nakedness. 10 Now I will uncover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and no one shall deliver her from My hand. 11 I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her New Moons, her Sabbaths- all her appointed feasts. 12 "And I will destroy her vines and her fig trees, of which she has said, these are my wages that my lovers have given me. So I will make them a forest, and the beasts of the field shall eat them. 13 I will punish her for the days of the Baals to which she burned incense She decked herself with her earrings and jewelry, and went after her lovers; but Me she forgot," says the Lord. 14 "Therefore, behold, I will allure her, will bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfort to her. 15 I will give her her vineyards from there, and the Valley of Achor as a door of hope; she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, as in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt. 16 "And it shall be, in that day," says the Lord, "That you will call Me My Husband, and no longer call Me My Master, 17 For I will take from her mouth the names of the Baals, and they shall be remembered by their name no more. 18 In that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, with the birds of the air, and with the creeping things of the ground. Bow and sword of battle I will shatter from the earth, to make them lie down safely. 19 "I will betroth you to Me forever; yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in lovingkindness and mercy; 20 I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord. 21 "It shall come to pass in that day that I will answer," says the Lord; "I will answer the heavens, and they shall answer the earth. 22 The earth shall answer with grain, with new wine, and with oil; they shall answer Jezreel. 23 Then I will sow her for Myself in the earth, and I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy; then I will say to those who were not My people, you are My people! And they shall say, You are my God! "

In chapter 2 of Hosea the prophet is instructed to speak to the idolatry of the people (vs. 1-5). Next God's judgment are declared against Israel as He threatens to take way from them the blessings that He gave them because they are using them to serve idols (vs. 6-13). The chapter concludes with God's promises of reconciliation as He promises to return mercy to them, to renew His covenant with them, and to bless them with all good things (vs. 14-23).

The verse that stands out to me today is Hosea 2:8 "For she did not know that I gave her grain, new wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold- which they prepared for Baal."  We learn in this chapter that the Israelites were thanking false gods for their food, shelter, and clothing, instead of recognizing God as the Giver of blessings. Therefore, God would block Israel's "path with thorn bushes" and "wall her in" by making the rewards of idol worship so disappointing that the people would be persuaded to turn back to God. Both Gomer and Israel used their possessions irresponsibly as they ran after other lovers and other gods. However, despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God was still faithful and merciful. He would continue to hold his arms out to his people, even to the point of placing obstacles in their wayward path to turn them back to him. Again, we see in this verse that the Israelites were so immersed in idolatry that they actually believed pagan gods gave them their vineyards and orchards. They had forgotten that the entire land was a gift from God (Deut. 32:49). Today many people give credit to everything and everyone but God for their prosperity?luck, hard work, quick thinking, the right contacts. When you succeed, who gets the credit?

I pray that you would take time to give Him glory, honor and thanks today.

Rev. 5:12-13 (KJV) 

    Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. [13] And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Rev. 7:12 (KJV) 

    Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Singing His Praises,

Alan J. Schrader

March 12, 2010

Hosea 1:1-11

The word of the Lord that came to Hosea the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel. 2 When the Lord began to speak by Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea: "Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry and children of harlotry, for the land has committed great harlotry by departing from the Lord." 3 So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. 4 Then the Lord said to him: "Call his name Jezreel, for in a little while I will avenge the bloodshed of Jezreel on the house of Jehu, and bring an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel. 5 It shall come to pass in that day that I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel." 6 And she conceived again and bore a daughter. Then God said to him: "Call her name Lo-Ruhamah, for I will no longer have mercy on the house of Israel, but I will utterly take them away. 7 Yet I will have mercy on the house of Judah, will save them by the Lord their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword or battle, by horses or horsemen." 8 Now when she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, she conceived and bore a son. 9 Then God said: "Call his name Lo-Ammi, for you are not My people, and I will not be your God. 10 "Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, you are not My people, there it shall be said to them, you are sons of the living God. 11 Then the children of Judah and the children of Israel shall be gathered together, and appoint for themselves one head; and they shall come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel!

In chapter 1 of Hosea we begin with the general inscription of the book, in which the author and time of this prophecy are expressed (vs. 1). The people of Israel are being rebuked for their idolatry; under the representation of a harlot that Hosea is called to marry (vs. 2-3). Hosea chose Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, as his wife and they had three children, each of whom received a symbolic name from the Lord. The firstborn son's name Jezreel was a reminder of the atrocities that had occurred at Jezreel. God would soon judge Israel for these sins, appropriately through a military defeat at this same city. Their daughter LoRuhamah's name, meaning "Not Loved," announced that the Lord would temporarily withdraw His love from Israel (vs. 4-6). Next Hosea is called to speak mercy and comfort to the people of Judah (vs. 7). Then we read of the third child's name Lo-Ammi, meaning "Not My People," anticipated the severe disruption of the Lord's covenantal relationship with His people (vs. 8-9). Then, I believe, the chapter concludes with a beautiful prophecy of the conversion of the Gentiles, and the calling of the Jews in the latter day; and of the union of Judah and Israel under one Head and Saviour, Christ; and of the greatness and glory of that day (vs. 10-11).

The verse that stands out to me today is Hosea 1:10 "Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, you are not My people, there it shall be said to them, you are sons of the living God." Israel's covenant relationship with God is at the heart of Hosea's message. God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt, established them as a nation, and took great delight in them. He looked for a favorable response to His love and obedience to the commandments He had given to regulate the people's worship and daily activities. However, the people were ungrateful, turning to other gods, violating the religious and social standards of God's covenant, and forming alliances with surrounding nations. When God establishes a binding relationship, He demands absolute loyalty. Through Hosea, God announced that He would use severe judgment to free His people from their spiritual stupor and get their attention. This judgment would take the forms of drought, invasion, and exile. Although Israel was unfaithful, God's commitment remained unchanged. This promise of a future reuniting reiterated the covenant made with Moses (Deut. 30:1-10) and foreshadowed the prophecies of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:11-14; Jeremiah 31:31-40) and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 11:16-21). It was a prediction of the day when all the people of God will be united under Christ. Today all believers everywhere are God's chosen people, a royal priesthood (see 1 Peter 2:9). The Book of Hosea gives us a clear and balanced picture of God. He loves His people and desires an intimate and vibrant relationship with them. He is jealous of their affections and tolerates no spiritual adultery. When they sin, He will discipline them as severely as is necessary. While God's jealousy may seem inappropriate and His discipline may seem harsh, this divine reaction to His people's sin is actually evidence of His love and commitment. He will allow nothing to ruin the relationship He has established and will do everything to preserve it. In the end, His devotion and mercy will win out, and His people will come to their senses, giving Him the love He fervently desires and the healthy relationship that we so desperately need.

I pray that you would be aware of the wonderful covenant relationship that God's has provided for you today.

Romans 11:27 (KJV) 

    For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

Hebrews 10:16 (KJV) 

    This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

Hebrews 12:24 (KJV) 

    And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

Hebrews 13:20 (KJV) 

    Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Holding on to the Covenant,

Alan J. Schrader

March 11, 2010

Esther 10:1-3

And King Ahasuerus imposed tribute on the land and on the islands of the sea. 2 Now all the acts of his power and his might, and the account of the greatness of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? 3 For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.

Chapter 10 is the closing of the Book of Esther. In this chapter we learn how King Ahasuerus imposed tribute on the land and on the islands of the sea; and of his power and his might (vs. 1-2a). The chapter concludes with Mordecai advancement and what a blessing he was to the people because he sought to do good and speak peace (vs. 2a-3).

The verse that stands out to me today is Esther 3:3 "For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen." In the book of Esther, we clearly see God at work in the lives of individuals and in the affairs of a nation. Even when it looks as if the world is in the hands of evil people, God is still in control, protecting those who are His. Although we may not understand everything happening around us, we must trust in God's protection and be committed to walking in integrity by doing what we know is right. Mordecai, who was effectively condemned to death, rose to become the second highest ranking official in the nation. No matter how hopeless our condition, or how much we would like to give up, we need not despair. God is in control of our world. Mordecai enjoyed a good reputation among the Jews because he was still their friend when he rose to a place of power. Corruption and abuse of authority often characterize those in power. But power used to lift the fallen and ease the burden of the oppressed is power and authority used well. People placed by God in positions of power or political influence must not turn their backs on their countrymen nor on those in need.

I pray that as you walk in the footsteps or instructions of Jesus you would know grace and favor with God and man.

Genesis 6:8 (KJV) 

    But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Luke 1:30 (KJV) 

    And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.

Luke 2:52 (KJV) 

    And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Acts 2:47 (KJV) 

    Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

March 10, 2010

Esther 9:1-32

Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king's command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them. 2 The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people. 3 And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and all those doing the king's work, helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. 4 For Mordecai was great in the king's palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for this man Mordecai became increasingly prominent. 5 Thus the Jews defeated all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, with slaughter and destruction, and did what they pleased with those who hated them. 6 And in Shushan the citadel the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men. 7 Also Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, 8 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, 9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vajezatha- 10 the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews-they killed; but they did not lay a hand on the plunder. 11 On that day the number of those who were killed in Shushan the citadel was brought to the king. 12 And the king said to Queen Esther, "The Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the citadel, and the ten sons of Haman. What have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? Now what is your petition? It shall be granted to you. Or what is your further request? It shall be done." 13 Then Esther said, "If it pleases the king, let it be granted to the Jews who are in Shushan to do again tomorrow according to today's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged on the gallows." 14 So the king commanded this to be done; the decree was issued in Shushan, and they hanged Haman's ten sons. 15 And the Jews who were in Shushan gathered together again on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and killed three hundred men at Shushan; but they did not lay a hand on the plunder. 16 The remainder of the Jews in the king's provinces gathered together and protected their lives, had rest from their enemies, and killed seventy-five thousand of their enemies; but they did not lay a hand on the plunder. 17 This was on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar. And on the fourteenth of the month they rested and made it a day of feasting and gladness. 18 But the Jews who were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day, as well as on the fourteenth; and on the fifteenth of the month they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. 19 Therefore the Jews of the villages who dwelt in the unwalled towns celebrated the fourteenth day of the month of Adar with gladness and feasting, as a holiday, and for sending presents to one another. 20 And Mordecai wrote these things and sent letters to all the Jews, near and far, who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, 21 to establish among them that they should celebrate yearly the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar, 22 as the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor. 23 So the Jews accepted the custom which they had begun, as Mordecai had written to them, 24 because Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to annihilate them, and had cast Pur (that is, the lot), to consume them and destroy them; 25 but when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letter that this wicked plot which Haman had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. 26 So they called these days Purim, after the name Pur. Therefore, because of all the words of this letter, what they had seen concerning this matter, and what had happened to them, 27 the Jews established and imposed it upon themselves and their descendants and all who would join them, that without fail they should celebrate these two days every year, according to the written instructions and according to the prescribed time, 28 that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city, that these days of Purim should not fail to be observed among the Jews, and that the memory of them should not perish among their descendants. 29 Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter about Purim. 30 And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews, to the one hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth, 31 to confirm these days of Purim at their appointed time, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had prescribed for them, and as they had decreed for themselves and their descendants concerning matters of their fasting and lamenting. 32 So the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim, and it was written in the book.

In chapter 9 of Esther we learn of the account of the Jews gathering together, on the day fixed for their destruction, to defend themselves, which they did in all the provinces, and smote their enemies (vs. 1-5). We learn that in Shushan the palace they slew the ten sons of Haman and five hundred men on that day (vs. 6-11) and at the request of the queen they were allowed the next day to hang up his sons, when they slew three hundred men more (vs. 12-15). We also learn that in the provinces they slew 75,000 and those in one day only, and the following days they kept as a festival, but they in Shushan kept the two days following (vs. 16-19). The chapter concludes with Esther and Mordecai establishing the two days as a festival, to be observed annually, by the name of the days of Purim (vs. 20-32).

The verse that stands out to me today is Esther 9:5 "Thus the Jews defeated all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, with slaughter and destruction, and did what they pleased with those who hated them." Haman had decreed that on the 13^th day of the 12^th month anyone could kill the Jews and take their property. Mordecai's decree could not reverse Haman's because no law signed by the king could be repealed. Instead, Mordecai had the king sign a new law giving Jews the right to fight back. When the dreaded day arrived, there was much fighting and in the king's provinces the Jews killed seventy-five thousand, but the Jews killed only those who wanted to kill them, and they did not take their enemies' possessions, even though they could have (Esther 8:11; Esther 9:10, 16). There were no additional riots after the two-day slaughter, so obviously selfish gain or revenge were not primary motives of the Jews. They simply wanted to defend themselves and their families from those who hated them. In Deuteronomy 25:17, Moses linked the people's continued rest from their enemies with the command to "blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven." In this chapter, the blessing of rest for the Jewish people is associated with the destruction of their enemies (vv. 18, 22). This similarity with Deuteronomy reinforces the argument that Haman was a descendant of the Amalekites. This scripture in Deuteronomy may also be what caused Mordecai to tell Esther in (4:14) "For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

I pray that you would be reminded today that God keeps His promises. Hold onto HIS WORD!

2 Cor. 1:20 (KJV) 

    For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

2 Cor. 7:1 (KJV) 

    Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2 Peter 1:4 (KJV) 

    Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Holding onto the Promises that cannot fail,

Alan J. Schrader

March 9, 2010

Esther 8:1-17

On that day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. 2 So the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai; and Esther appointed Mordecai over the house of Haman. 3 Now Esther spoke again to the king, fell down at his feet, and implored him with tears to counteract the evil of Haman the Agagite, and the scheme which he had devised against the Jews. 4 And the king held out the golden scepter toward Esther. So Esther arose and stood before the king, 5 and said, "If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight and the thing seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to annihilate the Jews who are in all the king's provinces. 6 For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my countrymen?" 7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, "Indeed, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows because he tried to lay his hand on the Jews. 8 You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's signet ring; for whatever is written in the king's name and sealed with the king's signet ring no one can revoke." 9 So the king's scribes were called at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day; and it was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded, to the Jews, the satraps, the governors, and the princes of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, one hundred and twenty-seven provinces in all, to every province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language. 10 And he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, sealed it with the king's signet ring, and sent letters by couriers on horseback, riding on royal horses bred from swift steeds. 11 By these letters the king permitted the Jews who were in every city to gather together and protect their lives-to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province that would assault them, both little children and women, and to plunder their possessions, 12 on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 13 A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province and published for all people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. 14 The couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the king's command. And the decree was issued in Shushan the citadel. 15 So Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, with a great crown of gold and a garment of fine linen and purple; and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. 16 The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor. 17 And in every province and city, wherever the king's command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them.

In chapter 8 of Esther we learn how King Ahasuerus gives Queen Esther Haman's house and Mordecai is given the signet ring that was once worn by Haman, and is appointed over the house of Haman (vs. 1-2). Next, Esther asked the King to reverse the letters of destruction for the Jews and it is in effect done by another edict, empowering the Jews to stand up in their won defense against their enemies (vs. 3-14). The chapter concludes with Mordecai being honored and great joy comes to all the Jews and all their friends (vs. 15-17).

The verses that stand out to me today are Esther 8:3-6 "Now Esther spoke again to the king, fell down at his feet, and implored him with tears to counteract the evil of Haman the Agagite, and the scheme which he had devised against the Jews. 4 And the king held out the golden scepter toward Esther. So Esther arose and stood before the king, 5 and said, "If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight and the thing seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to annihilate the Jews who are in all the king's provinces. 6 For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my countrymen?" Haman was out of the way, but his destructive plot was still in motion. Once again Esther appeared before the king uninvited, careless of her own life, and tearfully pled for her people. The queen continued to receive the blessing of the monarch as he again extended the golden scepter to her. Courageously Esther implored the king to revoke Haman's hateful decree against all the Jews in the empire. The parallel statements in v. 6 reinforce Esther's heartbreaking and personal plea to her king. The queen, by speaking in the first person, demonstrated her deep attachment to her people. Verse 3 gives the gist of her plea, verses 5 and 6 the exact words. She asked that the first decree be revoked. But according to the law, no edict signed and sealed by a Persian king could be altered. However, after reminding Esther of what he had already done on her behalf, the king permitted her and Mordecai to write another decree counteracting the first one.

While we should not expect earthly rewards for being faithful to God, they often come. Esther and Mordecai were faithful, even to the point of risking their lives to save others. When they were willing to give up everything, God gave them a reward in proportion to their all-out commitment.

I pray that you would know the rewards of faithful living.

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) 

    But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

March 8, 2010

Esther 7:1-10

So the king and Haman went to dine with Queen Esther. 2 And on the second day, at the banquet of wine, the king again said to Esther, "What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!" 3 Then Queen Esther answered and said, "If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. 4 For we have been sold, my people and I, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. Had we been sold as male and female slaves, I would have held my tongue, although the enemy could never compensate for the king's loss." 5 So King Ahasuerus answered and said to Queen Esther, "Who is he, and where is he, who would dare presume in his heart to do such a thing?" 6 And Esther said, "The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!" So Haman was terrified before the king and queen. 7 Then the king arose in his wrath from the banquet of wine and went into the palace garden; but Haman stood before Queen Esther, pleading for his life, for he saw that evil was determined against him by the king. 8 When the king returned from the palace garden to the place of the banquet of wine, Haman had fallen across the couch where Esther was. Then the king said, "Will he also assault the queen while I am in the house?" As the word left the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. 9 Now Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, said to the king, "Look! The gallows, fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good on the king's behalf, is standing at the house of Haman." Then the king said, "Hang him on it!" 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's wrath subsided.

In chapter 7 of Esther we learn how the King and Haman come to Esther's second banquet. At this banquet Esther presents her petition to the king for her life and the life of her people (vs. 1-4). Next she tells the king that Haman is the man who designed her ruin and the ruin of all her friends (vs. 5-6).  After Esther accuses Haman the King gives orders for Haman to be hanged upon the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai (vs. 7-10).

The verse that stands out to me today is Esther 7:10 "So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's wrath subsided." Haman took Mordecai's place on the gallows. He reaped what he had sown. Then the king's wrath subsided. Haman's hatred and evil plotting turned against him when the king discovered his true intentions. He was hanged on the gallows he had built for someone else. Proverbs 26:27 teaches that a person who digs a pit for others will fall into it himself. What happened to Haman shows the often violent results of setting any kind of trap for others.

When injustice and sin occur, we should become angry because others are being hurt. The Bible doesn't tell us that we shouldn't feel angry, but it points out that it is important to handle our anger properly. If vented thoughtlessly, anger can hurt others and destroy relationships. If bottled up inside, it can cause us to become bitter and destroy us from within. If we nurse our anger, we will give Satan an opportunity to divide us. Are you angry with someone right now? What can you do to resolve your differences? Don't let the day end before you begin to work on mending your relationship.

I pray that your heart would be free from any destructive attitude or motive. Remember Haman.

James 1:19-20 (KJV) 

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Learning to live free,

Alan J. Schrader

March 6, 2010

Esther 6:1-14

That night the king could not sleep. So one was commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. 2 And it was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, the doorkeepers who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 3 Then the king said, "What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?" And the king's servants who attended him said, "Nothing has been done for him." 4 So the king said, "Who is in the court?" Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king's palace to suggest that the king hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. 5 The king's servants said to him, "Haman is there, standing in the court." And the king said, "Let him come in." 6 So Haman came in, and the king asked him, "What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?" Now Haman thought in his heart, "Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?" 7 And Haman answered the king, "For the man whom the king delights to honor, 8 let a royal robe be brought which the king has worn, and a horse on which the king has ridden, which has a royal crest placed on its head. 9 Then let this robe and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that he may array the man whom the king delights to honor. Then parade him on horseback through the city square, and proclaim before him: Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor! " 10 Then the king said to Haman, "Hurry, take the robe and the horse, as you have suggested, and do so for Mordecai the Jew who sits within the king's gate! Leave nothing undone of all that you have spoken." 11 So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai and led him on horseback through the city square, and proclaimed before him, "Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!" 12 Afterward Mordecai went back to the king's gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered. 13 When Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him, his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, "If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish descent, you will not prevail against him but will surely fall before him." 14 While they were still talking with him, the king's eunuchs came, and hastened to bring Haman to the banquet which Esther had prepared.

In chapter 6 of Esther we learn how the king was unable to sleep so he orders the chronicles of the kingdom to be read to him; and finds there the record concerning the discovery of the treason of the two eunuchs, made by Mordecai (vs. 1-2). Next the king inquires whether Mordecai had been rewarded, and then finds out nothing has been done for him (vs. 3). At this time Haman arrives, in order to request the king's permission to hang Mordecai; and being suddenly asked what should be done to the man whom the king delighted to honor, supposing that the king must be speaking about himself, Haman give his opinion on what type of ceremony should be present to the man the king delights in (vs. 4-9). The king orders him to give Mordecai those honors; which he performs, to his extreme humiliation (vs. 10-11). He informs his wife Zeresh of these transactions, who predicts his downfall (vs. 12-13). The chapter concludes with Haman being hurried by the eunuchs to the queen's banquet (vs. 14).

The verses that stand out to me today are Esther 6:1-3 "That night the king could not sleep. So one was commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. 2 And it was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, the doorkeepers who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 3 Then the king said, "What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?" And the king's servants who attended him said, "Nothing has been done for him."  These verses mark the turning point of the book. Within this chapter we observe a series of events that unmistakably point to God's sovereign hand controlling all events. Unable to sleep, the king decided to review the history of his reign, and his servants read to him about Mordecai's good deed. Mordecai had exposed a plot to assassinate Xerxes?and therefore he had saved the king's life (Esther 2:21-23). Although his good deed was recorded in the history books, Mordecai had gone unrewarded. But God was saving Mordecai's reward for the right time. For the unbeliever this may seem coincidental, but for the believer we understand that God is always at work. God has been working quietly and patiently throughout our lives as well. The events that have come together for good are not mere coincidence; they are the result of God's sovereign control over the course of our lives.  Romans 8:28 reminds us: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Although God promises to reward our good deeds, we sometimes feel our "payoff" is too far away. Be patient. God steps in when it will do the most good.

I pray that you would have God's perspective and mind-set on life. That you would trust in God, not life's treasures; that you would look for your security in heaven, and not on earth; that you would learn to accept, not resent, pain and persecution because you know God will never leave nor forsake you.

Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) 

    Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

March 5, 2010

Esther 5:1-14

Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, across from the king's house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house. 2 So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter. 3 And the king said to her, "What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you-up to half the kingdom!" 4 So Esther answered, "If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him." 5 Then the king said, "Bring Haman quickly, that he may do as Esther has said." So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared. 6 At the banquet of wine the king said to Esther, "What is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!" 7 Then Esther answered and said, "My petition and request is this: 8 If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, then let the king and Haman come to the banquet which I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said." 9 So Haman went out that day joyful and with a glad heart; but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, and that he did not stand or tremble before him, he was filled with indignation against Mordecai. 10 Nevertheless Haman restrained himself and went home, and he sent and called for his friends and his wife Zeresh. 11 Then Haman told them of his great riches, the multitude of his children, everything in which the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and servants of the king. 12 Moreover Haman said, "Besides, Queen Esther invited no one but me to come in with the king to the banquet that she prepared; and tomorrow I am again invited by her, along with the king. 13 Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate." 14 Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, "Let a gallows be made, fifty cubits high, and in the morning suggest to the king that Mordecai be hanged on it; then go merrily with the king to the banquet." And the thing pleased Haman; so he had the gallows made.

In chapter 5 of Esther we first read of Esther presenting herself before the king, and she favor in his sight when the king held out the golden scepter (vs. 1-2). Next we learn how the King asked what her request is, and promises to grant it (vs. 3) and Esther invites him and Haman to a banquet, which they accept (vs. 4-5). He then desires to know her request; and she promises to make it known on the next day, if they will again come to her banquet (vs. 6-8). The chapter concludes with Haman going home, and complaining to his friends, and his wife Zeresh about Mordecai (vs. 10-13).  They counsel him to make gallows of fifty cubits high, and to request the king that Mordecai may be hanged on it, which they take for granted the king will not refuse; and the gallows is made accordingly (vs. 5:14).

The verse that stands out to me today is Esther 5:9 "So Haman went out that day joyful and with a glad heart; but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, and that he did not stand or tremble before him, he was filled with indignation against Mordecai." Filled with pride, Haman left the banquet in good spirits. When he met Mordecai on the way out of the palace, he was filled with indignation but restrained himself from violence. The Hebrew word for indignation is chemah, (khay-maw'); from Hebrew 3179 (yacham); heat; figurative anger, poison (from its fever) :- anger, bottles, hot displeasure, furious (-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison, rage, wrath (-ful). It is clear to me that this type of indignation comes from a prideful lifestyle. When Haman gets come he calls on his friends and his wife Zeresh and he recites all the favorable things that had happened to him. The only cloud on his horizon was that stubborn Jew named Mordecai! His wife advised him to make a gallows seventy-five feet high, then get permission from the king to hang Mordecai ... on it. This pleased Haman; so he had the gallows made. The truth is hatred and bitterness is like weeds with long roots that grow in the heart and corrupt all of life. We see in this chapter that Haman was so consumed with hatred toward Mordecai that he could not even enjoy the honor of being invited to Esther's party. Hebrews 12:15 warns us to watch out "that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Don't let hatred and its resulting bitterness build in your heart. Like Haman, you will find it backfiring against you (see Esther 6:13; Esther 7:9-10). If the mere mention of someone's name provokes you to anger, confess your bitterness as sin. Ignoring bitterness, hiding it from others, or making superficial changes in behavior is not enough. If bitterness isn't completely removed, it will grow back, making matters worse.

I pray that you would act in love toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, just as God acted in love by sending his Son to die for your sins. Stay free from bitterness!

Ephesians 4:31 (KJV) 

    Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

March 4, 2010

Esther 4:1-17

When Mordecai learned all that had happened, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city. He cried out with a loud and bitter cry. 2 He went as far as the front of the king's gate, for no one might enter the king's gate clothed with sackcloth. 3 And in every province where the king's command and decree arrived, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. 4 So Esther's maids and eunuchs came and told her, and the queen was deeply distressed. Then she sent garments to clothe Mordecai and take his sackcloth away from him, but he would not accept them. 5 Then Esther called Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs whom he had appointed to attend her, and she gave him a command concerning Mordecai, to learn what and why this was. 6 So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square that was in front of the king's gate. 7 And Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king's treasuries to destroy the Jews. 8 He also gave him a copy of the written decree for their destruction, which was given at Shushan, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her, and that he might command her to go in to the king to make supplication to him and plead before him for her people. 9 So Hathach returned and told Esther the words of Mordecai. 10 Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave him a command for Mordecai: 11 "All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days." 12 So they told Mordecai Esther's words. 13 And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: "Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" 15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: 16 "Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!" 17 So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him.

In chapter 4 of Esther we learn how Mordecai hears of the decree to exterminate the Jews and begins, along with other Jews, to mourn, fast, weep, wail and clothe themselves in sackcloth and ashes (vs. 1-3).  Esther maids and servants come and tell her what Mordecai is doing and she sends him clothes (vs. 4). Esther, perceiving Mordecai is in distress at the palace gate, sends her servant Hatach to inquire the reason (vs. 5-6). Hatach returns with the information, and also the express desire of Mordecai that she should go instantly to the king, and make supplication in behalf of her people (vs. 7-9). Esther explains that she had not been called by the king for thirty days past; and that the law was such that any one approaching his presence, without express invitation, should be put to death, unless the king should, in peculiar mercy, stretch out to such persons the golden scepter (vs. 10-12). Mordecai returns an answer, insisting on her compliance; because it may be the reason she is there (vs. 13-14). The chapter concludes with Esther telling Mordecai to gather all the Jews of Shushan, and fast for her success three days, night and day, as she resolves to make the attempt, though at the risk of her life (vs. 15-17).

The verse that stands out to me today is Esther 4:14 "For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" It is interesting to note that God is not specifically mentioned in the book of Esther, but it is obvious from this verse that Mordecai expected God to deliver His people. This verse constitutes the classic reference to the providence of God in the book. While the book of Esther does not mention God directly, His presence fills the pages. Esther and Mordecai believed in God's care, and because they acted at the right time, God used them to save his people. Mordecai, by his confidence that relief and deliverance would come from another place, was strongly asserting his faith in God and His promised protection of the Jewish people. God controls all that happens in His world and would intervene with or without Esther. If she refused to help, she would perish, along with her father's house. Mordecai may be referring to divine judgment here. In the closing appeal, Mordecai suggested a providential reason for her becoming queen at this precise time in history; that is, Esther was acting as God's agent in delivering the Jewish people. The truth is Esther risked her life by coming before the king. Her courageous act gives us a model to follow in approaching a difficult or dangerous task. Like Esther, we can: #1 Call on God in prayer. She gathered support and fasted. #2 Count the cost. Esther realized her life was at stake. #3 Consider the priorities. She believed that the safety of the Jewish race was more important than her life. (3) Prepare. (4) Calculate a course of action and move ahead boldly. She didn't think too long about it, allowing the interlude to lessen her commitment to what she had to do. Do you have to face a hostile person, confront a friend on a delicate subject, or talk to your family about changes to be made? Rather than dreading difficult situations or putting them off, take action with confidence by following Esther's inspiring example.

I pray that you would be willing to put your life and testimony on the line for Jesus.

Luke 9:26 (KJV) 

    For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

Romans 1:16 (KJV) 

    For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Not Ashamed,

Alan J. Schrader

March 3, 2010

Esther 3:1-15

After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him and set his seat above all the princes who were with him. 2 And all the king's servants who were within the king's gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage. 3 Then the king's servants who were within the king's gate said to Mordecai, "Why do you transgress the king's command?" 4 Now it happened, when they spoke to him daily and he would not listen to them, that they told it to Haman, to see whether Mordecai's words would stand; for Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew. 5 When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath. 6 But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus-the people of Mordecai. 7 In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, the lot), before Haman to determine the day and the month, until it fell on the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 8 Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, "There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from all other people's, and they do not keep the king's laws. Therefore it is not fitting for the king to let them remain. 9 If it pleases the king, let a decree be written that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who do the work, to bring it into the king's treasuries." 10 So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. 11 And the king said to Haman, "The money and the people are given to you, to do with them as seems good to you." 12 Then the king's scribes were called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and a decree was written according to all that Haman commanded-to the king's satraps, to the governors who were over each province, to the officials of all people, to every province according to its script, and to every people in their language. In the name of King Ahasuerus it was written, and sealed with the king's signet ring. 13 And the letters were sent by couriers into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions. 14 A copy of the document was to be issued as law in every province, being published for all people, that they should be ready for that day. 15 The couriers went out, hastened by the king's command; and the decree was proclaimed in Shushan the citadel. So the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Shushan was perplexed.

In chapter 3 of Esther we learn of Haman the Agagite being promoted by King Ahasuerus, and then he commands all his officers to show him reverence, but Mordecai refuses (vs. 1-3). Haman, informed of Mordecai's refusal, plots his destruction, and that of the Jews, (vs. 4-6). Next lots are cast to find out the proper time to destroy them (vs. 7) and then Haman accuses the Jews to Ahasuerus, counsels him to destroy them, and offers ten thousand talents of silver for the damage which the revenue might sustain by their destruction (vs. 8-9). The king refuses the money, but gives Haman full authority to destroy the Jews (vs. 10-11). The chapter concludes with letters being written and sent to the king's lieutenants throughout the kingdom, and the thirteenth day of the month Adar is appointed for the massacre (vs. 12-15).

The verse that stands out to me today is Esther 3:2 "And all the king's servants who were within the king's gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage." Mordecai's determination came from his faith in God. He refused to kneel down before Haman. We know that Haman's hatred was directed not just at Mordecai, but at all the Jews. As second-in-command in the Persian empire (vs. 1), Haman loved his power and authority and the reverence shown him. The Jews, however, looked to God as their final authority, not to any man. Haman realized that the only way to fulfill his self-centered desires was to kill all those who disregarded his authority. His quest for personal power and his hatred of the Jewish race consumed him.

We know from reading the scriptures that the Jews did bow down to government authorities, at times, as a sign of respect (Genesis 23:7; 1 Samuel 24:8), but Haman's ancestors were ancient enemies of the Jews. Israel had been commanded by God to "blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven" (Deut. 25:17-19; see also Exodus 17:16). Mordecai was not about to kneel before wicked Haman and, by his act, acknowledging Haman as a god. Daniel's three friends had the same convictions (Daniel 3) - we must worship God alone. We should never let any person, institution, or government take God's place. If people demand loyalties or duties from you that do not honor God, don't give in. It may be time to take a stand. Doing what is right may not always be popular and you may have to be in the minority, but to obey God is more important than to obey people (Acts 5:29).

While we should try to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18), conflict with the world and its authorities is sometimes inevitable for a Believer (John 15:18). There will be situations where you cannot obey both God and man. Then you must obey God and trust his Word. Let Jesus' words in Luke 6:22 encourage you: "Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man."

Remember Kingdom people (Believers) seek different blessings and benefits, and they have different attitudes. Are your attitudes a carbon copy of the world's selfishness, pride, and lust for power, or do they reflect the humility and self-sacrifice of Jesus, your King?

I pray that you know the mind of Christ.

Philippians 2:2-11 (KJV) 

    Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. ³ Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. ⁴ Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. ⁵ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ⁷ But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: ⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. ⁹ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: ¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; ¹¹ And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

March 2, 2010

Esther 2:1-23

After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus subsided, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what had been decreed against her. 2 Then the king's servants who attended him said: "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king; 3 and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather all the beautiful young virgins to Shushan the citadel, into the women's quarters, under the custody of Hegai the king's eunuch, custodian of the women. And let beauty preparations be given them. 4 Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti." This thing pleased the king, and he did so. 5 In Shushan the citadel there was a certain Jew whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite. 6 Kish had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been captured with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 7 And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter. 8 So it was, when the king's command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the king's palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women. 9 Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the king's palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women. 10 Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it. 11 And every day Mordecai paced in front of the court of the women's quarters, to learn of Esther's welfare and what was happening to her. 12 Each young woman's turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months' preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women. 13 Thus prepared, each young woman went to the king, and she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the women's quarters to the king's palace. 14 In the evening she went, and in the morning she returned to the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch who kept the concubines. She would not go in to the king again unless the king delighted in her and called for her by name. 15 Now when the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her. 16 So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 17 The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 Then the king made a great feast, the Feast of Esther, for all his officials and servants; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces and gave gifts according to the generosity of a king. 19 When virgins were gathered together a second time, Mordecai sat within the king's gate. 20 Now Esther had not revealed her family and her people, just as Mordecai had charged her, for Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him. 21 In those days, while Mordecai sat within the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 22 So the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai's name. 23 And when an inquiry was made into the matter, it was confirmed, and both were hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.

In chapter 2 of Esther we learn how the Kings servants recommended that a selection of virgins should be chosen throughout the empire, and out of this selection the king should choose one to be queen in place of Vashti (vs. 1-4). Next we learn of the account of Mordecai who brought up his uncle's daughter Esther (vs. 5-7). She is chosen among the young women, and is placed under the care of Hegai, the king's chamberlain, to go through a year's purification, (vs. 8-11). Next we have learn how Esther pleases the king, and is set above all the women; and he makes her queen in the place of Vashti, and does her great honor (vs. 12-20). The chapter concludes with Mordecai, sitting at the king's gate, discovers a conspiracy formed against the king's life by two door keepers; he informs the king, the matter is investigated, they are found guilty and hanged, and the transaction is recorded (vs. 21-23).

The verse that stands out to me today is Esther 2:17 "The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti."  We learn in this chapter that instead of making lavish requests for outward adornments, Esther followed Hegai's advice. Perhaps he suggested that she depend on her natural beauty. In any event, the king loved Esther more than any of the others, chose her as his queen, and made a great feast in her honor. The king apparently was so delighted with Esther that he made her queen right away. The nouns grace and favor together mean "abundant favor." God placed Esther on the throne even before the Jews faced the possibility of complete destruction (3:5), so that when trouble came, a person would already be in the position to help. No human effort could prevent God's plan to send the Messiah to earth as a Jew. If you have lost your job, are changing jobs, position, or location and can't see God's purpose in your situation, understand that God is in control. He may be placing you in a position so you can help when the need arises. Remember, for the believer, a lifetime is training time for reigning time. Soon the Lord will present the church to Himself without spot or wrinkle. (Eph. 5:27).

I pray that you would be encouraged knowing that God has a plan and purpose for you.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) 

    For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Blessings,

Alan J. Schrader

March 1, 2010

Esther 1:1-22

Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus (this was the Ahasuerus who reigned over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, from India to Ethiopia), 2 in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the citadel, 3 that in the third year of his reign he made a feast for all his officials and servants-the powers of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the princes of the provinces being before him- 4 when he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the splendor of his excellent majesty for many days, one hundred and eighty days in all. 5 And when these days were completed, the king made a feast lasting seven days for all the people who were present in Shushan the citadel, from great to small, in the court of the garden of the king's palace. 6 There were white and blue linen curtains fastened with cords of fine linen and purple on silver rods and marble pillars; and the couches were of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of alabaster, turquoise, and white and black marble. 7 And they served drinks in golden vessels, each vessel being different from the other, with royal wine in abundance, according to the generosity of the king. 8 In accordance with the law, the drinking was not compulsory; for so the king had ordered all the officers of his household, that they should do according to each man's pleasure. 9 Queen Vashti also made a feast for the women in the royal palace which belonged to King Ahasuerus. 10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, 11 to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful to behold. 12 But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command brought by his eunuchs; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him. 13 Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times (for this was the king's manner toward all who knew law and justice, 14 those closest to him being Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who had access to the king's presence, and who ranked highest in the kingdom): 15 "What shall we do to Queen Vashti, according to law, because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus brought to her by the eunuchs?" 16 And Memucan answered before the king and the princes: "Queen Vashti has not only wronged the king, but also all the princes, and all the people who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. 17 For the queen's behavior will become known to all women, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when they report, King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in before him, but she did not come. 18 This very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media will say to all the king's officials that they have heard of the behavior of the queen. Thus there will be excessive contempt and wrath. 19 If it pleases the king, let a royal decree go out from him, and let it be recorded in the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it will not be altered, that Vashti shall come no more before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she. 20 When the king's decree which he will make is proclaimed throughout all his empire (for it is great), all wives will honor their husbands, both great and small." 21 And the reply pleased the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan. 22 Then he sent letters to all the king's provinces, to each province in its own script, and to every people in their own language, that each man should be master in his own house, and speak in the language of his own people.

In chapter 1 of Esther we learn how King Ahasuerus makes a royal feast for his nobles and people (vs. 1-9). Next Vashti, the Queen, is sent for by the king to display her beauty to all the guest of the part, but she refuses to come to (vs. 10-12). The chapter concludes with Vashti being disgraced; and a law being made for the example of all women (vs. 13-22).

The verse that stands out to me today is Esther 1:15 "What shall we do to Queen Vashti, according to law, because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus brought to her by the eunuchs?" When the king consulted his wise men, they told him that Vashti's behavior would prove a bad example to the women throughout the realm. Memucan therefore suggested that Vashti be deposed by a royal decree and that the decree be circulated in every part of the empire. We learn from the Middle Eastern culture that kings often did not have close personal relationships with their wives. King Ahasuerus demonstrates this because #1 he had a harem (Esther 2:3); #2 he showed no respect for Vashti's personhood (Esther 1:10-12); and #3 Esther, when she became queen, did not see him for long periods of time (Esther 4:11). Isn't it interesting to see how King Ahasuerus had rule over 127 provinces, and yet had no rule over his own spirit? But whether the passion or the policy of the king was served by this decree, God's providence made way for Esther to be Queen, and defeated Haman's wicked project.

I pray that you would rejoice knowing that the Lord reigns, and will overrule the madness or folly of mankind to promote His own glory, and the safety and happiness of His people.

Love in Christ,

Alan J. Schrader

February 28, 2010

Title:   "THE EXAMPLE OF BEAUTY, VIRTUE AND FAVOR"

Text:   Esther 1:1-10:3

INTRODUCTION

1. A much loved story in the Bible is that of Esther (Hadassa)...

   a. A Jewish girl who becomes Queen of Persia

   b. Who at great risk to her life intercedes for and saves her people

2. I like to think of her as an example of beauty, virtue and favor, long noted for...

   a. Being lovely and beautiful

   b. Her faith and courage

   c. Receiving favor from God and man

Esther certainly serves as a role model for young women today.   To see how, let's first review...

I. THE STORY OF ESTHER

   A. THE REMOVAL OF VASHTI...

      1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes, 486 to 465 BC) of Persia has a six month celebration, followed by a seven day feast, also one hosted by his wife, Queen Vashti, for the women - Es 1:1-9

      2. Ahasuerus decides to show off his wife, but she refuses to cooperate - Es 1:10-12

      3. In anger, Ahasuerus has Vashti banished, as a warning to all wives - Es 1:13-22

   B. THE ELEVATION OF ESTHER...

      1. A search to replace Vashti was begun - Es 2:1-4

      2. In Shusan there was Mordecai, a Jew raising his lovely and beautiful cousin Hadassah (Esther) - Es 2:5-7

      3. Together with other beautiful virgins, she underwent 12 months of preparation, and ultimately was selected to replace Vashti - Es 2:8-19

      4. But she did not reveal that she was a Jew - Es 2:20

      5. Meanwhile, Mordecai exposed a plot against Ahasuerus - Es 2:21-23

   C. THE ANNIHILATION OF THE JEWS PLANNED...

      1. Haman the Agagite, is promoted, but Mordecai as a Jew refuses to bow before him, which infuriates Haman

- Es 3:1-5

      2. Haman receives permission from Ahasuerus to kill the Jews, the 13th of Adar - Es 3:6-15

      3. Mordecai mourns in sackcloth and ashes at the king's gate - Es 4:1-3

      4. Esther hears of her cousin, and learns of Haman's plan to kill the Jews - Es 4:4-9

      5. Mordecai convinces Esther to approach the king, at great risk to her own life - Es 4:10-17

   D. THE EXTERMINATION OF THE JEWS FRUSTRATED.

      1. Esther is granted an audience, invites the king and Haman to a banquet - Es 5:1-5

      2. She invites them to another banquet the following night, to make her petition - Es 5:6-8

      3. As Haman leaves he is angered when Mordecai refuses to bow to him; his wife and friends persuade him to build a gallows for Mordecai - Es 5:9-14

      4. That night the king can't sleep; reading through the archives he learns how Mordecai thwarted the plot against him, yet nothing had been done to honor him - Es 6:1-3

      5. The king asks Haman what should be done to honor a good man; Haman assumes he king intends to honor him and answers accordingly - Es 6:4-9

      6. The king has Haman bestow honor on Mordecai, Haman returns home ashamed - Es 6:10-14

      7. The next day, the king and Haman dine again with Esther; she tells of the plot to kill the Jews (her own people) and accuses Haman - Es 7:1-6

      8. In anger the king leaves, soon returning to find Haman assaulting Esther - Es 7:7-8

      9. Informed of the gallows Haman built for Mordecai, the king hangs Haman on it -    Es 7:9-10

     10. Esther given Haman's house, Mordecai promoted, plan to save the Jews is made -   Es 8:1-17

     11. The Jews are spared, their enemies destroyed, Esther and Mordecai institute the feast of Purim to commemorate the Jews' deliverance - Es 9:1-32

   E. THE EXALTATION OF MORDECAI...

      1. Mordecai the Jews becomes second to King Ahasuerus of Persia - Es 10:1-3

      2. Mordecai becomes great and well received among the Jews, seeking their good and speaking peace to them - Es 10:3

CONCLUSION

1. Esther proved she was more than just a pretty face...

   a. A model adult daughter:  free to act as she chose, but carefully weighed Mordecai's    advice.

   b. A model person of faith:  devoted to God and His people

2. Esther proved herself to be a true daughter of Sarah...

   a. Beautiful on the outside perhaps, as was Sarah - cf. Gen 12:10-20

   b. But more so on the inside, as all women of God should be - cf. 1Pe 3:3-6

3. God was in control, yet Mordecai and Esther had to act. We cannot understand how both can be true at the same time, and yet they are. God chooses to work through those willing to act for Him. We should pray as if all depended on God and act as if all depended on us. We should avoid two extremes: doing nothing, and feeling that we must do everything.

Some things worth noting:

5:9-13 Hatred and bitterness are like weeds with long roots that grow in the heart and corrupt all of life. Haman was so consumed with hatred toward Mordecai that he could not even enjoy the honor of being invited to Esther's party. Hebrews 12:15 warns us to watch out "that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Don't let hatred and its resulting bitterness build in your heart. Like Haman, you will find it backfiring against you (see Esther 6:13; Esther 7:9-10). If the mere mention of someone's name provokes you to anger, confess your bitterness as sin. Ignoring bitterness, hiding it from others, or making superficial changes in behavior is not enough. If bitterness isn't completely removed, it will grow back, making matters worse.

5:14 Haman's family and friends, who were as arrogant and prideful as he, suggested that the gallows be 75 feet high, probably built on the city wall or some prominent building. They wanted to make sure that all the people of the city saw Mordecai's death and would be reminded of the consequences of disobeying Haman. Ironically, these high gallows allowed everyone to see Haman's death.

6:1-2 Unable to sleep, the king decided to review the history of his reign, and his servants read to him about Mordecai's good deed. This seems coincidental, but God is always at work. God has been working quietly and patiently throughout your life as well. The events that have come together for good are not mere coincidence; they are the result of God's sovereign control over the course of people's lives (Romans 8:28).

6:7-9 Haman had wealth, but he craved something even his money couldn't buy?respect. He could buy the trappings of success and power, but his lust for popularity had become an obsession. Don't let your desire for approval, applause, and popularity drive you to immoral actions.