Podcast appearances and mentions of king ahasuerus

We delve into the courageous story of Esther, a Jewish queen in ancient Persia. As her people face imminent annihilation, Esther risks everything to save them. We explore themes of faith, courage, and divine providence as Esther approaches King Ahasuerus unsummoned, a act punishable by death. Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

King Ahasuerus honored Mordecai for his discovery of the plot against the king's life. Haman was the one to honor Mordecai. 

King Ahasuerus welcomed Queen Esther into his court. God ordained that this interaction would be operate in that way. 

"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. Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti." Esther 2:16-17  In the tenth month, where time and destiny converge, your story is poised for a beautiful transformation. As the skies open and a gentle rain of divine favor pours down, envision it as a radiant crown resting upon your head, symbolizing God's grace embracing your journey. Like Esther, who was crowned in this very month, let your heart anticipate the blessings that await, for the universe vibrates with possibility! As the leaves turn golden, they remind us of the richness that is found in seasons of waiting and receiving. This tenth month invites you to seek favor in unexpected places — much like Esther, who, while an orphan, found herself in a palace adorned with jewels and honor. This month, be open to the surprising avenues where God is leading you. Remember, "Favor finds me in month ten," resonates not just as a slogan, but as a divine promise waiting to unfold. Psalm 84:11 says, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly." Imagine each day as a stepping stone leading you closer to your royal moment. As you walk this path, let the words of Psalm 5:12 fill your spirit: “Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” Therefore, embrace the magnificent possibilities that lie ahead, ready to adorn you with blessings. Courage and faith opened doors of favor for Esther that her circumstances could never have hinted at. The same is true for you!  God's favor is coming for you, bringing blessings beyond your expectations. As you step into this season of change, be prepared for opportunities to unfold in ways you never imagined. Embrace each moment with faith and gratitude, trusting God for something greater. Your diligence and perseverance have not gone unnoticed; they are paving the way for abundance and joy to enter your life. Remain hopeful, knowing that divine grace is working in your favor every day. amen. Psalm 102:13 says, "You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come." Prayer for the Day! "Heavenly Father, thank You for the divine favor that showers upon us this tenth month. Help us to recognize the crowns of blessing You place in our lives, guiding us to walk boldly with our heads held high. May we embrace opportunities with hope and faith, trusting that Your grace is always sufficient. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A good film rewards repeated viewings with deeper insight, appreciation, and meaning. We begin to appreciate minor details in the lighting, production design, and movement of the actors. Every subtle piece of dialogue or placement of the camera enriches our experience of the narrative and internalizes the major themes in a powerful way. The book of Esther, at first glance, tells a simple story about a queen who ascends to the heights of power in order to save her people. A closer examination however, reveals a multi-layered narrative of remarkable depth that subverts expectations and traces out the surprising way in which God works through fallen people in a broken world. The drama of Esther serves not only to get us into the story, but more importantly, to get the story into us. Esther 1-2 sets the stage by introducing the three main characters King Ahasuerus, Esther, and Mordecai whose lives intertwine to bring about the dramatic deliverance of God's people. This is Understanding Esther. Check out the rest of our Understanding Series: https://www.fouroaksmidtown.com/teachings

Confusion set in the minds of Susa's residents when the evil genocidal plans of Haman and King Ahasuerus were made known. People didn't know how to process the news that the entire Jewish population would be annihilated. Neither do we. 

Fr. Mike offers a brief recap of today's chapter from Nehemiah, identifying the difference between those who were able to live in Jerusalem and those who were not. He explains the ancestral gifts that each tribe of Israel received and applies this concept to the vices and virtues of our families, as well as our freedom to adopt or reject them. Today we read from Nehemiah 11, Esther 8, 16, and Proverbs 21:17-20. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In this powerful message from our Seen & Heard series, Pastor Jeff unpacks the story of Esther — a woman divinely positioned to change history. Through the lives of Esther, King Ahasuerus, Mordecai, and Haman, we discover how God strategically places His people for purpose and influence. This sermon, You Are Called for a Time Like This, explores four key truths: God positions you with purpose (Esther 2:17). Alignment with your assignment brings courage — danger is real, but fear is optional (Esther 4:13–14). Where God positions you, His favor follows (Esther 5:1–5). God's favor is your reward when you walk in obedience (Esther 8:1–2). You're not where you are by accident — you're right where God needs you, for such a time as this. Tune in and be reminded that divine timing and purpose always intersect for those who walk in faith.

Fr. Mike walks us through the signing of the covenant in Nehemiah 10 and relates Israel's collective decision to belong to God to our personal encounters with God that inspire us to follow him simply because he has called us. He also offers insight on how God used the physical weakness of Esther to move the king's heart to gentleness. Today's readings are Nehemiah 10, Esther 15, 6-7, and Proverbs 21:13-16. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As Fr. Mike reads from Nehemiah today, we hear about how the hearts of the people of Israel were moved as Ezra reads the book of the law of Moses to them. In our reading of Esther, we have the beginning of the crisis that will unfold throughout the book as Haman, backed by the king, seeks to destroy the Jews. Today's readings are Nehemiah 8, Esther 3 and 13, and Proverbs 21:5-8. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike continues reading from the book of Nehemiah as we read of the many attempts to prevent Nehemiah from doing the great work of God. We also see the events that lead to Esther being chosen as queen and the goodness she will bring even in the midst of a broken system. Today's readings are Nehemiah 6-7, Esther 1-2, and Proverbs 21:1-4. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

King Ahasuerus had it all -- money, fame, power, wealth. No one was going to stop him. We live in a day like his and have the same call as the Jews in his day -- live faithfully with our God. 

Things are beginning to heat up there in ancient Persia in the court of King Ahasuerus... and not in a good way! We are introduced for the first time to Mordecai and Esther in these verses; let's see what we can learn from the details given to us in the text. - Pastor Kevin

In this sermon from Esther 1, Pastor contrasts the "counsel of the world"—worldly experts like astrologers and politicians—with the "counsel of God." He urges basing life on God's Word for true wisdom, gained not just from reading but doing it (Psalm 111:10). Surround yourself with a godly inner circle of character, not mere position. Finally, counsel should root in love and mercy, not harsh law (Micah 6:8), restoring rather than punishing. Includes prophecy for India as a superpower and practical advice on marriage, career, and decisions. Hallelujah—seek God's higher road!All these questions were answered just as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Benny Hinn, Chris Oyaklihome, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Patta, Ezekiah Francis, Johnson Varghese, Paul Thangiah, Mohan C Lazarus, TD Jakes and others01.)What is the difference between the counsel of the world and the counsel of God?02.)How can one gain wisdom according to the sermon?03.)Why is King Ahasuerus's approach criticized?04.)What role does an inner circle play in decision-making?05.)What is the prophecy for India mentioned in the sermon?06.)How should Christians approach life's decisions?07.)What practical advice is given about marriage?08.)Why is doing God's Word emphasized over just hearing it?09.)How should leaders handle difficult decisions?10.)How should counsel be framed according to the sermon?

What happens when pride takes over? Watch a powerful biblical account unfold as Haman walks straight into his own trap in this verse-by-verse exposition of Esther chapter 6. In this eye-opening Bible study, we dive deep into one of Scripture's most dramatic reversals, where a man's pride becomes the architect of his own downfall. Through careful expository preaching, we uncover how Haman's midnight plotting against Mordecai turns into his greatest humiliation, teaching us profound lessons about pride, humility, and God's perfect providence.

24 August 2025 | This week Pastor Evan continues our Exiles sermon series in Esther 8:1-17 where he preaches on the king changing his edict regarding the Jews, as how we are justified in God's eyes through Jesus' death on the Cross. Esther Saves the Jews 8 On that day King Ahasuerus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, hthe enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told pwhat he was to her. 2 qAnd the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. 3 Then Esther spoke again to the king. She fell at his feet and wept and pleaded with him to avert the evil plan of Haman rthe Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. 4 sWhen the king held out the golden scepter to Esther, Esther rose and stood before the king. 5 And she said, “If it please the king, tand if I have found favor in his sight, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let an order be written to revoke uthe letters devised by Haman rthe Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king. 6 For how can I bear vto see the calamity that is coming to my people? Or how can I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?” 7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, wI have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows,1 because he intended to lay hands on the Jews. 8 But you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, xand seal it with the king's ring, for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king's ring ycannot be revoked.” 9 zThe king's scribes were summoned at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day. And an edict was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded concerning the Jews, to athe satraps and the governors and the officials of the provinces bfrom India to Ethiopia, b127 provinces, cto each province in its own script and to each people in its own language, and also to the Jews in their script and their language. 10 dAnd he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus eand sealed it with the king's signet ring. Then he sent the letters by mounted couriers riding on fswift horses that were used in the king's service, bred from the royal stud, 11 saying that the king allowed the Jews who were in every city gto gather and defend their lives, hto destroy, to kill, and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them, children and women included, iand to plunder their goods, 12 jon one day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 13 kA copy of what was written was to be issued as a decree in every province, being publicly displayed to all peoples, and the Jews were to be ready on that day to take vengeance on their enemies. 14 So the couriers, mounted on their fswift horses that were used in the king's service, rode out hurriedly, urged by the king's command. And the decree was issued in Susa the citadel. 15 Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king lin royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown2 and ma robe of fine linen and purple, nand the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. 16 The Jews had olight and gladness and joy and honor. 17 And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and pa holiday. qAnd many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, rfor fear of the Jews had fallen on them.

God Works the Graveyard Shift ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | August 17, 2025 Esther Series, Part 6: Esther 6 ---------- EPISODE SUMMARY Ever worked the night shift and wondered if anyone notices the important work being done in the dark? Through Esther chapter 6, Michael Shockley reveals how God operates during life's darkest, most confusing seasons when it seems nothing is happening. Using colorful analogies from his own graveyard shift experience at a glass factory (complete with zombies, werewolves, and vampires!), discover how one sleepless night changed everything for God's people. When King Ahasuerus can't sleep and decides to read the royal chronicles, a forgotten act of loyalty by Mordecai surfaces at the exact moment Haman arrives to request his execution. Watch as God orchestrates the enemy's humiliation through his own pride, turning what should have been Mordecai's death sentence into a royal parade of honor. Core Message: God works the graveyard shift. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED The Night Shift Analogy - Working the graveyard shift at the glass factory: zombies, werewolves, and vampires - How night shift work makes a difference in the day - Creating "portals of light" that others will enjoy in daylight - The unseen but crucial work done while others sleep - How God operates similarly during our dark seasons Mordecai's Forgotten Loyalty - His position "sitting in the king's gate" as a government worker - Overhearing the assassination plot against King Ahasuerus - Reporting the conspiracy through Esther to save the king's life - The overlooked reward that seemed like neglect but was divine timing - How good deeds are never truly forgotten by God The King's Sleepless Night - Divine insomnia sent upon the most powerful ruler on earth - "He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:4) - Calling for the royal chronicles to be read as a sleep aid - The "coincidental" discovery of Mordecai's unrewarded loyalty - How God disrupts even basic human functions for His purposes Haman's Perfect Trap - Arriving at court to request Mordecai's execution - The king's question: "What should be done for someone I want to honor?" - Haman's prideful assumption that he was the one to be honored - Designing his own humiliation through royal robes, horse, and parade - The enemy writing the script for his own downfall The Great Reversal - Haman forced to honor the man he planned to kill - Leading Mordecai's parade through the city in royal regalia - The crowd's response and Haman's humiliation - His family's ominous warning about opposing the Jews' God - The first visible sign of God's intervention in the story God's Invisible Providence - How supposed "coincidences" align for divine purposes - The timing of sleeplessness, book reading, and Haman's arrival - Delay revealed as divine design rather than oversight - Pride setting its own snare for the prideful - The same God working in our dark seasons today ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "God works the graveyard shift." "The work done on the night shift makes a difference in the day." "Just because you can't see the gears turning doesn't mean the engine isn't running." "Your sleepless season might be God's setup for breakthrough." "What looks like delay or outright neglect was intentional timing." "All the world may be against you, but if God is for you, the enemy is outnumbered!" "God had the enemy write the script for his own humiliation." "Coincidence becomes providence." "God can cash old checks at just the right moment." ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 6:1-5 - Key Verse: "That night the king could not sleep..." (Esther 6:1) - Supporting Verse: "Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:4) - Theme: God's providence working through seeming coincidences - Historical Context: Mordecai's forgotten reward for saving the king's life - Parallel Examples: Israel's midnight deliverance from Egypt, Paul and Silas freed at midnight, Jesus's resurrection during the night shift ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You're in a Dark Season: - Trust that God is working even when you can't see or hear Him - Remember that silence doesn't mean absence - He's assembling the pieces - Know that your sleepless nights might be God's setup for breakthrough - Keep doing good even when it seems nobody notices or cares If You Feel Forgotten or Unrewarded: - Understand that delay might actually be divine design - Trust that God can "cash old checks" at exactly the right moment - Remember that overlooked good deeds aren't forgotten by God - Know that the timing of recognition may be more important than immediate reward If You're Facing Prideful Opposition: - Trust that pride sets its own snare for the prideful - Watch for God to use the enemy's schemes against them - Remember that "all the world may be against you, but if God is for you, the enemy is outnumbered" - Know that God can have enemies write the script for their own humiliation If You're Working Behind the Scenes: - Remember that night shift work makes a difference in the day - Trust that the "portals of light" you create will bless others later - Know that unseen work is still valuable and noticed by God - Keep laboring faithfully even when your efforts seem invisible If You're Struggling with God's Timing: - Reframe silence as God working rather than God sleeping - Redeem waiting by trusting the unseen hand of providence - Find hope in darkness knowing that morning will come - Trust that coincidences might actually be divine appointments ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION Maybe you're in a season of midnight - a time of darkness, confusion, or worry where it seems like God has gone to sleep on your situation. Maybe good things you've done have gone unnoticed and unrewarded. Maybe you're working faithfully behind the scenes while others get the credit. This much is true: God works the graveyard shift. The same God who kept King Ahasuerus awake to orchestrate Mordecai's rescue is awake and working in your life right now. He who keeps your soul will neither slumber nor sleep. The sun will eventually rise, and you will see what the Lord has built in the night. Just as Jesus did His most important work during the night shift - conquering death itself while the world slept - He is conquering your challenges in the darkness. Trust Him in the dark seasons. Keep doing what is right even when nobody seems to notice. God works the graveyard shift, and morning is coming. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes ---------- What are you facing in your own "graveyard shift" season? Sleepless nights, forgotten good deeds, or dark confusion? Trust that the same God who turned Haman's gallows into Mordecai's parade is working the night shift in your story too. Will you trust Him in the dark?

17 August 2025 | This week Pastor Evan Curry returns to continue our Exiles sermon series in Esther 6:1-13, preaching on how God uses both ordinary and extraordinary means to advance his kingdom. The King Honors Mordecai 6 On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring othe book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. 2 And it was found written how pMordecai had told about qBigthana1 and rTeresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 3 And the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” The king's young men who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.” 4 And the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered sthe outer court of the king's palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on tthe gallows2 that he had prepared for him. 5 And the king's young men told him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” And the king said, “Let him come in.” 6 So Haman came in, and the king said to him, “What should be done to the man uwhom the king delights to honor?” And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” 7 And Haman said to the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, 8 let royal robes be brought, which the king has worn, vand the horse that the king has ridden, and on whose head wa royal crown3 is set. 9 And let the robes and the horse be handed over to one of the king's most noble officials. Let them dress the man whom the king delights to honor, and let them lead him on the horse through the square of the city, xproclaiming 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 robes and the horse, as you have said, and do so to Mordecai the Jew, who sits yat the king's gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned.” 11 So Haman took the robes and the horse, and he dressed Mordecai and led him through the square of the city, proclaiming before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.” 12 Then Mordecai returned to the king's gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning zand with his head covered. 13 And Haman told ahis wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. Then his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.”

King Ahasuerus, Vashti and Esther, final episode.

2025 August 3 | This week, Pastor Evan returns from sabbatical to continue our Exilses sermon series and preach from Esther 2:8-18, on how we can trust in God's plan for us when nothing in our lives makes sense. 8 So when the king's order and his edict were proclaimed, and awhen many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of bHegai, Esther also was taken into the king's palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women. 9 And the young woman pleased him and won his favor. And he quickly provided her cwith her cosmetics and her portion of food, and with seven chosen young women from the king's palace, and advanced her and her young women to the best place in the harem. 10 dEsther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known. 11 And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her. 12 Now when the turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus, after being twelve months under the regulations for the women, since this was the regular period of their beautifying, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and ointments for women— 13 when the young woman went in to the king in this way, she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the harem to the king's palace. 14 In the evening she would go in, and in the morning she would return to the second harem in custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who was in charge of the concubines. She would not go in to the king again, unless the king delighted in her and she was summoned by name. 15 When the turn came for Esther ethe daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what fHegai the king's eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. 16 And when 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 women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set gthe royal crown2 on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 Then the king hgave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther's feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity.

The Feast of Purim is established to remember God's deliverance. The story ends with joy and peace for God's people. Christians also are a remembering people — not in ritual for its own sake, but to proclaim the Gospel of God's faithfulness. We gather to remember, rejoice, and receive grace in Word and Sacrament. Esther 9:20–28 (ESV)20 And Mordecai recorded these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, 21 obliging them to keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same, year by year, 22 as the days on which the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor.23 So the Jews accepted what they had started to do, and what Mordecai had written to them. 24 For Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur (that is, cast lots), to crush and to destroy them. 25 But when it came before the king, he gave orders in writing that his evil plan that he had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. 26 Therefore they called these days Purim, after the term Pur. Therefore, because of all that was written in this letter, and of what they had faced in this matter, and of what had happened to them, 27 the Jews firmly obligated themselves and their offspring and all who joined them, that without fail they would keep these two days according to what was written and at the time appointed every year, 28 that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, in every clan, province, and city, and that these days of Purim should never fall into disuse among the Jews, nor should the commemoration of these days cease among their descendants.Luke 24:28–35 (ESV)28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

The Jews are saved, Haman is defeated, and the people rejoice. Mordecai is elevated, and Esther's people are delivered.God delivers His people by grace, through hidden means. This foreshadows the greater deliverance in Christ. Esther 8:3–8, 15–17 (ESV)On that day King Ahasuerus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told what he was to her. And the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.Then Esther spoke again to the king. She fell at his feet and wept and pleaded with him to avert the evil plan of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. When the king held out the golden scepter to Esther, Esther rose and stood before the king. And she said, “If it please the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king. For how can I bear to see the calamity that is coming to my people? Or how can I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?” Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows, because he intended to lay hands on the Jews. But you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king's ring, for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king's ring cannot be revoked.”Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a robe of fine linen and purple, and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them.Luke 1:67–79 (ESV)And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,    for he has visited and redeemed his peopleand has raised up a horn of salvation for us    in the house of his servant David,as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,that we should be saved from our enemies    and from the hand of all who hate us;to show the mercy promised to our fathers    and to remember his holy covenant,the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us    that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,might serve him without fear,    in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;    for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,to give knowledge of salvation to his people    in the forgiveness of their sins,because of the tender mercy of our God,    whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on highto give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,    to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

God is never named in the book of Esther — and yet He is all over it. Esther becomes queen through a series of unlikely events. God's hidden work through the ordinary, even in secular settings. God's grace is not always spectacular but always present — especially in weakness and mystery. Esther 2:5–11, 15–18 (ESV)Now there was a Jew in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite, who had been carried away from Jerusalem among the captives carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away. He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter. So when the king's order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king's palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women. And the young woman pleased him and won his favor. And he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her portion of food, and with seven chosen young women from the king's palace, and advanced her and her young women to the best place in the harem. Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known. And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her.When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king's eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. And when 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, the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther's feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity.John 6:25–34 (ESV)When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'” Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”

In Esther chapter 1, King Ahasuerus hosts a lavish banquet, leading to Queen Vashti's refusal to display herself before drunken guests, highlighting her modesty. This refusal results in her being set aside, contrasting with Salome's eager dance display at Herod's feast. The narratives emphasize the consequences of alcohol and the importance of modesty.Link mentioned:Little Known Bible Characters: Salome

In this message, we are going to see how God can still use our bad decisions for His purposes. We are going to see King Ahasuerus and his “wise men” come up with a plan (not a very good one) to find the new queen of Persia. Esther was one of the many women who were taken from their homes. From the moment she entered the palace, Esther found favour with everyone. God had prepared the way for her.

In this message, we are going to see how God can still use our bad decisions for His purposes. We are going to see King Ahasuerus and his “wise men” come up with a plan (not a very good one) to find the new queen of Persia. Esther was one of the many women who were taken from their homes. From the moment she entered the palace, Esther found favour with everyone. God had prepared the way for her.

The Prophetic Significance of Purim in 2025: A Call to Courage and Awakening • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give As we approach Purim in 2025, we must recognize that this is not just an ancient Jewish holiday—it is a prophetic message for this very hour. The story of Esther, Mordecai, and Haman is more than history; it is a blueprint for the spiritual battle we face today. The enemy has set traps, decrees, and wicked schemes against God's people, but Purim reminds us that divine reversals, supernatural intervention, and bold faith will lead us to victory. God is calling His remnant to rise up like Esther and Mordecai, to recognize the times, and to stand against the Haman spirit that seeks to destroy faith, truth, and righteousness in our day. Purim is a call to courage, fasting, discernment, and action. Let's dive into the Word and uncover why this moment in 2025 is critical for believers to understand and walk in the spirit of Purim. 1. Recognizing the Times: The Battle of Light and Darkness Esther 3:8-9 (NKJV) “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. If it pleases the king, let a decree be written that they be destroyed…'” 2. The Call to Boldness: You Were Born for Such a Time as This Esther 4:14 (NKJV) “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?” 3. Fasting and Prayer Release Breakthrough Esther 4:16 (NKJV) “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!” 4. Divine Reversals: What the Enemy Meant for Evil, God Turns for Good Esther 9:1 (NKJV) “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.” 5. The Scepter of Favor: Authority in the Courts of Heaven Esther 5:2 (NKJV) “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.” 6. The Haman Spirit Will Hang on Its Own Gallows Esther 7:10 (NKJV) “So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's wrath subsided.” 7. The Call to Celebrate and Remember Esther 9:28 (NKJV) “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.” 8. No Weapon Formed Against Us Will Prosper Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV) “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.” 9. Be Strong and Courageous Joshua 1:9 (NKJV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 10. The Lord Will Fight for You Exodus 14:14 (NKJV) “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” This Is Our Purim Moment Purim in 2025 is a prophetic call to: • Wake up and recognize the times. • Fast, pray, and seek divine strategy. • Stand in courage and take action. • Believe in the power of divine reversals. • Walk in authority and favor.

The Scroll of Esther is a dramatic narrative set in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus in approximately 500 years BCE. It recounts how Esther, a Jewish woman, with the help of her cousin Mordecai, saves the Jewish people from an antisemitic plan to annihilate them. The sad news is that the spirit of Haman has risen again but this time in the terrorist organization, Hamas. Join us as we look the Haman-Hamas connection and Satan's ancient agenda to genocide the chosen people of God.

The Setting: After the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, the Jewish people are subjects under King Ahasuerus of Persia. The story begins with the king throwing a grand party, during which Queen Vashti is banished for her refusal to display her beauty to the guests.Esther's Rise to Queen: Seeking a new queen, Ahasuerus holds a beauty contest. Esther, a Jewish girl raised by her cousin Mordechai, is chosen despite her reluctance and without revealing her Jewish identity.Mordechai's Discovery: Mordechai uncovers a plot to assassinate the king and reports it, saving Ahasuerus's life.Haman's Plot: Haman, the prime minister and a Jew-hater, becomes infuriated with Mordechai's refusal to bow to him. He convinces the king to issue a decree to annihilate all Jews on the 13th of Adar.Esther's Courage: Upon learning of Haman's decree, Mordechai convinces Esther to intervene. Esther bravely approaches the king, revealing her Jewish identity and exposing Haman's plot.The Turn of Events: The king orders Haman's execution on the gallows originally intended for Mordechai. Esther and Mordechai then write a new decree allowing Jews to defend themselves.Victory and Celebration: The Jews defeat their enemies across the empire, and the day of their victory, the 14th of Adar, is established as the joyous holiday of Purim, celebrating the miraculous turn of events that saved them.Eye-Opening Moments PodcastEye-Opening Moments are stories of adversity, encounters, and perspectives. They are...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath's work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

Growing In God Podcast Web Description: In the story of Esther, the king was not personally involved in delivering the Jews from the destruction imposed by Haman. However, his signet ring in the hand of Mordecai gave Mordecai all the king's authority and power to deliver the Jews as if he were the king himself. Likewise through the name of Yeshua (Jesus), we have been given the signet ring of God Himself. Let us accept who we are as His instruments and use His authority and power to bring Christ's deliverance to the earth.   Show Notes: In the story of Esther, King Ahasuerus gave his signet ring to Mordecai. Esther and Mordecai then used that ring to seal a decree against those who were attacking the Jews. Having the king's signet ring in those days meant having the power of the king himself. A decree sealed by the signet ring had to be obeyed and could never be revoked. As Christians we also believe in using the King's signet ring, the name of Yeshua (Jesus), to accomplish the will of God.   We need to acknowledge that this is how God moves. When He works to brings deliverance, as the king did with Esther and Mordecai, God uses human instruments to bring about His will. God did not come down and deliver Israel from Egypt by Himself. He used Moses as His instrument. Again, God did not redeem humanity on His own. The Father chose to move through His Son. Then after Christ had ascended to the right hand of the Father, He moved through the apostle Paul to fulfill the sufferings of His Body.   We live in a time when the world has a desperate need for God, and as the Body of Christ today we must begin to accept what we are. As He has done in so many ages, God is going to work through vessels that He chooses and who are willing to give themselves for that purpose. Open your heart to that which God wants to do through you. Be open to receive the signet ring of anointing and authority that God can place upon you to work through you for His purposes to bring about the conclusion of this age.   Key Verses:   •       Esther 8:2–8. “The king took off his signet ring … and gave it to Mordecai.” •       John 5:17–23. “Whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.” •       Colossians 1:13–24. “All things have been created through Him and for Him.” •       Colossians 1:29. “I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.” •       John 14:12. “He who believes in Me … greater works than these he will do.” •       Esther 4:12–14. “Who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”   Quotes:   •       “What God was doing in bringing Christ forth in the flesh—bringing the Word into flesh—is He was manifesting Himself in humanity so that He would move in full power and authority through Christ as His human vessel and representative.” •       “We don't want the Body of Christ to be perishing in this time because we refuse to take our place in what God has called us to do.” •       “We may be facing threatening times. It may even seem like there is a decree of death and destruction on this age, on the Church, and on God's people—the Jewish people in Israel. But who knows whether we are not the ones who have come into this anointing and relationship with the Lord for such a time as this. Let's believe that God can work in us and through us to accomplish His will in this day.”   Takeaways:   1.    The king giving his signet ring to Mordecai represents an important aspect of Purim. When sealed with the signet ring, whatever Esther and Mordecai enacted had the full authority and power of the king behind it. When we act in the name of Christ, it is like having God's signet ring, bearing His authority, power, and presence. 2.    God chooses to move through human instruments just as the king did through Esther and Mordecai. We have examples of this in Moses, Yeshua, and Paul. If we want the authority and power of God to impact this age, then we need to be God's instruments. 3.    Haman once had the king's signet ring and had the power to destroy all the Jews. Their deliverance happened when the king took the signet ring from Haman and gave it to Mordecai. As ruler of this world, satan also had the authority to destroy mankind. But that authority has been removed from him and belongs to Christ. As instruments of Christ, using His authority, we can abolish the decree of destruction against mankind.  

We left off last week with Haman and King Ahasuerus toasting their brilliance in anticipation of the orders they had just sent out for the destruction of the Jewish people across the empire, while the city of Susa was thrown into confusion and fear. Those in power were completely out of touch with the implications for their people, or the confusion it would cause. Maybe there is no more timely week for that message for us! This week the story continues. When the edict went out from the palace, Mordecai fell into mourning. We will take time to see his reaction and responses, the amazing reality that he never lost hope, and the response from Queen Esther as news of the truth reached her. This passage will help us to gain clarity on what it looks like to take action in desperate times, and how to respond and position ourselves to be used by God for good. 

Today's Scripture passages are Esther 7 - 8 | Psalm 84 | Psalm 148 | Colossians 4:2-18 | Revelation 4.Read by Ekemini Uwan.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

We are reading the dramatic story of Esther.  When I was young, around 60 years ago – and a member of the large Melbourne Youth Group, we put on an elaborate presentation of Esther and I played the part of Mordecai.  It is the sort of thing that sticks in your mind. The pivotal point in this book is the challenge that Mordecai gave to Esther now that she had the position of Queen to King Ahasuerus.  Mordecai's declaration was that she must go before the King and plead for the life of the Jews – and this would include revealing that she herself was a Jew.  Such was the protocol of the Palace that anyone pushing their way into the King's presence without being invited – could be put to death.  Esther had a crucial decision to make, self-preservation, to put her personal safety first, or to act on behalf of others.  This was an action she was the only one who was in a position to undertake.  Esther chose to do what Mordecai requested, declaring, “If I perish, I perish” [Ch.4 v.16]  It is an exciting drama to read, especially the events which followed, but the lesson for us is that there always seems to be at least one pivotal event in everyone's life, a cross roads as to the destination we decide to aim for, the pathway that beckons us to go down!  Whether we go or not, becomes for us, a decision which is a life changing event. To make NO decision, is itself a decision!  It is a decision to drift along with life with no specific destination in view.  From a spiritual point of view that is what many are doing, refusing to decide whether there is a God or not!  But if they have no time for God – then God will have no time for them – this life is their only future – and how increasingly uncertain is it becoming – and how many will “perish” eternally, because of their failure. 

Fr. Mike offers a brief recap of today's chapter from Nehemiah, identifying the difference between those who were able to live in Jerusalem and those who were not. He explains the ancestral gifts that each tribe of Israel received and applies this concept to the vices and virtues of our families, as well as our freedom to adopt or reject them. Today we read from Nehemiah 11, Esther 8, 16, and Proverbs 21:17-20. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike walks us through the signing of the covenant in Nehemiah 10 and relates Israel's collective decision to belong to God to our personal encounters with God that inspire us to follow him simply because he has called us. He also offers insight on how God used the physical weakness of Esther to move the king's heart to gentleness. Today's readings are Nehemiah 10, Esther 15, 6-7, and Proverbs 21:13-16. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As Fr. Mike reads from Nehemiah today, we hear about how the hearts of the people of Israel were moved as Ezra reads the book of the law of Moses to them. In our reading of Esther, we have the beginning of the crisis that will unfold throughout the book as Haman, backed by the king, seeks to destroy the Jews. Today's readings are Nehemiah 8, Esther 3 and 13, and Proverbs 21:5-8. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike continues reading from the book of Nehemiah as we read of the many attempts to prevent Nehemiah from doing the great work of God. We also see the events that lead to Esther being chosen as queen and the goodness she will bring even in the midst of a broken system. Today's readings are Nehemiah 6-7, Esther 1-2, and Proverbs 21:1-4. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22Psalm 124 James 5:13-20Mark 9:38-50 The CollectO God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.The First ReadingEsther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22The king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther. On the second day, as they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have won your favor, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me-- that is my petition-- and the lives of my people-- that is my request. For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have held my peace; but no enemy can compensate for this damage to the king.” Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has presumed to do this?” Esther said, “A foe and enemy, this wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Look, the very gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, stands at Haman's house, fifty cubits high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that.” So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the anger of the king abated.Mordecai recorded these things, and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, enjoining them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same month, year by year, as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor.The PsalmPsalm 124Nisi quia Dominus1 If the Lord had not been on our side, *let Israel now say;2 If the Lord had not been on our side, *when enemies rose up against us;3 Then would they have swallowed us up alive *in their fierce anger toward us;4 Then would the waters have overwhelmed us *and the torrent gone over us;5 Then would the raging waters *have gone right over us.6 Blessed be the Lord! *he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; *the snare is broken, and we have escaped.8 Our help is in the Name of the Lord, *the maker of heaven and earth.orOld TestamentNumbers 11:4-6,10-16,24-29The rabble among them had a strong craving; and the Israelites also wept again, and said, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we used to eat in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, all at the entrances of their tents. Then the Lord became very angry, and Moses was displeased. So Moses said to the Lord, “Why have you treated your servant so badly? Why have I...

In order to remember and celebrate God's deliverance of His people, Mordecai calls for the yearly celebration of the feast of Purim. The feast's name is a reminder of the lots that Haman had cast to find the right day to destroy God's people, which God reversed to bring about the day He delivered His people. As the hectic events settle down, King Ahasuerus institutes a new tax as an indication that order is being restored. In that context, Mordecai is promoted to second in command in the Persian empire. This is a reminder that it is the LORD who has been at work all along in the book of Esther to direct the events of history for the good of His people.  Rev. Andy Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Esther 9:20-10:3.  "For Such a Time As This” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Esther. Although God is never explicitly named in the book of Esther, He remains the One who directs all the events of the book. Happenings that seem coincidence, chance, or luck are truly God at work. He puts Mordecai and Esther in the right places and moments to work through them to deliver His people.  

When King Ahasuerus elevates Haman above all other Persian officials, Mordecai refuses to bow before Haman, likely due to religious realities. In fury, Haman begins to plot to destroy not only Mordecai but the entire people of God to which Mordecai belongs. At this point, however, Haman's fury does not overwhelm him. He patiently casts lots to find just the right date for his evil plan. When the lot lands favorably, he goes before King Ahasuerus and deceptively convinces the King. With the King's signet ring in hand, Haman issues an edict that calls for the utter destruction of God's people on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. Though the chapter ends with a cliffhanger, God continues to work behind the scenes for His people's good.  Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Student Center in Macomb, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Esther 3:1-15.  "For Such a Time As This” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Esther. Although God is never explicitly named in the book of Esther, He remains the One who directs all the events of the book. Happenings that seem coincidence, chance, or luck are truly God at work. He puts Mordecai and Esther in the right places and moments to work through them to deliver His people.  

After a delay due to military campaigns, King Ahasuerus remembers what had happened with Vashti and decides to find a new prized queen. Among those taken into the king's palace was a young Judean woman, Esther, an orphan who had been raised by her cousin, Mordecai. Mordecai helps Esther navigate a terribly difficult situation. Eventually, Esther is chosen as queen. As Mordecai continues to stay in touch with his cousin, he uncovers a plot against the king and saves the king from assassination. Although the narrative at this point may seem somewhat confusing and continues to include matters that look completely secular, these events are being directed by God toward His end of saving His people.  Rev. Peter Elliott, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Seattle, WA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Esther 2:1-23.  "For Such a Time As This” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Esther. Although God is never explicitly named in the book of Esther, He remains the One who directs all the events of the book. Happenings that seem coincidence, chance, or luck are truly God at work. He puts Mordecai and Esther in the right places and moments to work through them to deliver His people.  

The book of Esther starts with the opulent and extravagant party given by King Ahasuerus of Persia. As the king and his officials feast and drink to excess, Ahasuerus' beautiful and prized queen, Vashti, refuses her husband's attempt to objectify her. When the king does not know what to do, his advisors tell him to issue a proclamation putting Vashti in her place, lest other Persian wives behave similarly. Although this introduction to the book of Esther seems to be entirely secular, its role within the book and the entirety of sacred Scripture reminds us that even what seems to be “secular” history is truly God at work behind the scenes for the sake of His people.  Rev. Tim Storck, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Esther 1:1-22 "For Such a Time As This” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Esther. Although God is never explicitly named in the book of Esther, He remains the One who directs all the events of the book. Happenings that seem coincidence, chance, or luck are truly God at work. He puts Mordecai and Esther in the right places and moments to work through them to deliver His people.  

Fr. Mike offers a brief recap of today's chapter from Nehemiah, identifying the difference between those who were able to live in Jerusalem and those who were not. He explains the ancestral gifts that each tribe of Israel received and applies this concept to the vices and virtues of our families, as well as our freedom to adopt or reject them. Today we read from Nehemiah 11, Esther 8, 16, and Proverbs 21:17-20. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike walks us through the signing of the covenant in Nehemiah 10 and relates Israel's collective decision to belong to God to our personal encounters with God that inspire us to follow him simply because he has called us. He also offers insight on how God used the physical weakness of Esther to move the king's heart to gentleness. Today's readings are Nehemiah 10, Esther 15, 6-7, and Proverbs 21:13-16. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As Fr. Mike reads from Nehemiah today, we hear about how the hearts of the people of Israel were moved as Ezra reads the book of the law of Moses to them. In our reading of Esther, we have the beginning of the crisis that will unfold throughout the book as Haman, backed by the king, seeks to destroy the Jews. Today's readings are Nehemiah 8, Esther 3 and 13, and Proverbs 21:5-8. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike continues reading from the book of Nehemiah as we read of the many attempts to prevent Nehemiah from doing the great work of God. We also see the events that lead to Esther being chosen as queen and the goodness she will bring even in the midst of a broken system. Today's readings are Nehemiah 6-7, Esther 1-2, and Proverbs 21:1-4. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.