Xerxes the Great thought he ruled the world in 485BC, wielding power with tyranny and subjugation. But Jesus made His entrance on to the world stage, demonstrating through his humility, service, life and death that He is a better King.
Xerxes the Great thought he ruled the world in 485BC, wielding power with tyranny and subjugation. He demonstrated his love of rank, sex and money. Women were his footstools. Yet silhouetted throughout this story of Esther is a God who is present in his absence. A God who rules and reigns over the Kings of the Earth. A God who loves His creation and has a plan. And the climax of that relentless love of God is Jesus, the bridegroom, making His entrance on to the world stage and demonstrating through His humility, service, life and death that He is a better King. That He had the power to turn the world against its destructive idolatry and to lift up the dignity and status of women in a world that crushed them. Jesus is a better King!
The book of Esther is full of parties! However, the motivations for them are not the same. Mahvash looks at this final party, as God's people celebrate God's faithfulness and righteousness.
Lou explains how this passage reminds us that God is working throughout history and we are called to trust him and be courageous.
As we read of Haman getting his 'just rewards' how are we to respond? In this event, there is something for us to learn about God, the world, ourselves and how we can live differently.
The events of our lives are not simply down to the fate of the universe but are rather the loving work of God. Chris helps us to see from this passage that we can trust He is at work even whilst we sleep!