After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, and advanced him and set his throne above all the officials who were with him. 2 And all the king's servants who were at the king's gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage. 3 Then the king's servants who were at the king's gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you transgress the king's command?” 4 And when they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai's words would stand, for he had told them that he was a Jew. 5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury. 6 But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone. So, as they had made known to him the people of Mordecai, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.
7 In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, they cast lots) before Haman day after day; and they cast it month after month till the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 8 Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king's laws, so that it is not to the king's profit to tolerate them. 9 If it please the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay 10,000 talents of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king's business, that they may put it into the king's treasuries.” 10 So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews.11 And the king said to Haman, “The money is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you.”
12 Then the king's scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and an edict, according to all that Haman commanded, was written to the king's satraps and to the governors over all the provinces and to the officials of all the peoples, to every province in its own script and every people in its own language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king's signet ring.13 Letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods. 14 A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province by proclamation to all the peoples to be ready for that day. 15 The couriers went out hurriedly by order of the king, and the decree was issued in Susa the citadel. And the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was thrown into confusion.

Meditation
It is easy to get lost in culture wars, forgetting God is working. God’s sovereignty over both the dysfunction of leadership and the direct assault on God’s people is a stage for God’s sovereign grace, His redemptive restoration.

The Persian king elevates Haman (1). Mordecai the Jew would not bow down to Haman as the others did (2). Haman was furious (5), devised a plan to kill every single Jew (6), and manipulated the king to gain authority and financial backing (7-11). The third feast in the book reveals the shallowness of the Persian king, easily manipulated and self-serving. Letters were sent announcing the day of slaughter (12-15).

The chapter ends with a word our culture can identify with- Confusion. How can leaders be this fickle? How can the agenda be so deadly? Haman justified his case to kill God's people by stating that they followed different laws than those of the Persians (8). Sin hardens hearts. Pride comes before the fall.

God specializes in demonstrating His sovereignty and revealing His redemption over and through dysfunctional and self-serving laws. God did it with Egypt, Persia, and most notably He did it with Rome. Jesus came face to face with insecure political power and did not cower (John 18:33-40). Jesus was delivered to death to give victory for His people.

God’s sovereign grace is setting the stage for redemptive revelation. Lift your eyes off the confusion and put them on Christ the King. Jesus is making all things new.

Richly Dwelling
-Which portion of Esther 3 seems the most self-centered and shallow to you- The king’s fickle nature, Haman’s pride, or the national system ready to execute a plan of slaughter?

-Can you identify with the “confusion” that the people of this narrative were feeling? What is your reaction?

-What steps can you take to lift your eyes off the confusion and place them on Christ who is setting the stage for redemptive revelation?  Do you trust His sovereign grace?

Key Verse
13 Letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.

To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.
 
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. 2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. 3 He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness! 4 My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts— the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.
 
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!
 
6 They set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my way, but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah 7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! 8     Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre!  I will awake the dawn! 9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.10 For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
 
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!
 
 
Meditation
Here is a fun “get to know you” question for your next dinner party: If you were stuck in a cave, on the run for your life, what would you sing about? King David’s answer is in today’s Psalm and can be lyrics for our life when we are overwhelmed by difficult circumstances.
 
David pleads for mercy (1) beyond the rock walls of cave, looking to the Lord for refuge (2). The shadow of God’s wings (see Ruth 2:12 & Matthew 23:37) is more secure than the shelter of circumstances (3). God sends His steadfast love to save!
 
From the depth of despair David calls God the “Most High,” orienting his eyes beyond his circumstances (4). David begins to sing- Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth (5, 11)! Seeing God as higher than our troubles lifts our hearts to join the chorus of Heaven.
 
David’s difficulties have not disappeared (6) but he commits his heart to steadfastly trust the Lord (7). David preaches to himself, commanding his being to awaken to God’s glory (8). David commits himself to be thankful (9). God’s steadfast love surrounds David and also reaches to the heavens. David sings in the cave- Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth (5, 11)!
 
God’s grace and faithfulness finds us in our darkest places and lifts our hearts to exalt His name when we trust His steadfast love more than our struggles. Let’s sing together!
 
Richly Dwelling
-Does it sound silly to sing in a cave when you are on the run for your life? Why or why not?
 
-How does seeing God as the “Most High” help lift the eyes of your heart off of your circumstances and place them onto His steadfast love that reaches to the Heavens?
 
-Paul joins the chorus of this Psalm in Romans 15:9. Practically, how can you?
 
Key Verse
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!

The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; 2 he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness. 3 But you, draw near, sons of the sorceress, offspring of the adulterer and the loose woman. 4 Whom are you mocking? Against whom do you open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, the offspring of deceit, 5 you who burn with lust among the oaks, under every green tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?

6 Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion; they, they, are your lot; to them you have poured out a drink offering, you have brought a grain offering. Shall I relent for these things? 7 On a high and lofty mountain you have set your bed, and there you went up to offer sacrifice. 8 Behind the door and the doorpost you have set up your memorial; for, deserting me, you have uncovered your bed, you have gone up to it, you have made it wide; and you have made a covenant for yourself with them, you have loved their bed, you have looked on nakedness. 9 You journeyed to the king with oil and multiplied your perfumes; you sent your envoys far off, and sent down even to Sheol. 10 You were wearied with the length of your way, but you did not say, “It is hopeless”; you found new life for your strength, and so you were not faint.
 
11 Whom did you dread and fear, so that you lied, and did not remember me, did not lay it to heart? Have I not held my peace, even for a long time, and you do not fear me? 12 I will declare your righteousness and your deeds, but they will not profit you.
13 When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The wind will carry them all off, a breath will take them away. But he who takes refuge in me shall possess the land and shall inherit my holy mountain.
Comfort for the Contrite14 And it shall be said, “Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people's way.” 15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. 16 For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would grow faint before me, and the breath of life that I made. 17 Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry, I struck him; I hid my face and was angry, but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart.
18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, 19 creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the Lord, “and I will heal him.
 
20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. 21 There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
 
Meditation
There is so much in our personal lives and in the headlines that can lead to heartache until we hear the hope of Heaven. God makes a way for you to know comfort, peace, and hope during turbulent times, even when it appears the enemy is winning. Jesus says, “Come to me.”
 
The casualties of Israel’s idolatry are felt emotionally: No one comes to help (1-2); false religion flourishes, covering wickedness (3-10); and fear of the Lord is lost (11). God will come in judgment (12-13)- Though it may appear the wicked win today, there will be no peace for the wicked (21).
 
How do we respond to such heavy revelation and the harsh realities of living in a fallen world? Jesus says, “blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).  What is the blessing? A deeper discipleship manifest in comfort, peace, and hope.
 
God’s infinite presence is experienced intimately when we look to Him for comfort in our mourning (15). God provides healing and restores comfort to those who mourn (18). God gives peace (19).  Do you know the comforting hope of our Covenant God in the midst of turbulent times?
 
God makes a way (14) for us to know comfort, peace, and hope through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is our hope from Heaven and will heal the heartache of our days. Jesus says, “…in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
 
Richly Dwelling
-Are you overwhelmed by the brokenness of the world? Have you mourned?
 
-Which promises of the second half of this chapter encourage you the most? Why?
 
-What are practical ways you can deepen your trust in Jesus, looking to Him alone for comfort, peace, and hope?
 
Key Verse
15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Now King David was old and advanced in years. And although they covered him with clothes, he could not get warm. 2 Therefore his servants said to him, “Let a young woman be sought for my lord the king, and let her wait on the king and be in his service. Let her lie in your arms, that my lord the king may be warm.” 3 So they sought for a beautiful young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 The young woman was very beautiful, and she was of service to the king and attended to him, but the king knew her not.
Adonijah Sets Himself Up as King5 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. 6 His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, “Why have you done thus and so?” He was also a very handsome man, and he was born next after Absalom. 7 He conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest. And they followed Adonijah and helped him. 8 But Zadok the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and Nathan the prophet and Shimei and Rei and David's mighty men were not with Adonijah.
9 Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened cattle by the Serpent's Stone, which is beside En-rogel, and he invited all his brothers, the king's sons, and all the royal officials of Judah, 10 but he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the mighty men or Solomon his brother.
Nathan and Bathsheba Before David11 Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith has become king and David our lord does not know it? 12 Now therefore come, let me give you advice, that you may save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. 13 Go in at once to King David, and say to him, ‘Did you not, my lord the king, swear to your servant, saying, “Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne”? Why then is Adonijah king?’ 14 Then while you are still speaking with the king, I also will come in after you and confirm your words.”
15 So Bathsheba went to the king in his chamber (now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was attending to the king). 16 Bathsheba bowed and paid homage to the king, and the king said, “What do you desire?” 17 She said to him, “My lord, you swore to your servant by the Lord your God, saying, ‘Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne.’ 18 And now, behold, Adonijah is king, although you, my lord the king, do not know it. 19 He has sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the sons of the king, Abiathar the priest, and Joab the commander of the army, but Solomon your servant he has not invited.20 And now, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, to tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise it will come to pass, when my lord the king sleeps with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon will be counted offenders.”
22 While she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet came in. 23 And they told the king, “Here is Nathan the prophet.” And when he came in before the king, he bowed before the king, with his face to the ground. 24 And Nathan said, “My lord the king, have you said, ‘Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne’? 25 For he has gone down this day and has sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the king's sons, the commanders[c] of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, and saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ 26 But me, your servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and your servant Solomon he has not invited. 27 Has this thing been brought about by my lord the king and you have not told your servants who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?”
Solomon Anointed King28 Then King David answered, “Call Bathsheba to me.” So she came into the king's presence and stood before the king. 29 And the king swore, saying, “As the Lordlives, who has redeemed my soul out of every adversity, 30 as I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel, saying, ‘Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place,’ even so will I do this day.” 31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the ground and paid homage to the king and said, “May my lord King David live forever!”
32 King David said, “Call to me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. 33 And the king said to them, “Take with you the servants of your lord and have Solomon my son ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon. 34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet there anoint him king over Israel. Then blow the trumpet and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ 35 You shall then come up after him, and he shall come and sit on my throne, for he shall be king in my place. And I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.” 36 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, “Amen! May the Lord, the God of my lord the king, say so. 37 As the Lord has been with my lord the king, even so may he be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.”
38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David's mule and brought him to Gihon. 39 There Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tent and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 And all the people went up after him, playing on pipes, and rejoicing with great joy, so that the earth was split by their noise.
41 Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished feasting. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, “What does this uproar in the city mean?” 42 While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. And Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a worthy man and bring good news.” 43 Jonathan answered Adonijah, “No, for our lord King David has made Solomon king,44 and the king has sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites. And they had him ride on the king's mule. 45 And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon, and they have gone up from there rejoicing, so that the city is in an uproar. This is the noise that you have heard. 46 Solomon sits on the royal throne.47 Moreover, the king's servants came to congratulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make the name of Solomon more famous than yours, and make his throne greater than your throne.’ And the king bowed himself on the bed. 48 And the king also said, ‘Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who has granted someone[d] to sit on my throne this day, my own eyes seeing it.’”
49 Then all the guests of Adonijah trembled and rose, and each went his own way. 50 And Adonijah feared Solomon. So he arose and went and took hold of the horns of the altar. 51 Then it was told Solomon, “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, for behold, he has laid hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me first that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’” 52 And Solomon said, “If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.” 53 So King Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and paid homage to King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, “Go to your house.”

Meditation
Political drama and power playing are ancient issues of leaders seeking to increase influence and make their name great. Scripture teaches all power belongs to the Lord- He is King of Kings. The key question of the chapter is the question of our culture- Who is really in charge? This dominant idea is mentioned in 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 30, 35, 46, and 48. The answer is God, the true King, who alone keeps His promises.
 
Abonijah “exalted himself” and made himself king (5). He sent invitations for his coronation to everyone but a few key people (5-10). Poor party planning will spoil the power play.

David begins 1 Kings in bed, old (1-4), but is quickly revived by Nathan and Bathsheeba who expose Abonijah’s plan (11-27).  David moves to make Solomon king and the city rejoices (28-40). Abonijah’s party was crashed by the news, confidence quickly turning to cowardice (41-53). Every party has a pooper!
 
God’s plan to have an offspring of adultery carry the line of His covenant promise is an astounding picture of grace (2 Samuel 7:14-16; Matthew 1:6-7).  God laughs at power plays attempting to change His plans (Psalm 2:1-4). Jesus, David’s greater offspring, is King over everything, everyone, and every part of the world (Colossians 1:15-17). Jesus is on the throne and is ruling History. The King who came in humility will return in judgment. There will be a great roar of rejoicing in that day! Christians are free to live our eternal joy now- Jesus is King!
 
Richly Dwelling
-Are you discouraged by the dominance of political drama in our world? How does reading about this ancient political drama give you better perspective?
 
-How do you see the Church answering the dominant question of the narrative, who is sitting on the throne and ruling? How do you answer the question?
 
-Jesus is revealed all through Scripture as ruling and reigning, even over the political powers of our day. How can you deepen your trust in Him and His promises?
 
Key Verse
20 And now, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, to tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him.

​After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had abated, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her. 2 Then the king's young men who attended him said, “Let beautiful young virgins be sought out for the king. 3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the beautiful young virgins to the harem in Susa the citadel, under custody of Hegai, the king's eunuch, who is in charge of the women. Let their cosmetics be given them. 4 And let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” This pleased the king, and he did so.
5 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, 6 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. 7 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. 8 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. 9 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. 10 Esther 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 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. 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 the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 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.
Mordecai Discovers a Plot19 Now when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate.20 Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him. 21 In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 22 And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai. 23 When the affair was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows. And it was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.
 
Meditation
My kids love to cook. I have learned through observation and consumption that essential to the perfect recipes are the right ingredients and time to cook.  Today’s chapter sets the table for a feast on the faithfulness of God, providing the recipe for redemption, characterizing the book of Esther.
 
Two essential ingredients are highlighted: The position of Esther and the providence of God. The position of queen was vacant (1-4). Esther did not have anything working for her as a Jewish exile and orphan (5-7). Her God-given beauty, and counsel from her uncle, were the catalysts to become queen. Esther won favor with the eunuch in charge of the harem (9), all who saw her (15), and the king himself (17).  Esther won the position but not without the clear providence of God.
 
God sent Esther’s people into exile, gave Esther her beauty, provided Mordecai as caretaker and coach, and is revealed as working through the plot Mordecai discovers (19-23).
 
God provides the time for the ingredients to cook, too. The reason for conflict is identified, namely Esther’s ethnic identity (20). The plot Mordecai discovers is recorded in the king’s book of chronicles (23). Time will meld the ingredients together for the recipe of redemption in the narrative.
 
God invites you to feast on His faithfulness, fully finished redemption in Jesus Christ. The story of Esther points to the larger story of redemption where Jesus is the main course. Come to Jesus and taste the goodness of God’s grace!
 
 
Richly Dwelling
-What stands out to you from these scenes of Esther? Why?
 
-Jesus is the main course of the feast of God’s faithfulness. How can you focus more on His redemptive work for you?
 
-God is always working His redemptive purposes and He invites us to participate. Consider the position He has given you and the providence surrounding you. What is God calling you to do?
 
 
Key Verse
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 the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 

On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grain fields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” 3 And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?”5 And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”
A Man with a Withered Hand6 On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. 9 And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored.11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
The Twelve Apostles12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. 13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15 and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Jesus Ministers to a Great Multitude17 And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, 18 who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.
The Beatitudes20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.
Jesus Pronounces Woes24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.26 “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.
Love Your Enemies27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount.35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Judging Others37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
39 He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.
A Tree and Its Fruit43 “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Build Your House on the Rock46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like:48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”
 
Meditation
Christianity is shifting more to the fringes of Western society. Can we see the current cultural shift as an opportunity to rediscover the power Jesus has given us through His love? What if the formal move to the fringes refueled the base of our witness?
 
I am convicted to focus on one thought: Love your enemies. When we build our house on the Rock no cultural shift can shake our foundation (46-49). The Rock is Christ and His word. Security in Christ strengthens radical obedience and love.
 
Jesus teaches we must love our enemies and do good to those who hate us, blessing those who curse us and praying for those who seek to harm us. Jesus teaches us to turn the other cheek, be generous, and show mercy to our enemies (29-36).
 
This is a tough ask! Disciples must decide to meet fire with fire or forgive as we have been forgiven, to love as we have been loved. What does grace compel us to do? Do we respond with love or with hate in our hearts?
 
Strength to weather the stormy shift is found in building our lives on Christ and His word, teaching us that when we were Christ’s enemies He died for us (Romans 5:8-10). Christ loved us and gave Himself for us, calling us to imitate Him and walk in love. (Ephesians 5:1-2).  The cultural shift is an opportunity for the Church to rediscover the power in radical obedience and love.
 
Richly Dwelling
-How do you respond when someone attacks you personally or unjustly? How do you engage your “enemies” politically or socially? Why is it hard to love those who hate you?
 
-Jesus loved us while we were His enemies, giving His life away FOR those who sought to kill Him. How does the gospel love of Christ empower us to love as He loved us?
 
-Who is someone who hates you whom you can love? Or, who is someone that you find yourself hating as an enemy?  Pray for the love of Christ to wash over you and for His grace to work in your heart to sincerely love that person. 
 
Key Verse
27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.