Esther 8 - Saved!

King Xerxes has published an edict.  His edict is law.  It cannot be undone.  But, he can publish another and he does.  He allows the Jews to assemble and defend themselves against the first edict.

God's law has been published, through Moses.  It cannot be undone.  But, He can and has helped us with a defense against the law.  He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ, to be our defense.  He died that the law, which we can not keep, would not destroy us.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."  (Eph 2:8)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Esther 2 - Marriage Made In Heaven?

A marriage made in heaven?!  Well, actually knowing the outcome of the whole story, God's hand probably was guiding this whole transaction.  But, what a way to find a wife!  Not so unlike today!  Try them all out, first! 

Here's the difficulty that I have with the whole thing:  the women allow themselves to be treated like property, like clothes in a department store - tried on for size with the very real possibility of being cast aside.  Then and now.  I just don't get it.  Of course, so many women are trying on men, as well.
And when a husband or wife is finally found, suitably fitting one's ego, now is that a marriage made in heaven?  No wonder there are so many divorces today.  With so much unknown baggage being carried into the marriage, it's no wonder there are so many divorces today.  Course, there are quite a few marriages being entered into, that begin, with the mindset of King Xerxes - try it - see if it fits - if not - send them back to the harem they came from. 

Yes, I am being a little cynical this morning.  I see how so many of our young people (not just young people - they've learned well from the older generations) treat their relationships.  Like shopping in a department store for the fanciest or most expensive (name brand) clothes or like when that old pair of old blue jeans don't fit any longer, casting them aside.  Sometimes divorce may be very necessary. (We'll get to that in the New Testament) But, just because you find something, someone, who pleases you more at the moment is not a reason to end the covenant you've made with someone else.

Marriages made in heaven?  I don't know about that.  But, I do know that when you ask God to bless your union - He joins you as one 'till death parts you.

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

Esther 1 - Feasting - With Wine

Ok... I'm confused.  After about a half of a year of showing off his kingdom, King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) declares a seven day feast, during which there is much wine drunk.  Seven days of partying.  Then on the seventh day when King Xerxes is in high spirits from the wine (drunk), he sends for his beautify wife, Queen Vashti so that he can show her off to his company.  She refuses.  He is embarrassed and there are consequences for her. 

What is this? Would this king have commanded her to come so that everyone could ogle her, if he'd been sober.  Would she have said no, if he and his company had been sober?

The book of Esther; however, I think we will enjoy.  Scene 1:  Xerxes gets rid of his present wife, the queen.

(Edited title on 8/25/2011 due to typo - feasting not fasting.)