“Later when King Xerxes’ fury had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what he had decreed about her. 2Then the king’s personal attendants proposed, “Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king. 3Let the king appoint commissioners in every province of his realm to bring all these beautiful young women into the harem at the citadel of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch, who is in charge of the women; and let beauty treatments be given to them. 4Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” This advice appealed to the king, and he followed it. 5Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, 6who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, among those taken captive with Jehoiachin king of Judah. 7Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died. 8When the king’s order and edict had been proclaimed, many young women were brought to the citadel of Susa and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king’s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had charge of the harem.” Esther 1:1-8 NIV
God with us,
You God, inspired the content of the books of the BIble and which should be included. And tucked in the old testament is the book of Esther. Chronologically it happened after the Temple was rebuilt and before the walls were repaired. So here we are introduced to a king of Persia (the great king) whose realm stretched over 127 provinces form India to Cush (Esther 1:1). And he obviously not only had a temper he was swayed by his experts and wise men (Esther 1:16-20).
We are introduced to Mordecai from the tribe of Benjamin, exiled by Nebuchadnezzar, who chose to adopt his young orphaned cousin Esther. A man of care and compassion as he did not just look after his young cousin he treat her as if she was his only daughter.
And the scene is set to show that God can use the willing to serve his purposes. Mordecai and Esther had no say in her being taken with the young women. No power in life. But they trusted You. Did what was right and history records their saving their fellow Jews. So what does this say to me Lord? We live in a different time and culture. But sometimes we too do not have the luxury of making choices and we have little power. We can do our best and find opportunities to bless others. Sharing Jesus we can save those around us from death. After all we have You Lord, a greater King to ask help from. The Lord of Lord and King of Kings.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 29th September 2025
A profound contemplative version . . .
God moves in a mysterious way!
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
and rides upon the storm!
Deep in unfathomable mines
of never-failing skill,
He treasures up His bright designs
and works His sovereign will.
Chorus
God of mercy! God of grace!
Give us eyes to see!
Eyes to see Your smiling face
within the mystery,
within the mystery!
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take!
The clouds ye so much dread
are big with mercy and shall break
in blessings on your head!
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
but trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face!
Chorus
His purposes will ripen fast,
unfolding every hour,
The bud may have a bitter taste,
but sweet will be the flower!
Blind unbelief is sure to err
and scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter
and He will make it plain!
Chorus Twice
Lyrics: William Cowper
Chorus: K. Jason French