Job 1-3
It’s the Friday after my surgery, but once again, I am writing this blog beforehand.
We begin the book of Job today. Two days after my surgery, I’m wondering if I’ll be feeling a little like Job. FIVE TIMES in Job 3, Job asks the question, “Why?” Will I be asking the same question when this day arrives? You know, “Why did I do two at once?” things like that. I’ll let you know. In the meantime...
Reading Job should actually be giving us “chronological whiplash.” Most agree that the book of Job dates takes us back to the time of the Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Some say it’s a short story. I believe that, though it is an incredible piece of literature and a powerful philosophical treatise, it is a factual account. Why? Both the Prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 14:14,20) and James, the brother of Jesus (James 5:11) refer to Job as if he really existed.
In the first two chapters, we find just enough narrative to get it: God has allowed Satan to play havoc with God’s servant, Job. He suffers the loss of property, possessions, seven children and his health. His bitter wife says, “Curse God and die,” but Job does not. Two key verses from these first two chapters are Job 1:21 and Job 2:10. Read ‘em; they’re great.
Three of Job’s “friends” come to comfort him, and, thankfully, they say nothing for seven days. In chapter 3, Job interrupts the seven days of silence with his painful lament. Job 3 reminds us: it’s OK to question God and complain to Him about our afflictions. He’s got broad shoulders; He can take it!
Your fellow traveler through the Word,
Pastor Gary
Friday, May 16, 2014
Thursday, May 15, 2014
MAY 15 ESTHER 8-10
Esther 8-10
It’s the day after my surgery, but I’m actually writing this beforehand. Who knows if I’ll be in my right mind? Just in case I’m not, I’ll finish Esther today!
Haman’s dead and all’s well! Right? Wrong!
Back when Haman had hoodwinked the king into declaring the destruction of all Jews, the king had decreed it, declared it and sealed it with his signet ring! His decree concerning the destruction of the Jews could not be revoked!
Once again, Esther crafted a plan. After gaining the king’s permission to issue another decree (the first could not be annulled), she sent word to all the provinces of the Persia ordering that the Jews be allowed to defend themselves on the very day they were to be annihilated. What the day arrived, the Jews not only defended themselves, but—with the king’s permission—defeated their enemies thoroughly. Instead of a “day of infamy,” it became a “day of rejoicing.” To this day, the Jews celebrate the day as Purim named for the lots (pur) cast against them. Mordecai was raised to a place of honor and leadership in the realm, and God’s people are saved.
God may not be named in the book of Esther, but God was certainly in control!
Your fellow traveler through the Word,
Pastor Gary
It’s the day after my surgery, but I’m actually writing this beforehand. Who knows if I’ll be in my right mind? Just in case I’m not, I’ll finish Esther today!
Haman’s dead and all’s well! Right? Wrong!
Back when Haman had hoodwinked the king into declaring the destruction of all Jews, the king had decreed it, declared it and sealed it with his signet ring! His decree concerning the destruction of the Jews could not be revoked!
Once again, Esther crafted a plan. After gaining the king’s permission to issue another decree (the first could not be annulled), she sent word to all the provinces of the Persia ordering that the Jews be allowed to defend themselves on the very day they were to be annihilated. What the day arrived, the Jews not only defended themselves, but—with the king’s permission—defeated their enemies thoroughly. Instead of a “day of infamy,” it became a “day of rejoicing.” To this day, the Jews celebrate the day as Purim named for the lots (pur) cast against them. Mordecai was raised to a place of honor and leadership in the realm, and God’s people are saved.
God may not be named in the book of Esther, but God was certainly in control!
Your fellow traveler through the Word,
Pastor Gary
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
MAY 14 ESTHER 5-7
Esther 5-7
Today’s the day I have bi-lateral knee replacement. So, if you’re willing, shoot up a prayer for me, my doctor (Shiraz Patel), the surgical team, and—especially—Becky. Thank you so much!
I mentioned yesterday that today’s passage ends much worse for Haman than today will end for me (God-willing). Of course, there are no guarantees. And, for the record, if it’s my time, I’m ready to be with Jesus. But as long as He leaves me here, I want to serve Him!
Here’s how Haman “bought the farm.”
With much prayer support, Queen Esther approached the king with a request. Her plan was to work up to it. Initially, she simply asked the king to bring Haman to a scrumptious banquet she was preparing. At the meal, the king said, “Now what is it you want?” Esther replied, in so many words, “Please come again tomorrow to the feast I will prepare for you.”
Haman took great pride and much boldness in these invitations, but Mordecai’s presence at the palace gates made him mad all over again. His wife said, “Build a gallows to hang him on; that’ll make you feel better!” And Haman gave the order.
That night, the king couldn’t sleep and asked a servant to bring him the “Book of Memorable Deeds.” In it, he happened upon the account of Mordecai’s loyal report of the conspiracy. What honor has been accorded this Mordecai, he wondered. He asked Haman, “What should be done to honor the man the king delights in?” Thinking the king was referring to him, he gave an elaborate reply. When the king said: “Do what you’ve just described for Mordecai,” Haman was dumb-founded. He had to honor the man he intended to hang. Haman was mortified by Mordecai!
When Haman and the king showed up for Esther’s feast, the king asked Esther what he could do for her. Finally, she revealed her Jewish identity, her desperate plan and Haman’s plot. The king was incensed and had Haman hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai!
Once again, God raises up the humble (Mordecai) and brings down the proud (Haman).
Your fellow traveler through the Word,
Pastor Gary
Today’s the day I have bi-lateral knee replacement. So, if you’re willing, shoot up a prayer for me, my doctor (Shiraz Patel), the surgical team, and—especially—Becky. Thank you so much!
I mentioned yesterday that today’s passage ends much worse for Haman than today will end for me (God-willing). Of course, there are no guarantees. And, for the record, if it’s my time, I’m ready to be with Jesus. But as long as He leaves me here, I want to serve Him!
Here’s how Haman “bought the farm.”
With much prayer support, Queen Esther approached the king with a request. Her plan was to work up to it. Initially, she simply asked the king to bring Haman to a scrumptious banquet she was preparing. At the meal, the king said, “Now what is it you want?” Esther replied, in so many words, “Please come again tomorrow to the feast I will prepare for you.”
Haman took great pride and much boldness in these invitations, but Mordecai’s presence at the palace gates made him mad all over again. His wife said, “Build a gallows to hang him on; that’ll make you feel better!” And Haman gave the order.
That night, the king couldn’t sleep and asked a servant to bring him the “Book of Memorable Deeds.” In it, he happened upon the account of Mordecai’s loyal report of the conspiracy. What honor has been accorded this Mordecai, he wondered. He asked Haman, “What should be done to honor the man the king delights in?” Thinking the king was referring to him, he gave an elaborate reply. When the king said: “Do what you’ve just described for Mordecai,” Haman was dumb-founded. He had to honor the man he intended to hang. Haman was mortified by Mordecai!
When Haman and the king showed up for Esther’s feast, the king asked Esther what he could do for her. Finally, she revealed her Jewish identity, her desperate plan and Haman’s plot. The king was incensed and had Haman hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai!
Once again, God raises up the humble (Mordecai) and brings down the proud (Haman).
Your fellow traveler through the Word,
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
MAY 13 ESTHER 3-4
Esther 3-4
At the beginning of chapter 3, Haman appears, and, almost immediately, we don’t like him. Xerxes promoted him above all the others in his court. Whenever he went about, everybody bowed to him, everybody, that is, except for Mordecai, who—as a Jew—could not bow to a human being as though he was God.
But this single act of non-compliance infuriated Haman, who had heard that Mordecai would not bow because he was a Jew. And so, he hatched a plot to destroy all the Jews—not just Mordecai. He did not reveal his personal vendetta to the king. He simply told him of these upstart willful people, who ought to be destroyed, and that he—personally—would contribute 10,000 talents of silver to the effort. Ahasuerus agreed and decreed a set date for the annihilation of all Jews
Trouble!
When the proclamation became known, Mordecai (and Jews everywhere) mourned. Mordecai sent word to Esther through one of the king’s Eunuchs, Hathach, to find out what was going on. Through Hathach, Mordecai encourages a reluctant Esther to intercede on the Jews’ behalf before the king. He says, “Don’t think that you will be exempt from the king’s decree. If you remain silent, deliverance will rise from somewhere else. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-14) Esther relents and asks Mordecai to gather all the Jews to fast and pray.
Tomorrow, I have both my knees replaced, which is a whole lot better than what will happen to Haman!
Your Bible brother,
Pastor Gary
At the beginning of chapter 3, Haman appears, and, almost immediately, we don’t like him. Xerxes promoted him above all the others in his court. Whenever he went about, everybody bowed to him, everybody, that is, except for Mordecai, who—as a Jew—could not bow to a human being as though he was God.
But this single act of non-compliance infuriated Haman, who had heard that Mordecai would not bow because he was a Jew. And so, he hatched a plot to destroy all the Jews—not just Mordecai. He did not reveal his personal vendetta to the king. He simply told him of these upstart willful people, who ought to be destroyed, and that he—personally—would contribute 10,000 talents of silver to the effort. Ahasuerus agreed and decreed a set date for the annihilation of all Jews
Trouble!
When the proclamation became known, Mordecai (and Jews everywhere) mourned. Mordecai sent word to Esther through one of the king’s Eunuchs, Hathach, to find out what was going on. Through Hathach, Mordecai encourages a reluctant Esther to intercede on the Jews’ behalf before the king. He says, “Don’t think that you will be exempt from the king’s decree. If you remain silent, deliverance will rise from somewhere else. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-14) Esther relents and asks Mordecai to gather all the Jews to fast and pray.
Tomorrow, I have both my knees replaced, which is a whole lot better than what will happen to Haman!
Your Bible brother,
Pastor Gary
Monday, May 12, 2014
MAY 12 ESTHER 1 & 2
Esther 1-2
We begin the week with Esther. Although Esther is famously the only book of the Bible that does not mention God, the sovereign hand of God is discernable throughout its pages. Written in 5th Century B.C. to the exiles who had not returned to Jerusalem, it tells the story of an insidious threat to the Jews, and how God (though He is not mentioned) brought them deliverance and victory.
Here are the main characters of the account (in order of appearance):
- Ahasuerus (Xerxes), king of Persia from 486-464 B.C.
- Vashti, queen of Persia.
- Mordecai, an exiled Jew, who had raised his younger cousin as a daughter.
- Esther, Mordecai’s “lovely and beautiful” younger cousin.
- Haman, the king’s prideful, hateful “second in command.”
The book begins in the 3rd year of his reign at a banquet before his historic defeat at the hands of the Greeks at Salamis in 479 B.C. The first two chapters of Esther set the stage.Ahasuerus is holding a banquet and desires the show off the wealth and wonders of Persia to those in attendance. When he summons his wife, Queen Vashti, to the banquet, she refuses to come. The king, in his anger, dethroned the queen and made a decree that women should obey their husbands. I guess that showed them!
After calming down, he set about to find a new queen, hosting something like a beauty pageant. Eligible women from throughout the realm were brought to the king, including Esther, who did not reveal that she was a Jew at Mordecai’s direction. Of course, she was chosen as the next queen.
Meanwhile, out of concern for Esther, Mordecai stayed close to the front gate of the king’s palace. One day, he overheard a plot against the king, told Esther, who informed the king, and the culprits were arrested and executed. This will be remembered!
Tomorrow, the villain bursts on the scene!
Your Bible brother,
Pastor Gary
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