Chapter 20 - The Queen of Beauty and Courage

Esther 1-9

Introduction to the Reading:The Book of Esther is awesome to read. It reads just like a novel. You have protagonists that you cheer for, a heinous villain, a beautiful queen, and an intriguing plot. And the awesomest (if that's a word) part is that it really happened! (It actually makes for a really good movie too! Check out "For those who want more" at the end for details.)

Today I recommend just reading and enjoying the story. We'll analyze and apply when you are done reading. But before you start turning the pages, I do want you just to take a mental note of one thing: how often is the Lord's name mentioned. Count the number of times "The Lord," or "God," or "The Almighty," or any other name for God is mentioned.

Before You Read - Background of the Book of Esther: The events we are going to read today take place roughly 40 years after the rebuilding of the temple was completed, which we read about last week. The time line is extended from last week to give you a better idea:

So what can we tell from this timeline? (Other than giving away the fact that Esther will become Queen - sorry for a bit of a spoiler there. Don't worry, that's just the beginning of the book.) Well politically there haven't been any big shifts in power.  The Persians are still on top of the political heap. There is, however, a new ruler on the throne. Not only is Jerusalem quite a ways away physically from the Persian capitol of Susa, but even if Xerxes had been born at the time of the temple rebuilding, he was just a boy. While a number of Jews are still living in Jerusalem and the surrounding area, there are still a large number scattered throughout the Middle East. In the book of Esther we turn our focus from Jerusalem to Susa, the capitol of Persia. And we meet a king whose most trusted advisors, if he were living today, would be Jim, Jack, & Johnny. 

When You're Done Reading - Thoughts to Ponder: So what did you think? Isn't it a fun book to read? So now that we are through, how many times is God's name mentioned? Well maybe I missed one, but I didn't see his name mentioned once. That's quite odd for a book of the Bible. With that said, do you have any doubt if God was involved in seeing things work out for his people? As you look back, it's so clearly evident that God had everything under control! Evil was avenged. God's people were saved. The Lord got the glory!

Yet, to compare it to our lives, how often doesn't your life feel a bit like Esther's? Does it seem like God is missing? This past week I was finishing up a night stand that I am building for my wife.  The support for the drawer broke twice before I got it right the third time.  Was that God's doing? What was his plan? I don't know! God didn't plaster his name all over the broken pieces or the piece that finally worked to tell me that he had a plan. What's God's plan with the pine beetles in the Hills, the dry summer and the relatively dry winter? Beats me!  It’s snowing outside my window right now… How does that work into God's plan? We often want to know the details. We want to know exactly what God is up to. Yet he doesn't tell us. 

We want to see miracles, just to know that God has things under control. This week my daughters requested that I tell them the story of Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41). You know: Jesus and his disciples are out on a boat. Jesus is sleeping when a storm comes up. Afraid, his disciples wake him up. First he rebukes the wind and the waves, then he rebukes them. In the end, what they fear the most is Jesus (with a reverent fear that is). So I'm thinking, "Wouldn't it be awesome to see that!" 

Yet as I thought about it, isn't the Lord teaching us the same lesson by having each of these events recorded in scripture? He's telling us, "Trust me! I've got things under control! "

Maybe we don't see with the clarity that we want exactly how God is directing the day to day affairs of our life. Maybe we don't see God's name written all over the events of our day. Esther and Mordecai didn't know how God would use them. Yet as they looked back and as we look back at their lives, it's all too evident that God was indeed involved. As I look back at my life and all the times I didn't know what God was up to, in retrospect I see that he was with me all the way. He keeps telling me and telling you, "Trust me! I've got things under control! "

Prayer/Hymn: 

By Edward Hooper

Jesus, Savior, pilot me 

over life's tempestuous sea; 

unknown waves before me roll, 

hiding rock and treacherous shoal. 

Chart and compass come from thee; 

Jesus, Savior, pilot me. 

As a mother stills her child, 

thou canst hush the ocean wild; 

boisterous waves obey thy will, 

when thou sayest to them, "Be still!" 

Wondrous sovreign of the sea, 

Jesus, Savior, pilot me. 

When at last I near the shore, 

and the fearful breakers roar 

'twixt me and the peaceful rest, 

then, while leaning on thy breast, 

may I hear thee say to me, 

"Fear not, I will pilot thee.

For those who like more:

Alright, want to watch a movie this weekend? Why not watch the story of Esther? And I'm talking about a quality film production! From one review, "The story was faithful to the Bible but the film also created an imaginative background that allows us to envision the time in which Esther lived."

Netflix (Sorry, not streaming)

Amazon

And if you aren't crazy about the details, there is also the Veggie Tails version (I can't say I've seen it personally so I can't comment on the accuracy....).

Amazon

Chapter 19 - The Return Home

Ezra 1-6

Haggai 1-2,

Zechariah 1, 8

Before You Read - Background to the Reading: For the next three weeks, we will be reading about the time period after the Israelites exile in Babylon. It's a time period, to be honest with you, that I'm not very familiar with myself. Sure I've read these parts of the Bible before, but I just don't know them as well as other portions. Maybe it's because in school we always got to this part of the Old Testament right before summer break. Or maybe it's because there aren't the memorable miracles like Moses dividing the Red Sea or Elisha raising a person from the dead. Either way, I needed a bit of an overview. So here’s a helpful timeline:

At the very end of our reading last week, there was a new world power that had taken the stage: Persia. What had looked like the end of the story, we will hear this week was just the beginning. With a new sheriff in town, so to speak, the Israelites are going to have a chance to come home. After 70 years, things are going to be quite a bit different. You can just imagine the grandparents reminiscing during the trip home about "the good ol' days." We know things hadn't been that good before they left, but now there was a chance at a fresh start. That's exactly what we need sometimes: a fresh start.

Time to Slow it Down - Middle of page 266 after Commentary: Well the Israelites got right to work when they got home. No, things weren't as glamorous as the days of Solomon's Temple: you can just picture the chaos as some people cheer with excitement while others cry thinking how wimpy the new temple is compared to the old. Yet it was a step in the right direction: the people, moved by God's love, built a temple for his glory and offered him their first fruits. It was exactly the fresh start they needed. 

But soon the moment came to a screeching halt. The work on the temple slowed until nothing was happening. Is there a building project half finished that you drive by on a regular basis? What message do you get as you pass by? You can just imagine kids who remember walking by the temple ever since they were infants who are now teenagers, looking at the work just sitting idle. There are saws and boulders just lying there. What message did they get as they walked by?  But like lighter fluid on a campfire (which I do not recommend, for the record,) their desire was hot for a moment, but soon fizzled until all that was left was a smoldering pile. 

Can you relate? I can. How often I have started things with great zeal only to let them fall idle.  And what kind of a message did that give to you in 2012?  What I needed at the end of the year was a breeze: gentle breeze blowing on smoldering coals. The Holy Spirit was that breeze, working through the Word. As he spoke to the Jews in the days of Zerubbabel, he spoke to me and perhaps he speaks specifically to you as well.  He asks us what is really important. Then with his words of love he renews our zeal....

When You're Done Reading - Thoughts to Ponder:

Interesting how everything came together, isn't it? What spurred the people on to finish the temple? A little opposition! What got the people the supplies they needed? A little opposition! It's like the Lord had it all planned out...maybe that's because he did!

So have you hit opposition in your life? How did you respond? Even more importantly, have you encountered opposition in your faith life? Has someone challenged your faith or how you put your faith into action? Now is the time to put that faith to work! Sometimes when we face opposition or we struggle in our faith, we may feel like God is abandoning us. Yet as I look back in my life, it is usually those times that the Lord is using whatever challenge that I face as a catalyst to grow my faith. 

The doctrines of scripture that I've struggled with the most, are the very ones that I now run to for comfort when I feel my sin. For example, for a long time I struggled grasping how the Lord could work through water, bread, and wine in the Sacraments. My faith was challenged whenever I tried to rationalize how God could work through simple earthly things. Yet when I came to realize that what made these earthy things actual Means of Grace was God's promise connected to them, then the Sacraments became my source of comfort. Every time I go to the Lord's Supper or see a reminder of my baptism, I find peace in God's Grace in these Means of Grace. What doctrines have you struggled with? What truths of Scripture have you found yourself debating with friends or co-workers? Use these challenges as catalysts to dig into the Word.

The Lord wants us to be happy. But I've come to know that his primary goal isn't that we are happy just in this life, but that we have happiness forever with him in heaven. Sometimes he shakes us up a bit so that we re-focus our priorities. Sometimes the Lord needs to knock us on our backs for us to start looking up. Just as Jesus would be the greater glory that would someday fill the earthly city of Jerusalem, we have the promise that one day we will see Jesus' glory fill the eternal city of God in heaven.

Hymn of the Day/Prayer:

Words: Ge­org M. Pfef­fer­korn, 1667 ; trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Au­gust Crull, 1923.

What is the world to me,
With all its vaunted pleasure
When You, and You alone,
Lord Jesus, are my Treasure!
You only, dearest Lord,
My soul’s Delight shall be;
You are my Peace, my Rest—
What is the world to me? 


What is the world to me?
My Jesus is my Treasure,
My Life, my Health, my Wealth,
My Friend, my Love, my Pleasure,
My Joy, my Crown, my All,
My Bliss eternally.
Once more, then, I declare—
What is the world to me?

Chapter 17 - The Kingdom's Fall

2 Kings 21, 23-25

2 Chronicles 33, 36,
Jeremiah 1-2, 4-5, 13, 21
Lamentations 1-3, 5
Ezekiel 1-2, 6-7, 36-37

Introduction to the Reading: 

Have you ever seen an accident happen?  Perhaps it seemed like slow motion, but in just a second it’s over.  You remember certain details, but certain things you maybe don’t even notice. 

Today we are going to read about what you might call a train wreck. As you turn the pages, you can see it coming. The train is flying down the tracks, headed right for disaster, and you know what lies ahead, but there seems to be nothing to stop it. In fact, the Lord himself through the prophets tells with accuracy exactly what is going to happen, yet we are headed right towards disaster. 

While this chapter can be quite depressing, there is something that we can learn. Just like car makers and insurance companies watch accidents in slow motion and analyze data from car wrecks so that they can learn from them and hopefully prevent injuries in the future, we too can learn from the fall of Judah and take lessons for our lives. 

While You Read - Following the Timeline:

   Dates                               Prophets                                             Kings               World Powers

		NAHUM    (Destruction of Ninevah)		Manasseh ·       Son of Hezekiah ·       Restores idols, high places, Baal & Ashteroth, worship of stars, altars in temple, Moloch, astrology, and diviners ·       Every day killed some believers ·       Taken into captivity by Babylon; repents; freed and returns to Jerusalem ·       Removes idols; returns to worship of the Lord ·       Son Amon rules 2 years; wicked; killed by servants	Assyria
660 B.C.
	ZEPHANIAH (Repentance to Judah; eventual downfall of enemies; restoration)
640 B.C.				Josiah ·       Given crown by people at age 8; line of David ·       Faithful to the Lord ·       Purges ALL FORMS of idolatry in Judah and former Israel ·       Repairs temple; book of the Law found; Passover celebrated ·       Huldah prophecies that Jerusalem would be destroyed; Josiah would die young and be spared grief ·       Tries to prevents Egypt from aiding Assyria; killed in battle while young according to prophecy of Hulday ·       Lamentation of people ·       Jehoahaz made king by people; Imprisoned by Necho and dies in Egypt
			Huldah (prophetess; Josiah’s death)
620 B.C.	HABAKUK (Repentance to Judah)	JEREMIAH (Lamentations)			Babylon
				Jehoiakim ·       Made king and given name by Necho of Egypt ·       Evil ·       Paid tribute to Egypt and Babylon ·       Deported by Nebuchadnezzar ·       Son Jehoiachin briefly rules; invaded by Babylon; Royalty taken into captivity; temple plundered; made King of Babylon’s vassal; lamp of David flickering in Babylon
600 B.C.				Zedekiah ·       Son of Josiah ·       Made puppet king by Nebuchadnezzer ·       Plots against Babylon; warned by Jeremiah not to do so; attacked by Nebuchadnezzar; Jerusalem put under siege ·       Defeated; taken to Babylon; eyes plucked out ·       Judah destroyed and most inhabitants taken into captivity
	DANIEL (Prophet and Royal Advisor in Babylon)		EZEKIEL (Priest-prophet; dry bones and humongous temple)

586 B.C.

When You're Done Reading - Thoughts to Ponder:

Let’s review:

·                     Of the kings we read about, in your opinion, which was the worse? Why?

·                     What reasons did the prophets give as to why they weren't able to proclaim the word of the Lord? How did the Lord respond to each excuse? What excuses do you give?

·                     Of all the sins of the Jews, the trespass of which commandment did the prophets preach against the most in our lesson? Why do you think that is?

·                     If you had to pick portions of scripture that give comfort, what verses would they be? 

Prayer/Hymn:

By: Johann Franck

Lord, to you I make confession:
I have sinned and gone astray,
I have multiplied transgression,
Chosen for myself my way.
Led by you to see my errors,
Lord, I tremble at your terrors.

Though my conscience’ voice appall me,
Father, I will seek your face;
Though your child I dare not call me,
Yet receive me in your grace.
Do not for my sins for sake me;
Let your wrath not overtake me.

Your son came to suffer for me,
Gave himself to rescue me,
Died to heal me and restore me,
Reconciled and set me free.
Jesus’ cross alone can vanquish
These dark fears and soothe this anguish.

Lord, on you I cast my burden.
Sink it to the depths below.
Let me know your gracious pardon,
Wash me, make me white as snow.
Let your Spirit leave me never;
Make me only yours forever.

Chapter 16 - The Beginning of the End

2 Kings 17-19

Isaiah 3, 6, 13-14, 49, 53

Introduction to the Reading: I just finished my wife’s Christmas present… well half of it.  She wanted matching night stands for our bedroom.  The first one is done.  As I was building it, I was so thankful for the tools that I have collected over the years.   I can think of at least twelve separate tools that I used on this particular project.  It is possible to make things without some of them, but the end product is not nearly as nice and it doesn't come as easily. 

It's amazing how easy things are to do when you have the right tools. Things go better when you use the right tools. However, that doesn't mean that we always pick the right tools for the job.

We start off our reading hear about the deportation and annihilation of the Northern tribes of Israel. They definitely didn't pick the right tools: They practiced false religions. They trusted in alliances with nations like Egypt instead of the Lord. They didn't use the toolbox of God's commands.

As I worked on the night stand over the past few weeks, there were times that things didn't go exactly smoothly. Usually it was because I had gone about a challenge with the wrong tool or not the best tool.  In a way, I tried to make a certain tool fit the problem.  How often don't we reach for the wrong tools in our life, instead of reaching out to the Lord for help!

Breaks Along the Journey - p. 224: As I read this section, I couldn't help but compare it to any and every news story about trouble in the Middle East and nations like Iran and North Korea building bigger and better missiles all the time.  Reporters always talk about our military presence in the areas and our readiness.  But never in the discussion do they talk about praying to the Lord like Hezekiah did. Our nation hasn't completely forgotten the Lord. I still remember the fervent prayers after 9/11, but isn't it interesting how quickly we forget what the most important tools are in our toolbox?

Yet what an amazing display that the Lord gave the people of Judah! Was there any doubt as to whom the glory belonged? He didn't just help his people - he conquered the enemy all on his own. You can just picture Sennacherib scurrying home with his tail between his legs whimpering. The battle is the Lord's!

Slowing it Down - p. 225: Speaking of using the right tools, what do you use to get oil based stain off your hands?  I usually use some GOJO with pumice in it, but as I sit and work on this nightstand right where my car usually sits, I can’t help but think about changing the oil  It’s really amazing how nicely oil will clean your hands.  You wouldn't think that dirty oil will clean your hands, but it makes sense when you think about it: oil is filled with detergents so that it keeps your motor from getting too dirty.   Or think about ashes.  They get all over everything when you need to move the grill or fire pit.  It's the last thing you would think of for cleaning. Yet what do they give someone in the emergency room who has just drank a harmful substance? Liquid charcoal! It's a mess, but it absorbs all the toxic chemicals in the stomach.

Isaiah realizes he is not clean. He has a vision in which he is standing before the throne of God. Isaiah knows he is a sinner. He knows he can't stand in the presence of God. He cries out, "Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the king, the Lord Almighty!"

So what does Isaiah need? What tool will solve his problem? Charcoal! An angel flies from the altar with a coal and touches his lips. What a strange picture to us, especially since we don't have many burnt offerings anymore. (At least I haven't been to any burnt offerings lately!) How would something dirty like coal make him clean? And yet if you realize that the sacrifice on the altar was a sign to God's people that their sins were taken away by the shedding of blood and that this was a sign to Isaiah that the sacrifice made on the altar applied to him personally, you understand what an amazing picture this is. 

As strange as it may sound, these are some of my favorite verses of scripture. One of the reasons is because they make me think of communion. Now Isaiah isn't specifically picturing the Lord's Supper, but I can't help but think about communion whenever I read these words of Isaiah. Think of the similarities: (First of all, it's interesting to note that in the traditional liturgy, right before the words of Institution, we sing "Holy, holy, holy Lord God of heavenly hosts: heaven and earth are full of your glory." Sound familiar?) In the Lord's Supper, Christ, the ultimate sacrifice for sin, touches our lips. The Lord's Supper is a sign for us that the sacrifice that was made on the altar of the cross applies to us and seals forgiveness for us personally. Luther, as he explains the sacrament, writes, "What blessings do we receive through this eating and drinking? That is shown us by these words: 'Given' and 'poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins.' Through these words we receive forgiveness of sins, life and salvation in this sacrament. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation." 

And where there is forgiveness of sins, a sanctified desire to do good works naturally follows. Did you notice that Isaiah's lips that he was formerly ashamed of he now offers willingly for service to God? When the Lord asks, "Who will go for us?" I see Isaiah jumping up and down, flailing his arms and saying, "Oh, oh, me! Me! I'll do it! Pick me!" What a change of attitude from a man formerly terrified in God's presence.

Does the same hold true for us? Maybe we come to worship plagued by our sins in the last week. Perhaps you've heard the message of forgiveness during the sermon and perhaps even heard pastor say, "I forgive you all of your sins," at the beginning of the service after the confession. Yet, for whatever reason, you think, "Well he can't really be talking to me. He might be talking to that family in front of me. I know they are sinners, but they are really nice people. God could forgive them. But I know me. I know that I'm a mess. I'm too terrible for God to forgive me."

But then you make your way to the Lord's Supper. You stand before the altar of God. Here you are in his presence as you gather with other worshipers. And what happens? He gives you his body and blood together with the bread and wine. Yes, you! The sacrifice touches your lips. The forgiveness is for you! 

I don't know about you, but when I walk away from the Lord's Supper it's an amazing feeling. I want to cry out with Isaiah, "Here I am! Send me! Send me!"

When You're Done Reading - Thoughts to Ponder:
The book of Isaiah is often called the "Gospel according to Isaiah." We often talk about the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), which account the life of Christ. In addition, over one third of the Old Testament lessons during the Festival portions of our Church year (Advent to Pentecost) come from the book of Isaiah. Why would someone who wrote over 600 years before Jesus lived be grouped with those who wrote the histories of Jesus' life after he lived? And why would the book of Isaiah be read so much in our churches? Well after you've read our chapter today, I don't think I need to explain. Do I? Isn't it crazy how specific Isaiah gets in talking about the Savior who was still to come? Through the Holy Spirit, Isaiah's prophecies give details as precise as those who actually walked and talked with Jesus and the apostles. 

It's interesting, from a lower story perspective, the "Savior" that Isaiah pictures. Of all the tools that the people were looking for to solve their problem, is this one they would have reached for? "No beauty...despised and rejected...Like one from whom people hide their faces... stricken and afflicted....cut off from the land of the living...crush him and cause him to suffer." This isn't exactly the "hero" the Israelites were anticipating. Yet as we will find out in coming chapters, he was perfect for the job!

It's also interesting to me, especially as we read the Bible chronologically like we are doing, that Isaiah's words come at the most unexpected time from a lower story perspective. The nation of Israel is on the brink of destruction. Isaiah himself says that they are going to be destroyed! Things look dismal at best. Yet in spite of the dark storm clouds on the horizon for God's chosen nation, the Gospel is shining brighter and clearer than ever. At the most unexpected time, God gives some of the most specific prophesies about the coming Messiah.

Have you had dark days? Does it even seem that darker days lie ahead? From a lower story perspective, we often feel that life is pretty dismal. Yet in the midst of the darkness, the light of the Gospel is shining brightly. God's upper story is still moving along: his plan to rescue us from this world of sin and bring us home to heaven is as certain as ever. When it feels like the Lord may have forgotten you, his words are still true, "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she had borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!" On the last day of this word, Isaiah's prophecy will find its ultimate fulfillment, "Then all mankind will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."

Prayer/Hymn:

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see; Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee, Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea; Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!