Overview of: EstherToday's Reading:
Esther 2:1-23
"Esther Chosen as Queen"
Focus Verses: Esther 2:10,17,21b-22
10 Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so. 17 Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 21b ...Two of the king's officers who guarded the doorway, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. 22 But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai.
Insight:
Out of all the young girls rounded up by Xerxes' court officials, a young Jewish girl, born during the exile, is chosen to be the new queen. Her adopted father (an older cousin), who is keeping an eye on the situation, just happens to be in the right place at the right time to overhear a plot to kill the King. Both of these life events seem pretty amazing in and of themselves, but as the story of Esther unfolds, we will see that these are just two threads in a much bigger tapestry God is weaving.
Response and Action:
I will live one day at a time trusting that God is at work for my future and for his good purposes. It's hard to know how the events of today will be woven into my future. Some things that seem important to me today may end up forgotten. Some things may be the just beginning of some bigger part of my unfolding story. Will someone I meet today become play an important role in my future? Will something I hear today turn out to be a crucial to me in years to come? Who knows? God knows. I will live for God today--seeking his will, living by his word, putting him first, giving Him honor--because I trust my future is in his hands.
O God, search me and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts. Help me to see and turn away from any hurtful or sinful way. I trust you with all my tomorrows. My future hope is in you. I will follow Jesus, trusting that you can use every step I take today to bring me safely into the bright tomorrow you have for those who love you. Amen.
Proverb for Today: Prov. 13:15
"Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard."
New Testament for Today: 1 Corinthians 2:7-9
7 No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"...
In Context: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
Recommended Reading:
Esther: Character Under Pressure
by Patty Pell
