It is a truly unique blessing to be reading through Esther. I have always held Esther one my favorite book in the  Bible. This time through the book I am excited to read the text with more thought and reflection. Why do I like the book of Esther so much? Why do I find so much hope and encouragement in the book? The story of Esther has been given the Hollywood movie treatment with One Night With the King, a movie that I have become fond of. How will the glamorized movie presentation of Esther compare to the truth of Scripture?

In Esther 1 and 2 it was surprising how the nation of Persia behaved under the rule of king Ahasuerus. The picture portrayed in Esther 1 tells about how the people celebrated the greatness of their king for over half a year. This isn’t that a little too indulgent? Was this indulgence due to an unchecked pride? King Ahasuerus seems to be eager to present himself as a great and splendid king to everyone in his nation, so he all too willingly takes the advice of his wise men. What does such lust say about the motives and desires of the Persian nations? What are your motives and desires in life? Are your motives characterized by lust? When wrong is done in sinning will committing further sin make it amends? When lust is a motivating factor in a persons life it becomes a cascading life of sin as more sin is committed to fulfill lusts appetite. Continue Reading…