Pastor Bob DuPar
August 18, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Esther 1:1-3:15; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 21:19-20

Observation

I thought it was interesting in Esther 2:12 that the girls which were chosen by King Xerxes as possible replacements to be his queen had to undergo 12 months of beauty treatments before they were brought into his presence. And, in Esther 3:15 after King Xerxes and Haman order the extermination of the Jews in all the provinces under Xerxes rule, they “sat down to drink.” Not much of a conscience or understanding of the ramifications of what had been decreed.

In 1 Corinthians 11:26 the phrase “you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” means that every time we participate in communion we testify that there is salvation in no other name, no other sacrifice, no other god.

Application

The application which I drew today came from the story of King Xerxes and Haman in Esther. A leader must know the facts and be more informed before he or she makes sweeping decisions and edicts which affect the lives of others. Xerxes trusted Haman explicitly – too much. He should have gathered more information and facts on the matter before he ignorantly wielded his power in senseless destruction.

Prayer

“God, thank You for stories like Esther which remind me of Your sovereign ability to work through all situations, circumstances and people for Your glory.”