King Ahasuerus promotes the wicked Haman to a position of great authority, demanding that all his servants bow down and pay homage to him. However, Mordecai, a faithful Jewish man and Esther's cousin, refuses to bow to Haman, infuriating the vengeful advisor. Learning of Mordecai's Jewish identity, Haman devises a plot to exterminate all the Jews throughout the Persian Empire. He casts lots (purim) to determine the day for their destruction.
When Mordecai hears of Haman's sinister plan, he mourns and pleads with Esther, now Queen of Persia, to intercede with the king on behalf of their people. Esther is initially hesitant due to the law that anyone approaching the king without invitation risks death, but Mordecai reminds her that she too will not be spared from Haman's wrath.
Esther bravely resolves to approach the king and calls for a three-day fast among the Jews to seek divine guidance and courage.
In John 13:34-35, Jesus gives his disciples a ‘new commandment.” In so doing, he lays the foundation for the formation of a group of...
We continue this week with some devotionals related to the celebration in the United States of Black History. We would argue that this month...
Fruit is the direct result of whatever controls our hearts. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is in direct contrast with the acts of...
