06/19/20 THE BOOK OF ESTHER IN 24 CPs — At the suggestion of a FB friend, I searched for and was amazed to find my long-lost Esther lessons I mentioned previously. When I’ve finished sharing them here, I’ll include a link where anyone who is interested can find the documents.

In the fall of 1998 I had been a PASTOR for only SIX MONTHS! The theme for See You At The Pole that year was “For Such A Time As This” from Est.4:14. I preached two sermons about this thrilling account of God’s PROVIDENCE. This had also been my very first public sermon in 1990—about 33 points, all 2 word phrases, 1st word starting with “C”, 2nd “P” !? [Over time I seem to have “lost” a few of the (hopefully) superfluous points]

The last three books of OT History—Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther—compose A Post-Babylonian Exile Trilogy: Ezra (man, priest, returned from Babylon to Israel), Nehemiah (man, layman, stayed and returned), and Esther (woman, stayed in Persia/Babylon)—a fascinating study in CONTRASTS!

God, Worship, and Prayer are mentioned ZERO times in Esther! BUT, LOOK OUT! Just as in your life and mine, GOD IS ALWAYS THERE, busily working out His will, either THROUGH us or IN SPITE of us!

The Feast of the PURIM (lots or DICE) is still celebrated by Orthodox Jews—they cheer whenever Esther or Mordecai is mentioned, boo and hiss for Haman. STAY TUNED…