Super proud of our youth again today. Our adventure/service took us to the Ohio Bird Sanctuary just outside of Mansfield, Ohio. Our task was to weed a butterfly garden. Can’t say any of us knew the difference between the “good” plants and “bad” plants. Either way we made a huge difference in pulling something “green” from the butterfly garden. We also had the joy of feeding some injured birds in one of their enclosed walk though cages. What a blessing. Our evening took us to the rock wall. Most of our youth were brave enough to take on the 30 foot wall and zip line. Way to go! We closed our day in small groups where they were asked to read the Psalm together and then share their thoughts. This is what they had to say:

Today’s readings:
Psalm 26-31

Psalm 26

The youth’s interpretation:
We should stay true to God and not go along with the crowed. We should continually ask for God’s protection, and God will continue to give it to us.

Psalm 27

The youth’s interpretation:
God will always be there for us. God will always take care of us. God continually gives us courage and confidence to make us stronger.

Psalm 28

The youth’s interpretation:
Hear me God, because I’ve done good! I don’t want to be (an I”m not) like those who have done bad.

Psalm 29

The youth’s interpretation:
These words summarize the great things God does for us. We should all try to follow in God’s footsteps.

Psalm 30

The youth’s interpretation:
No matter how bad things my be . . . joy will come to you . . . because God is with you.

Psalm 31

The youth’s interpretation:
We love, trust, and follow you. Please save us from those evil people.

My Thoughts:

I didn’t make too many notes as the youth were trying to dig in to God’s word themselves. But a few things are note worthy in the last three Psalms. Psalm 29 calls on the name of the Lord and reveals the power of God’s voice. What would you hear if you heard God calling? How does God speak? What does God sound like. Is it mighty and loud, or soft and compassionate? Listen as God is still speaking . . .

There is one verse in Psalm 30 that speaks well to me, verse 5:

For is anger is but for a moment;
his favor is for a lifetime.

What a great summary of the love and mindset of God. Does God get upset when we do something wrong? Sure. Yet, thanks be to God, that moment of disappointment only last for a moment! For we then quickly return to the loving embrace of a compassionate parent.

As you read through Psalm 31, one verse should sound familiar. Check out verse 5. These are Jesus final words from the cross. Isn’t it reassuring to know Jesus knew the scriptures! Even at that, the rest of the Psalm speaks of anguish and suffering. Certainly as Jesus spoke these final words to us, he knew first hand the anguish and pain of the cross as he died for you and me.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Wednesday, June 19: Psalm 32-35 
Thursday, June 20: Psalm 36-39 
Friday, June 21: Psalm 40-45
Saturday, June 22: Psalm 46-50
Sunday, June 23: Psalm 51-57
Monday, June 24: Psalm 58-65

What a joy it is to spend with the High School and Middle School youth of First Lutheran. Our first full day at Lutheran Memorial Camp was great. We spent the morning and early afternoon with the ladies of Advent Lutheran learning about their quilting program for Lutheran World Relief. They brought samples expecting us to learn and be curious. By the day we had two full quilts fully assembled!! We even had a few of our guys behind the sewing machine. I was impressed!! The rest of our day took us to the archery range, pool, campfire, and allowed time to spend with friends new and old. Of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without mud. There is plenty of that as rain continues to fall on Ohio. Our prayers go out to our farmers and those who make a living off the land. Our night ended with conversation on the Psalms, and rather than simply read and reflect, we challenged each other with some interesting questions. Here’s what they had to say:

Our reading today:
Psalm 21 – Psalm 25

Psalm 21

Verse 7 says that the “king (shall) trust in the Lord.” What if our leaders placed their trust in God? The world would be:

• Better
• Different
• Gentle
• Peaceful
• Thing would run smoother

Why don’t our leaders put their trust in God?

• Because they are selfish
• They think they are better than God.
• They have too much power
• They think they are God.

All in all they felt it was better to rely on God, hence the them to their cabin banner:
Y’all need Jesus!

One comical/practical footnote came out of Psalm 21 and our archery lesson. Verse 12, “you will aim at their faces with your bows.” Please, don’t do that! Number one rule, do not aim at anyone!!!

Psalm 22

This is a familiar Psalm to us as we read it every year on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday. These words help us to recall the suffering of Christ. Here’s were our youth saw Jesus in these words:

• They cast lots for his clothing. V. 18
• All who see me mock me. V. 7
• My hands and feet have shriveled up. V. 16
• Son of God from birth. V. 10
• I am poured out like water. V. 14
• He has done it. V. 31
• They stare and gloat over me. V. 17
• My mouth is dried up. V. 15

Overall, our youth felt there was a “creepy vibe” to these words, as lions are tearing things open, tongues stick to the roof of their mouth, hearts are melting like wax, and death is seen in nearly every word.

Psalm 23

From Palm 22, we go into the 23 Psalm, one of the most memorized and familiar passages of the Bible. Here are “Happy Vibes”!

Good things happen, and we nearly seem invincible because God is with us. We are all common, protected, and loved. Even our enemies??? That part we struggle with. Can we poison them? I was asked. No! Instead God invites all all to dine at the table together. So we are challenged by that image, yet realize that God loves them too.

One word of warnings, especially for Camp Life: The still waters, are flowing, and if you step into them your boots are going to get full of mud and gook.

Psalm 24

Lift up your heads, O Gates!
Be lifted up, O ancient doors!
That the King of Glory may come in.
(V. 7 & 9)

Repeated this Psalm asks the question, “Who is the King of Glory?” The first time we read through the Psalm as a group, the inflection was spot on, you could hear the question. I think it actually was a question. “Who is this” that we want to welcome in? God of course! Our task is to open the gates and doors of our lives so that God can enter in.

We have to remember that these words were written in a day when city walls and guarded gates were real. They provided protection. They kept people out, and they kept people in. As an image of the day and time, it makes sense to the early readers/hearers to open the gates so that God, could come in. While the same image might not work for us it sounds better than “opening your garage door!”

Psalm 25

Two constant images appear here, especially in verse 14:

The friendship of the Lord
is for those who fear him.

So what does it mean to be a friend with God?

• We like God, God likes us
• We can confined in God.
• We follow where God leads/guides
• We trust God
• We love God

Then what does it mean to fear God?

• We should respect God
• We need to obey what God says
• God is like a parent (we need to respect/obey them)
• We don’t want God to be disappointed, so we try our best.

All in all, great insight on behalf of our youth. Keep their in your prayers as we continue to work, worship, serve, and study together this week!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Tuesday, June 18: Psalm 26-31 
Wednesday, June 19: Psalm 32-35 
Thursday, June 20: Psalm 36-39 
Friday, June 21: Psalm 40-45
Saturday, June 22: Psalm 46-50
Sunday, June 23: Psalm 51-57

Today’s reading:
Psalms 17 – 20

I have the pleasure this week of spending it with nine of our youth from First Lutheran on a week of service, mission and fun at Lutheran Memorial Camp. For our evening time together, we shared the Psalms with one another. It was a rewarding read, and I asked for their comments as we reflected together. Here is some of their insight:

Psalm 17

Guard me as the apple of the eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
v. 8

There is a sense of God’s protection in these words, as God continues to give second chances. We need to remember that some people aren’t always on our side, so we have to deal with it, but don’t be rude to those who are rude because it’s not worth it. In the end God will protect us, because we have obeyed him.

Psalm 18

The response from our youth was, “that was long.” At 50 verses it is the longest Psalm we have encountered so far. In it our youth hear:

• Words of praise
• A sense of redirection. (V. 20 He as recompensed me).
• With God, we can do all things.

Then there is the tie in to a familiar song often sung at camp. Although we haven’t sung it yet. It is highlighted in the opening and closing verses:

I will call upon the Lord. (I will call upon the Lord)
Who is worthy to be praise (Who is worthy to be praised)
So shall I be saved from my enemies. (So shall I be saved from ny enemies)
The Lord liveth, and blessed be the rock
And may the God of our Salvation be exulted.
The Lord liveth, and blessed be the rock,
And may the God of our salvation be exulted!

Last thoughts, came in the description of God found in verses 7 through 15. Scary stuff. Some honestly wondered if this was Satan. No, not the case. Instead a mighty description of the power of God that David needed and called on in times of trouble.

Psalm 19

Many of the though noticed the title “For the Musician” and quickly noted, “where is the music.” The closest we came was in verses 3 and 4 where “the voice” goes out, but no words are spoken. While music may/may not be spoken, the description of God is awe inspiring: finer than Gold and pure than honey in the comb!

On a personal note, I reflected with the youth on the closing verses, that often helps o sharpe my sermons. While many pastors say this as a prayer before their message, these words are constantly on my mind as I go about the ministry of God:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
v. 14

Psalm 20

Our youth quickly noted that this would be a great Psalm to read in times of war, especially for the commanding officers. There is victory, strength, guidance and direction. All things needed from God, especially when in harms way.

Great insight from our youth. Glad I can share it with you, and I am looking forward to reading more with them in the days ahead.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Monday, June 17: Psalm 21-25 
Tuesday, June 18: Psalm 26-31 
Wednesday, June 19: Psalm 32-35 
Thursday, June 20: Psalm 36-39 
Friday, June 21: Psalm 36-39
Saturday, June 22: Psalm 40-45

Today’s Reading:
Saturday, June 15: Psalm 9-16

Psalm 9

The wicked shall depart to Sheol. (v. 17)

There’s a happy image! What is Sheol? In our modern interpenetration, we would say “Hell.” However our modern understanding of Hell is much different from the Sheol of days gone by. For those hearing the Psalm in the days in which it was written, Sheol was the fringe of town. It was the local garbage dump. It was the sewage substation. It was the home of the outcast and the diseased. It was not a happy place. In fact the fires of our modern day understand of Hell might seem like a bit of a vacation from Sheol. So let the wicked depart and have a nice trip!

Psalm 10

Some earlier versions of the Bible link Psalms 9 and 10 together, as they combine the image of bringing down the wicked and putting them in their place. In the midst of the oppression of the word we proclaim as the Psalmist once did, “Rise up, O Lord God, lift up your hand; do not forget the oppressed!” (V. 12)

Psalm 11

I love the imagery in this Psalm. I can image David “fleeing like a bird to the mountain” and from his place of refuge overlooking Jerusalem. There reflecting on God’s greatness and the Tabernacle below, proclaiming in wonder, “The Lord is in his holy Temple.”

Psalm 12

If there are words for us that still speak today, perhaps we would cry out the words of Psalm 12:

Help, O Lord, for there is no longer anyone who is godly;
The faithful have disappeared from humankind.
They utter lies to each other;
With flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

Psalm 13

It’s always exciting, as a Pastor, when you read scripture and find portions that are used throughout the worship service. Psalm 13 has a phrase that comes up on Good Friday as part of the Solemn Reproaches. Hard words to ponder as we take in the mystery of the Crucified and Risen one, “Consider and answer me, O Lord my God!”

Here, much like Good Friday, the Psalmist longs for God’s presence and asks over and over again, “How long?” How long will you abandon me? How long will I be in pain? How long will my enemies persecute me. How long, O Lord? Even in our hardest days, we may recite Psalm 13, yet let us remember our hardest days, do not compare to the trials Jesus faced on the Cross.

Psalm 14

While Psalms 9 & 10 refer to the “wicked” here Psalm 14 refers to the “fools”. Biblical wisdom literature often equates these to the same individuals. Either way, verse 3 provides a good summary for our wicked fools.

They have all gone astray,
they are all alike perverse;
Ther is no on who does good,
No, not one.

Psalm 15

Psalm 15 asked who is worthy to abide in the house of God? People who speak truth. People who do no evil. People who despise the wicked. People who stand by the truth. Even in this short Psalm, the list goes on. While the Psalmist makes room for good honest people to be able to walk in the house of God, I would say, without the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, none of us would be worthy enough or able to walk in the light of God.

Psalm 16

Together we find peace and security in the hands of God. Fitting words as I prepare to travel with our Mission Trip Youth.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
In the night also my hearts istructs me.
I keep the Lord, always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
My body also rest secure.
(V. 7-9)

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Sunday, June 16: Psalm 17-20
Monday, June 17: Psalm 21-25
Tuesday, June 18: Psalm 26-31
Wednesday, June 19: Psalm 32-35
Thursday, June 20: Psalm 36-39
Friday, June 21: Psalm 36-39
Saturday, June 22: Psalm 40-45

Today’s Reading:
Psalm 1 – 8

For the next month, we will spend our time reading through the Psalms. Typically we’ll read 3 – 5 a day. If at all possible, I’d encourage you to read them at different times throughout the day. This way they don’t all blend togehter adn you can apperciate the message of each Psalm as it is written.

Also remember these are songs that were often sung, its poetry written from the heart. All in all, this is the hymnal of ancient Israel. I don’t expect you to sing them, but keep that in mind as you read, and maybe it will help bring their message to life.

Psalm 1

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked . . .
their delight is in the lay of the Lord . . .
They are like trees planted by streams of water.

In our recent trip out west, you could always tell where there was water as we were driving through the desert. How? Somewhere in the midst of the beautiful shades of brown and red sand and rock, greenery would appear. Trees would stand tall. Life was found. Most of us are familiar with the image of a desert. Can’t say we saw anything quit as beautiful as the Hollywood movie version, instead, we saw natures version which was beautiful in its own way. Yet, as the Psalmist sings, we can recall that image as the people of God. Gathered by the River of Life. Living in the joys that only God can give. The rest of the world, “They are like chaff, that the wind drives away.”

Psalm 2

While this Psalm was likely written by David as he was anointed King of Israel, there are images of Christ present . . .

“You are my son; today I have begotten you . . .
I will make the nations your heritage
and the ends of the earth your possession.”

With one mighty ruler, be it David, or ultimately Christ, nations will fall, kings will bow down, and all will be happy if they seek refuge in the one provided by God.

Psalm 3

Here is our first reminder that the Psalms were songs. As you are reading you may find the word “Selah” inserted every few verses. Other Bibles (or hymnals) insert an R. While the meaning is unclear in the Hebrew text in which it was written, many believe this was a phrase to tell the reader to repeat the opening verse, much like a refrain in today’s music.

This particular Psalm was written while David is living in fear. He is on the run, there may even be a price on his head. (2 Samuel 15-18) As David laments, he cries out, “O Lord, how many are my foes?” You can sense his longing, fear, and the depth of his concern, especially when you repeat that phrase over and over again at each refrain. “O Lord, how many are my foes?” Then to know that those foes have been diminished as the Psalm comes to a close, “Deliverance belongs to the Lord; may your blessing be on your people!”

Psalm 4

Even as the Psalmist pleas for help, comfort and deliverance comes to those who trust in the Lord. Peace is found in God:

I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O lord, make me lie down in safety.

Psalm 5

Much like Psalm 4, there is a great image of safety and well being that is found in God. The closing verses sing the psalm well:

Let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let the ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
So that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
you cover them with favor as with a shield.

Psalm 6

Can you sense the longing. The Psalmist who wrote these words is either deeply wounded or very ill. Even while in anguish, God is still there!

I am languishing . . .
Heal me . . .
My bones are shaking with terror . . .
In death . . .
I am weary . . .
My eyes waste away . . .
(Yet) the Lord has read my supplications

Psalm 7

One can only wonder if the story of Job was a basis for the words of Psalm 7. Sin, repentance, destruction, pleas: “If I had done this.” It all sounds vaguely familiar as we just finished reading through Job. While the foot notes in my Bible attribute this to David, their statement “a prayer for help of a person who has probably been falsely accused of some wrong.” (Harper Collins, NRSV Study Bible revised edition, pg 738) reminds me of Job and the accusations made by his friends against him.

Psalm 8

There is some great imagery in Psalm 8. Some of these words are my favorite.

How majestic is your name in all the earth!

When I look at your heavens, and the work of your fingers
The mood and the stars that you have established:
(and I ask) What are humans beings that you are mindful of them,
Mortals that you care for them?

Yet, you have made them a little lower than God,
And crowned them with gory and honor.

Despite our sinful and rebellious ways, God still made us, and has clothed us with honor. Honor given through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Aren’t we blessed!!

Looking ahead for the week:
I’m going to be traveling with our Mission Trip Youth and a camp. Where we are going is pretty rural, so I am not sure if I will have computer access. I’m hoping to still be able to post my thoughts. Even better, I’m hoping to read each day with our youth, and share their thoughts as well. If not, I’ve got a journel that I’m taking along, so I’ll have notes to share. Keep us in your prayers as we travel!!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Saturday, June 15: Psalm 9-16
Sunday, June 16: Psalm 17-20
Monday, June 17: Psalm 21-25
Tuesday, June 18: Psalm 26-31
Wednesday, June 19: Psalm 32-35
Thursday, June 20: Psalm 36-39
Friday, June 21: Psalm 36-39
Saturday, June 22: Psalm 40-45

God Speaks!

In response to Job’s lament . . .
In response to the speeches of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar . . .
As if being introduced by Elihu . . .

God speaks!

“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
 Gird up your loins like a man,

I will question you, and you shall declare to me.

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding. 
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it? 
On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone 
when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?
 “Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb?
— when I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band, 
and prescribed bounds for it, and set bars and doors, and said,
‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stopped’?
Job 38:2-11

God’s words are majestic, meaningful, full of wisdom, power and might! They speak for themselves, and put us in our own place. We are nothing more than small, fallen, broken, sinful individuals, who are made in the likeness of God and loved by God always! If you haven’t read any of Job, read chapters 38-41. They are moving!!

Life Restored

After God speaks, Job is humbled and repents. His friends are put to shamed. Then, somehow, everything Job had is restored. We aren’t talking, poof, everyone is back. No, quite different, in time, Job has a new family, his flocks, fields, home, grow to so much so that they are greater then they every had been before. Was this God given? Was it part of the test? We will never know? All we know is the ending, “And Job died, old and full of days.” (Job 42:17)

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

I had great ambitions of writing a blog for each of the dialogues that Job has with his three friends, Elphaz, Bildada, and Zophar. However, I’ve come to realize how hard it is to catch up when you are behind, all while still trying to keep up with the regular daily readings. So, knowing that we are just staring our read through the Psalm’s and that I would like to get back to a regular daily post, I’m going to condense things down for Job into a few short posts.

Chapters 3 – 31

If there was one question/phrase that could be used to summarize chapters 3 through 31 it might be “who sinned?” And what ever happened to the act of true friendship and the offering of moral support? One can only wonder how many times Job may have longed for the seven days of silence to continue after he heard his friends response.

After seven days of silence, Job finally speaks. He’s wounded physically, with sores all over his body. He’s wounded mentally, as he has lost everything he has. He’s wounded emotionally, as his family is now dead, and his wife seems less than compassionate. Job is in a pretty dark place, and now surrounded by the company of friends Job speaks! He laments, “Why did I not die at birth?” (3:11) He curses the day he was born, later he will curse his entire life. The age old question, “why?” applies here, time and time again. In Job’s mind he has done nothing wrong, and to our knowledge as a reader, he has done nothing wrong. Even God in the early chapters claims Job to be “blameless.” So perhaps Job is justified in asking, “why?”

While Job laments, his friends respond in a surprising manner. Do they offer support? Do they offer compassion? Do they take his side? No! Not at all! If these were my friends, I’d be looking for others. Essentially, everything they say boils down to one reoccurring phrase, “Job, admit you did something wrong, for you must have done something wrong to deserve this!”

And so, the pattern is set for these chapters. Job laments. The friends say, you must have done something wrong. Job rebuttals. The friends say the same thing over in a different way. Job laments some more, and on and on it goes, until we get to chapter 32.

Enter Elihu

Amazingly, somewhere in the midst of this conversation a fourth friend arrives. Don’t know when he arrived. Not sure when he came from (although 32:2 gives all his family details), either way, he’s not affiliated with the original three, and takes on a completely different mindset than the rest of the conversation. He wants to acknowledge God for all of God’s greatness.

The spirit of God has made me,
and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Job 33:4

God will not do wickedly
and the Almighty will not pervert justice.
Who gave him charge over the earth
and who laid on him the whole world?
Job 34:12-13

Everything that Elihu speaks points to God’s divine wisdom and sets the stage for what will come in chapter 38. More on that to follow soon . . .

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

The Stage is Set

First off, your heart has to pour out for Job. He is described as “Good” “Righteous” “There is no one like him” and as “a person of integrity.” With these wonderful introductions and descriptions, we think the best of Job, and then the unthinkable happens. God gives permission for him to be tormented. Its a test of his character, I know, but this seems uncharacteristic of God. Then again, aren’t we tested each and every day? Should Job be no different? Still, this seems a bit unusual and the result seems rather harsh!

“Satan”

Let’s understand this . . . this isn’t “Satan” as you and I think of him. Red horns, tail, fiery pitchfork, ruling from the depths of hell. This is not who we are speaking of in Job. Instead, a better translation would be “the accuser” or “prosecuting attorney.” Here is is a heavenly being, who has a place in the inner court of God, and is allowed free reign on Job. “Anything but his life,” we are told. Still seems unfair, and I’d agree, however, let’s agree this is not “Satan” as we think of today. This “Satan” is a fellow in the kingdom of God. I’d suggest we approach him with caution, when that time comes.

The Attack

Job’s children are killed. Job’s servants are killed. Job’s livestock are killed. Everything except Job’s wife is completely destroyed. In some weird way, I’d almost wish something would have happened to her, as she seems less than compassionate. “Curse God and die” she proclaims (2:9) Yet, Job will not. Even as Job’s own skin is ravaged with sores, he will not speak ill about God. Would we be so faithful?

The Friends

With all that takes place, three of Job’s friends arrive. Elphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Out of all of Job, this is the one part that I love (next to God speaking at the end of the book). His friends arrive and the say nothing! What a blessing! They just are there, for seven days to offer support. Its a realization that sometimes the best word to say, is no word at all. Sometimes just being present is enough. I am sure that Job took their company in these first seven days a a blessing and a comfort. As we read on, that will change, but for now we will enjoy their silent company!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

If you have been following along with our Year or Scripture, we’ve been reading Job since the first of June. Its’ been a bit more of a struggle to read then I initially had intended. There is a lot of dialogue, speeches, and back and forth. There is blame, shame, and self defense. At times your heart pours out for Job, at others, you can only wonder why he might think (or say) what he does.

But before we get too far into discerning the book of Job, let’s check out the explanation given by thebibleproject.com. There are two of them, so take your time and enjoy!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Days 150 and 151 were set aside for reading Esther.

As we begin our read through Esther, perhaps we turn to our friends at thebibleproject.com for their review of this interesting Biblical Book.

As always, thebibleproject.com does a great short video on Esther, and truth be told, they put a much brighter picture on the book than I ever would. Honestly I’ve always look harshly on Esther. It’s not one of my favorite reads through the Bible. There are a variety of reasons to my thinking, and our video highlights on just a few of them.

First – God is never mentioned. I ask is God present in the actions taking place? Maybe? Maybe not? Do Esther and Mordecai rely on God’s wisdom, guidance, and provision? I’m not so sure. While the Israelites are nortorious for straying from God’s ways, this seems to put things at the extreme to ‘let’s ignore God, and hope that God will continue to provide.’ If only there was just one prayer, one petition, one calling out for guidance on God’s behalf . . . then it would be a much better read.

Second – We gloss over the fact of how Esther became queen. Too often its this great zero to hero moment, and it makes for a great cute Children’s Sermon/Bible Story moment. But not so fast. Chapter 2:1-18 spells out the details. The king was angry with is wife. He sought a new one. Virgins were requested. These were given royal beauty treatments. Then, they were given one night with the king. After that the king made his choice. If you aren’t reading between the lines, Esther was prostituted out to win the kings favor, all with Mordecai’s permission and coaching. Again, connecting the dots in my mind, Mordecai becomes her pimp. And this is the stuff we make Sunday School lessons out of!!

Third – The book seems self serving. Mordecai uses Esther’s power to secure the linage of the Israelites. Esther is praise. Mordecai is praised. Both find themselves at a place of honor. This is a bit crass, but I see the mindset of Mordecai, “look what my star girl did for me.” Again, this is the stuff we make Sunday School lessons out of!!

Now don’t get me wrong, Esther is a great read. Drama, Sex, Scandal, Death, and Scheming. It’s all in there. If only, there was some public recognition of God, then, perhaps I’d look at Esther a little bit differently. As it is, it seems more likely something I would have expected to see on the streets of Las Vegas.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey