![]() This is the human side of covenant responsibility. “If I perish, I perish…” she said.Įsther gave herself over to the salvation and redemption of her people, risking her own life in the process. It is bold faith indeed that Queen Esther demonstrates. Her story shines as an example of the human side of covenant responsibility … Esther, read through the prism of Christ, points us beyond fatalism toward the hope of the earth. The Book of Esther, with its tale of suffering, crisis and eventual triumph, testifies that we are not trapped helplessly in a destructive global fate … With bold faith, Esther took events into their own hands to secure the future of the covenant. Sub-themes of the covenant - experiences of pilgrimage and promise, bondage and freedom, duty and blessing, famine and plenty, barrenness and fertility - weave their way through both testaments.” “The unity of Scripture lies in the central theme of covenant that runs through every book of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Some years ago, the Christian Century journal published an article that reflected on some of the ways the book of Esther fits into the larger story of God’s covenant: ![]() ![]() ![]() Gene Boring says) it is often associated with deliverance, validation of life and security, total well-being and peace, shalom it is a saving act. We’ve explored the notion of “covenant” recently: The covenant is the gracious act of God, (Dr. It is also about how God’s people participate in covenant. Even so, the story is powerful testimony to ways the Hidden God keeps promises and continues to work on behalf of the Divine covenant. We are all in this together.Įsther is the only book in the Bible that does not mention the name of God. I encourage you to have more life also.” Having life. “And I want you to know, we will all keep having life. “We were all having life,” she said as she described the activities of the day before the shooting. Even so, at the community prayer vigil that evening, Mindy spoke and celebrated their life and love even as she grieved. Mindy Corporon got there just after the shooting and she found her own father and her teenaged son dying. At the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park Kansas, an angry, pathetic, shriveled up soul killed three people, but in a strange and tragic twist, none of the victims were Jewish. In 2014, around the season of Purim, yet another hater of the Jews sought to wreak havoc and destroy. But they also get into it by making it personal.ĭuring Passover, at every Seder meal Jewish worshipers affirm: “God delivered US from the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery.” So at Purim and other times as they remember their history, they confess: “WE have been saved from disaster.” They “get into it” by thoroughly enjoying themselves and having fun with the story. PS A short playlist to encourage what’s vital and fast the temporary.Afterwards, when we gathered for refreshments in the community room, the favorite cookie to gobble up was called “Haman’s Ear.” Style Nine: Fast the need to avoid conflict Do you believe courage is connected to fasting? When have you practiced fasting and courage? What are you clinging to that could be keeping you and those you love from freedom. Fasting lets go of things that can keep you from knowing God and your courageous, true self.Įsther teaches us that when we let go of what is temporary we are free to live for what is LIFE.Īs POW Queen, Esther was living “the good life” and she chose to fast her own comfort, security, and survival. This view believes God will only help me if I punish myself but what if fasting is about freedom and vitality for the one who fasts? What if it’s about making enough space for you to see what you’re addicted to, clinging to, relying on upon, your inordinate attachments. ![]() Some people see fasting as a way to please a punitive God. Esther is facing the genocide of her people and her decision to fast food and drink for three days pales in comparison to her words, “and if I perish, I perish.” She refused to take nourishment from anything but God and then stood before a King that could take her life and annihilate people. ![]()
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