An interesting article from http://www.ucg.org/ about Purim and Netanyahu. This follows this post about Esther. For a free magazine subscription or to get the books recommended for free click HERE! or call 1-888-886- 8632.
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Purim, Jews and Netanyahu's Warning

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech this week comes at the same time as the Jewish festival of Purim. Interesting.

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[Darris McNeely] The news that I’ve been watching is abuzz with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled speech before the United States Congress this week. You know, it’s interesting – I didn’t realize it until putting together some of the dates that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech just two days before the Jewish celebration of Purim, an ancient celebration that dates all the way back to an event in the book of Esther in the Bible during the ancient Persian Empire. The Jews were in captivity and Persia was the big kid on the block. Back at that time, there was an effort made that is told in the book of Esther to exterminate the Jews. It’s history’s first holocaust. Anti-Semitism is a very, very old evil. In Esther:3:13And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey., it makes this one statement, and I think it captures the danger that was there for the Jews in the Persian Empire at the time, that “letters were sent by couriers into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is in the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions.” Again, history’s first effort to exterminate the Jews. The story in Esther shows that it didn’t happen due to the courage of the young Jewess named Esther, who along with her uncle Mordecai thwarted the effort that was being hatched at that time.
Well, the Jews celebrate Purim every year to mark this particular event. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is coming to talk to the American Congress about the Iranian effort to build and develop a nuclear weapon. This has been dominating the news for years, and it has finally come to a critical point in the negotiations. Many fear that a bargain will be struck that will allow Iran to develop that weapon. Israel, the State of Israel, has a very, very acute visionary understanding of what is taking place there. Iran for years has said that they will destroy the State of Israel, they will push the Jewish state into the Mediterranean. With one bomb, one nuclear weapon detonated over Israel, that could happen. Israel has said it will not happen. And so, the Prime Minister comes to the United States to make this plea, to make this call, this warning, and it promises to be a very interesting speech.
But to connect it all together, as this warning is given, with what we know from the story of history, the Bible as told in the book of Esther, and connected with this very interesting Jewish celebration of Purim, we recognize that we are at a very, very serious time right now.
There’s a map that I had recently seen in one of the newspapers that kind of showed exactly what is taking place with Iran, which is in the heart of the ancient Persian Empire, as they have extended their influence into Syria, into Lebanon, down into Yemen, and their efforts also in Iraq, to almost encircle the State of Israel with the danger they pose there. It’s a very critical, perilous period going on in the Middle East right now, and the negotiations toward Iran’s efforts for a weapon, the warnings that are being sounded, are ones that should be understood, listened to. We’re at a very critical period. There’s a great deal at stake.
That’s BT Daily . Join us next time.

An interesting article from http://www.ucg.org/ about Esther. This follows this post about the nation of Israel. This follows this post about Homeland Security. For a free magazine subscription or to get the books recommended for free click HERE! or call 1-888-886- 8632.
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Esther: A Woman of Faith and Courage

article by Donna Butler

The Bible offers Christians many examples of faith from which we can learn and be encouraged. One of the most remarkable examples is that of Queen Esther.

Has fear ever paralyzed you, made you afraid to make a critical decision because of possible or probable serious consequences?
It has been said that courage is not the absence of fear; it is the mastery of it. The Bible, however, adds an important element to the definition of courage: trust and faith in God. Moses told the ancient Israelites not to fear the other nations when they crossed over the Jordan River into the promised land, because God was with them and would not forsake them (Deuteronomy:31:6Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.).
How can you have this kind of faith? How can you step out and confidently make decisions that will affect the course of your physical-and maybe even your spiritual-life?

From an orphan to a queen

For the answer, consider the example of a Jewish girl from ancient Persia.
In the third year of his reign, Ahasuerus, king of the Medes and Persians, searched for a new queen from among the beautiful virgins in his kingdom. She was to replace Queen Vashti. Vashti had humiliated her husband in front of many people including all his officials. She had refused to allow him to display her beauty before everyone at his special feast (Esther:1:10-22 [10] On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,
[11] To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.
[12] But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.
[13] Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:
[14] And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)
[15] What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?
[16] And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.
[17] For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.
[18] Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.
[19] If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.
[20] And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.
[21] And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:
[22] For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people.).
Esther, a young orphan, was among the women the king ordered brought to the palace for special pampering and preparation for the king's scrutiny as possible royal replacements. Her cousin, Mordecai, had reared her. Mordecai was a Jewish servant "in the king's gate" (Esther:2:19And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate.), which implied that he held a position in the king's court. Following her cousin's advice, Esther did not reveal her ethnic identity. After the king chose her as queen, she maintained her contact with her cousin (Esther 2).

Plot to wipe out a race

Sometime later Ahasuerus appointed Haman, a man prominent in the kingdom, to a special office over his princes. Ahasuerus commanded that each servant should bow down to Haman, paying him homage. Mordecai refused.
Haman was enraged by Mordecai's actions. But he wasn't satisfied just to seek revenge on one man; he devised a scheme to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom. He approached the king and informed him that the Jews did not keep the king's laws. He convinced Ahasuerus to issue a decree saying 10,000 talents of silver would go to anyone who would destroy the Jews (Esther 3).
In ancient Persia, when the king made a decree and sealed it with his signet ring, it was not to be revoked or amended. Ahasuerus's decree went out, resulting in great mourning and fasting among the Jews throughout the land. Clothed in sackcloth and ashes of mourning, Mordecai sat in the square near the king's gate. When Esther learned of Mordecai's circumstance, she told her maids to take garments to clothe him and to take away his sackcloth. But Mordecai would not accept them.
Esther then sent Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs who attended her, to find out what was wrong with Mordecai. Mordecai told him all that had happened and gave him a copy of the written decree to show to Esther. He also told him to tell her to go to the king and plead for her people.
Esther had not seen the king for 30 days. The king enforced a law that anyone who came into the inner court to approach him whom he had not specifically called was to die. However, the king could make an exception by holding out his golden scepter, thereby sparing the person. So Esther sent the eunuch back to Mordecai with the message that she could not enter the court to see the king.
Mordecai answered that, if she did nothing, she risked death along with all her countrymen in the kingdom. He also asked a piercing question: What if God had elevated Esther to her position as queen for the specific purpose of helping save her people at this critical time? (Esther:4:13-14 [13] Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
[14] For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?).

Esther's dilemma

What a decision for such a young woman! Death seemed certain regardless of what she decided. Vashti had been only banished from her position as queen. Esther might actually be killed!
She had to answer Mordecai. What would she do? She must have prayed and agonized over her decision. Tension and anxiety must have consumed her. She was sickened with fear for herself and her people.
She must have asked herself a hundred times would God really let her die if she refused to help the Jews? She was so young. Surely God did not want her to die. On the other hand, could she stand silently by and watch heartless Haman annihilate her people? Why couldn't her dilemma just go away like a bad dream?
In the midst of her turmoil, Esther realized she could not allow fear to paralyze her into inaction; that in itself would be a decision. Instead, she left the outcome with God. It was clear she had only one real choice.
Even in giving Mordecai her answer, Esther knew she did not have the courage within herself to face Ahasuerus. But she did know where to go for the courage she lacked: to God in fasting and prayer. Placing her life in God's hands, she let Him decide the outcome for her and her people.
She sent word to Mordecai requesting that he ask their fellow Jews to fast for her for three days and nights. She and her maids would do likewise. Then she promised to go before the king, knowing full well she was risking her life (Esther:4:16Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.).
You can read the remainder of the book of Esther to see what happened. The king did extend his golden scepter, and he spared Esther's life. After several special banquets for the king and Haman, Esther finally revealed Haman's plot and made known her request for her people. The king ordered Haman hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai's execution.
The king issued a new decree: The Jews were free to defend themselves and destroy anyone who would assault them. He promoted Mordecai, and the Jews were saved. To this day, many Jews observe the Feast of Purim in honor of this event.

What can we learn?

Sometimes fear is our normal human reaction when we are faced with a seemingly impossible decision. Acknowledging our lack of courage is the first step to overcoming it. But we must not allow fear to paralyze us into taking no action at all.
You must realize that you need help and that you cannot go it alone. Recognize that God is all powerful, that He has promised never to leave you or forsake you (Hebrews:13:5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.). Go to Him in prayer and fasting to seek His will in making the right decision. Then confidently make your decision, with the courage and conviction that God is on your side.
Perhaps a fitting conclusion to this story of godly courage can come from the words on a memorial in Westminster Abbey. Inscribed on the monument to Lord Lawrence are these words: "He feared man so little because he feared God so much."

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An interesting article from http://www.ucg.org/  about the interesting woman of the Bible named Esther. This follows this post about Spring Break warnings. For a free magazine subscription or to get the book shown for free click HERE! or call 1-888-886- 8632. You can follow me at blogspot here and at twitter here https://twitter.com/brianleesblog. Please consider following both in case one goes down!

Profiles of Faith: Queen Esther - A Woman Willing to Save Others

article by Jerold Aust

The story of Esther and Mordecai transcends time and culture. The situation they faced still applies and teaches valuable spiritual lessons. We should have godly, loving faith built on a loving, trusting relationship with God.

Esther turned and pointed toward Haman: “The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!” Haman was mortified.

Source: Illustration by Michael Woodruff

The Jewish exile Mordecai knew the situation was dire and dangerous. Through a sinister plot, the Jews in Persia were secretly condemned to death (Esther 3). Mordecai pleaded with Queen Esther to risk her life: "If you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther:4:14For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?).
The story of Esther and Mordecai transcends time and culture. The situation they faced still applies and teaches valuable spiritual lessons.

Setting for the Story

Esther's story takes place near the end of the events described in the Old Testament. The two kingdoms of Israel and Judah had fallen and been taken into captivity in Assyria and Babylon, respectively.
By this time, several hundred years after their fall, the descendants of Israel—the "lost 10 tribes"—had scattered and disappeared from the Middle Eastern map. The descendants of Judah, however, had maintained their beliefs and way of life while in Babylon. However, Babylon, too, had fallen, and now the Jews lived under the benign rule of the Persian Empire.
The Persians had allowed Jews willing to make the long overland journey the opportunity to return to Jerusalem and their homeland. Although many had made the trip, many more had decided to remain where were and put down roots.
The book of Esther is a complement to the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Although those books describe life for the Jews who returned to Palestine, Esther is the only Bible book that offers a portrait of those who chose to remain in Persia.
The book of Esther introduces us to a great king of Persia known as Ahasuerus (Hebrew), or Xerxes (Greek). In 479 B.C. the Greeks defeated Ahasuerus in the battle at Salamis.
The Greek historian Herodotus wrote that the Persian king sought consolation in his harem after his defeat. He gave a huge banquet, lasting several days, for palace personnel (Esther:1:1-8 [1] Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)
[2] That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
[3] In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:
[4] When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.
[5] And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace;
[6] Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.
[7] And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.
[8] And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.). At that time Queen Vashti— wife of Ahasuerus—gave a banquet for the women of the palace. On the seventh day of his banquet, the king commanded Vashti to appear before his court so everyone could behold her beauty (Esther:1:9-11 [9] Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
[10] On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,
[11] To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.).
But the queen refused to appear before her husband. So Ahasuerus, on the advice of his counselors, decided to look for someone to replace her as queen.
The king's servants came up with a plan: "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king; and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather all the beautiful young virgins to Shushan the citadel, into the women's quarters, under the custody of Hegai the king's eunuch ... Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti" (Esther:2:2-4 [2] Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:
[3] And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:
[4] And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.). The king agreed and looked forward to the prospect of a beautiful wife who could become his new queen.

Esther Becomes Queen

Mordecai was an older cousin of Esther's who had helped raise her: "And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had neither father nor mother" (Esther:2:7And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.). They lived in Shushan.
The king's decree brought to his palace many beautiful young women, but none was more beautiful than Esther. From the beginning Hegai, a eunuch and custodian of the women, favored Esther favor, "so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance" (Esther:2:9And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.).
In turn, each young lady was presented before the king. When it came Esther's turn, she was allowed to choose her attire. However, "she requested nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her" (Esther:2:15Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.). Hegai knew the king's social tastes. She deferred to his advice.
Finally, Esther was presented before the king. "The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. Then the king made a great feast, the Feast of Esther, for all his officials and servants; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces and gave gifts according to the generosity of a king" (Esther:2:17-18 [17] And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
[18] Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.). Thus Esther became queen of Persia.

Mordecai Averts Assassination

One day Mordecai, now a royal official, found that two of the king's doorkeepers planned to assassinate the king. Mordecai told Esther, who promptly warned the king. The king hanged the men. These proceedings, including Mordecai's faithful disclosure, were "written in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king" (Esther:2:23And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.).
Throughout this time Esther, on Mordecai's advice, had not told the king of her family background or that she was related to Mordecai.

Haman's Jealous Plot

Another chain of events then began that would threaten Esther and Mordecai.
King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, one of his officials, above all other officials and nobles. By the king's order all the others were to bow and pay homage to Haman. But Mordecai, faithful to God's instruction that prohibited the veneration of anyone but God (Exodus:20:5Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;), refused.
Others noticed Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman. They confronted Mordecai, who still refused. Then they told Haman.
Haman grew furious (Esther:3:5And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.). He determined that Mordecai was a Jew, prompting him to craft a plan to kill not only Mordecai but all the Jews throughout Persia—because of Mordecai's refusal to honor him.
Haman and his accomplices cast lots to determine the best day to massacre the Jews. They decided the best day to carry out their perfidy would arrive some 11 months later. Haman presented his plan, couched in deceptive language to hide his motivation, to the king.
"There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from all other people's, and they do not keep the king's laws. Therefore it is not fitting for the king to let them remain. If it pleases the king, let a decree be written that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who do the work, to bring it into the king's treasuries" (Esther:3:8-9 [8] And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.
[9] If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.).
The king, alarmed at this perceived threat, foolishly agreed: "The money and the people are given to you, to do with them as seems good to you" (Esther:3:11And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.). The decree gave any Persian the right to kill Jews and loot their property. The city of Shushan and the palace were in confusion over this bizarre decree.

Mordecai's Sacrificing Service

When Mordecai heard of the decree, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes as a sign of tragedy and mourning. He walked through the city crying bitterly (Esther:4:1When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;).
Esther's servants relayed the news to her. Not yet understanding the gravity of the situation, she sent clean garments to Mordecai. He refused them. Esther then sent her servant Hathach to discover why Mordecai refused the garments. Mordecai sent details and proof of Haman's heinous plan to destroy the Jews and urged the servant to ask Esther to approach the king and plead for the lives of the Jews.
When Esther heard of Haman's plan and Mordecai's request, she was at first undecided over how she should proceed. She knew that to come before the king without a formal invitation, even though she was the queen, could mean she would be put to death (Esther:4:11All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.). She sent word of her predicament to Mordecai.
Mordecai's advice was sobering yet filled with faith. "Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther:4:13-14 [13] Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
[14] For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?).
Yes, Mordecai told her, Esther would risk her life if she approached the king uninvited. But if she didn't she and her relatives would be killed in the coming slaughter, he warned. Mordecai knew God would ultimately preserve the Jewish people and pointedly asked Esther to consider whether her influence could provide the deliverance of her people from catastrophe.

A Fateful and Faithful Decision

Esther knew what she must do. First she requested that the Jews in Shushan join her in a three-day fast to humble themselves and seek God's intervention. She would then approach the king, willing to accept the consequences, "and if I perish, I perish!" (Esther 4: 16).
Still fasting, Esther dressed in her royal robes and called upon the king, unsure of her fate.
Immediately the king held out his golden scepter to her, welcoming her presence.
"What do you wish, Queen Esther?" the king asked. "What is your request? It shall be given to you—up to half my kingdom!" (Esther:5:3Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.).
Esther answered the king wisely and humbly: "If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him."
The king reacted promptly: "Bring Haman quickly, that he may do as Esther has said" (Esther:5:4-5 [4] And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.
[5] Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.).
King Ahasuerus and Haman were obviously thrilled to attend Esther's banquet. The king again invited Esther to state her request. Her reply: "If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, then let the king and Haman come to the banquet which I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said" (Esther:5:8If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.).

A Sudden Turn

Haman was beside himself. He excitedly relayed the news of his unexpected good fortune to his wife and friends: "Besides, Queen Esther invited no one but me to come in with the king to the banquet that she prepared; and tomorrow I am again invited by her, along with the king."
Nevertheless Haman was still jealous and bitter: "Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate" (Esther:5:12-13 [12] Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.
[13] Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.).
Haman's wife and his friends had an idea sure to cheer up Haman: "Let a gallows be made, fifty cubits [75 feet] high, and in the morning suggest to the king that Mordecai be hanged on it; then go merrily with the king to the banquet" (Esther:5:14Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.).
Haman's sullen face suddenly erupted in a wide grin. He immediately ordered the gallows built.
On the night before Esther's banquet, however, the king couldn't sleep. He told one of his servants to read to him the royal chronicles.
The king's servant read aloud how Mordecai had averted the earlier plot to assassinate the king (Esther:6:1-2 [1] On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.
[2] And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.). Reminded of this event, the king asked his servants, "What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?" The servants responded that nothing had been done (Esther:6:3And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.). This shocked the king. This oversight could forever tarnish the king's otherwise magnificent reign.
The king asked if someone of high rank might be present in the court to help correct this oversight. Haman had just entered the outer court of the king's palace. His jealousy and anger toward Mordecai had moved him to approach the king late at night. Ironically, both Haman and the king had Mordecai on their minds.
The king's servants said that Haman had just entered the court. "Bring him in before me," said the king.
When Haman approached, the king asked him: "What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?" (Esther:6:6So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?).
Haman couldn't believe his ears. How could things get any better for him? Now, finally, others would be forced to acknowledge his greatness.
Haman replied without hesitation: "For the man whom the king delights to honor, let a royal robe be brought which the king has worn, and a horse on which the king has ridden, which has a royal crest placed on its head. Then let this robe and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that he may array the man whom the king delights to honor. Then parade him on horseback through the city square, and proclaim before him: 'Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!' " (Esther:6:7-9 [7] And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour,
[8] Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:
[9] And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.).
Ahasuerus was pleased with Haman's suggestion. He instructed him to hurry and perform what he suggested, to take the robe and the horse "and do so for Mordecai the Jew ...! Leave nothing undone of all that you have spoken" (Esther:6:10Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.).
Haman was astonished. Yet he was so full of pride, so intent on currying favor with the king, that he did exactly as he was told.
Haman found himself forced to honor the man who would not bow to him. He told his wife and friends of this bewildering turn of events. Listening carefully, they predicted where things were headed: "If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish descent, you will not prevail against him but will surely fall before him" (Esther:6:13And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.).
Shortly afterward, the king's eunuchs found Haman and whisked him away to Esther's banquet.

Haman's Downfall

For the second time the king and Haman dined with Queen Esther. The king repeated his magnificent offer to grant her any request, up to half of his kingdom. Finally Queen Esther presented her request: "If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. For we have been sold, my people and I, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. Had we been sold as male and female slaves, I would have held my tongue, although the enemy could never compensate for the king's loss" (Esther:7:3-4 [3] Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:
[4] For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.).
The king was furious: "Who is he, and where is he, who would dare presume in his heart to do such a thing?" (Esther:7:5Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?).
Esther turned and pointed toward Haman: "The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!" (Esther:7:6And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.).
Haman was mortified. How could things have gone so wrong? The king was so angry he could not speak. He stormed out into the palace garden. The desperate Haman began begging Queen Esther for his life. So distressed was he over the turn of events that he lost his equilibrium and fell across the couch on which Esther was seated.
Just then the king, his temper having cooled somewhat, reentered the banquet room only to see what appeared to be a clumsy attempt by Haman to molest his beloved wife, the queen of Persia! He roared, "Will he also assault the queen while I am in the house?" (Esther:7:8Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.).
One of the servants exclaimed to the king: "Look! The gallows, fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good on the king's behalf, is standing at the house of Haman" (Esther:7:9And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.).
"Hang him on it!" the king commanded.
Immediately the king's servants hanged Haman on his own towering gallows, and only then was the king's anger abated.
Esther informed the king that Mordecai was her cousin. Immediately the king summoned Mordecai and gave him Haman's signet ring. Queen Esther appointed Mordecai to oversee the house of Haman.

Esther's Countrymen Delivered

Even so, the potential annihilation of the Jews throughout Persia still threatened. According to Persian law, once the king had issued a decree and sealed it with his signet ring, it could not be revoked.
Esther reminded the king of Haman's deceitful plot to destroy her people; she pleaded for their lives. Although he could not revoke the earlier decree, the king allowed Esther and Mordecai to write a counterdecree that would enable the Jews to arm themselves and band together against any who would attack them.
When the fateful day arrived, the Jews overcame their enemies (Esther:9:1-11 [1] Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
[2] The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.
[3] And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.
[4] For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.
[5] Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.
[6] And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.
[7] And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,
[8] And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,
[9] And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,
[10] The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.
[11] On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king.). To express their thanks to God, the Jews instituted the Feast of Purim. The name of this feast is a reminder of Haman's casting of lots ( pur means "lot") and God's deliverance of the Jews from their enemies on the day they were to be annihilated (Esther:9:17-32 [17] On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
[18] But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
[19] Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.
[20] And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,
[21] To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,
[22] As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
[23] And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;
[24] Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;
[25] But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
[26] Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,
[27] The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;
[28] And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.
[29] Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.
[30] And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,
[31] To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.
[32] And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.).
Esther, Jewish queen of gentile Persia, set a remarkable example of personal sacrifice. Although understandably at first hesitant, she willingly risked her life so others could be saved. In this respect she prefigured the sacrifice of the coming Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, who willingly gave His life so each of us could have the opportunity to receive God's gift of salvation, eternal life in His Kingdom.
Similarly, Christ expects His followers, His saints, to be willing to put their lives on the line to follow Him (John:15:13Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.).
Speaking of His followers, God's Word describes them as having overcome Satan "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death" (Revelation:12:11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.).
Like faithful Esther and Mordecai, we should have godly, loving faith built on a loving, trusting relationship with Him. To see how you can develop such a relationship with your Creator, be sure to the Bible study aid You Can Have Living Faith .

Here is an interesting article from http://www.debbieschlussel.com/ reviewing some of the movies that came out over the past weekend. This follows this post about some of the movies from last week and THIS POST about some movies that have been released over the past few years that you might have missed! This all follows this post about guidelines to choosing good movies to watch yourself!

“300: Rise of an Empire”: Sequel is Absurd, Laughable; Make-Out Scene w Severed Head

By Debbie Schlussel
*** SCROLL DOWN FOR UPDATE ***
If your idea of a great movie is a silly, made-up feminist story from the ages when feminism (thankfully) never existed, then “300: Rise of an Empire“–in theaters today, is for you. (I did not see “Mr. Peabody & Sherman,” as it was screened on the Jewish Sabbath, so I could not attend.)

The problem with the sequel to the far inferior sequel to the original “300″ movie (read my review) is that it tries sooooo hard to be avant garde and disgustingly shocking, that little time was spent on an actual story. And, so, it results in an unintentionally laughable, very dumb movie full of gratuitous gore, blood, and dismemberments for little purpose. The female villain, “Artemisia” (the pro-Muslim VaJINO [my word for female Jews in Name Only] Eva Green), beheads a guy and then makes out with his dismembered head. Yeah, that must be cool because it’s so avante garde and macabre. There are scenes of birds plucking out the eyes from dead human bodies and eating those eyes. And Artemisia wears a head and cuff arm bracelets made of human hair. *** UPDATE: And don’t forget the ludicrous dialogue with lines like, “You fight harder than you f—;” and, “You’re thinking with your c-ck.” Yay, let’s hear it for modern civilization and Western culture!END UPDATE< ***/strong>
Then, there’s the graphic, semi-porn sex scene between Artemisia and the protagonist Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) that tries so hard to be shocking and depraved that it just made me laugh out loud instead. It was unintentionally funny, as is most of this ridiculous movie. I’m sure the fanboy morons will hate on me for admitting this obvious fact because anything based on a “graphic novel”–which is fancy, faux-intellectual speak for comic book–is the gospel for these cerebral slacker boys.

I’m a fan of Stapleton, the Aussie star who plays Themistokles. He’s a good actor and does a great American accent as a counterterrorism agent in the Brit TV series “Strike Back.” But this movie is just stupid, whether or not it is the vehicle that launches him into more Hollywood roles, which I’m sure he’s hoping.
The story: Themistokles, a Greek general, fires the arrow that kills the Persian king so that his son, Xerxes, takes over. The movie is confusing, as part of it takes place during the original “300′s” Battle of Thermopylae, then later battles. But, instead of fighting Xerxes, per se, Themistokles battles Artemisia, who was the dead king’s naval advisor and is his son Xerxes’ military chief. Um, when in ancient times was there a feminist, female general of the Persians? I’d love to know. But–newsflash–Gloria Steinem’s and Betty Friedan’s crap didn’t fly in those days.
Artemisia, who is Greek but hates Greeks, is evil and highly sexual. She vows to beat Themistokles and his fewer men and ships and brings him to her in the middle of the sea for negotiations. The “negotiations” turn out to be the weird, laughable sex scene which ain’t worth your ten-plus dollars. Then, when he won’t join forces with her, he returns to battle and loses a whole lot more men, until finally defeating her in a later battle. The end.
Like I said, there isn’t much story here. Just a lot of fighting and gore meant to shock. No thanks. Just garbage.
Oh, and one other thing: macabre and disgusting for shock purposes does not equal cool and interesting. Just the opposite, actually.
ONE MARX PLUS TWO BETTY FRIEDANS

Women of Valor: Queen Esther and Queen Elizabeth

An interesting article from http://www.ucg.org/ about the woman named Esther. This follows this previous post about her.  For a free magazine subscription or to get this book for free click HERE! or call 1-888-886-8632.

Women of Valor: Queen Esther and Queen Elizabeth






article by Amanda Stiver





Biblical and later history offer lessons of convicted, courageous and wise leadership.



One a queen by marriage and the other by birth, one forced by circumstance into a lonely royal marriage and the other forced to a lonely life without marriage: Consider two famous women of valor from long-separated eras of history.



Let me introduce you to Queen Esther of Persia, who lived nearly 2,500 years ago, and Queen Elizabeth I of England, who lived about 400 years ago. The choices they made affect us to this very day and show the powerful impact of leadership based in conviction, courage and wisdom.



Life at court

Esther was a young Jewish girl of the Israelite tribe of Benjamin, an orphan raised by her older cousin Mordecai in Persia. When the Persian emperor Ahasuerus (Xerxes) sought a new queen, Esther was among those selected to be presented before him. After many months of preparation, he chose her as one of his wives and as the new queen.



King Ahasuerus' court lacked no shortage of intrigue. Mordecai, who was appointed to a position of responsibility at the palace gate, intercepted a plot to assassinate the king, and those behind it were executed.



Afterward another terrible plot arose. The king appointed a new prime minister, Haman the Agagite. When Mordecai refused a command to bow down before this man, Haman became furious and convinced the king to issue a decree calling for the annihilation of Mordecai's people, the Jews (evidently without telling the king the identity of the people or that this had anything to do with Mordecai).



Esther's choice

To thwart Haman's evil plot to exterminate her people, Queen Esther had to make a decision. To reveal the dastardly intentions of Haman, would she go against court protocols and restrictions forbidding even her as queen to approach the king uninvited? This was no small matter. If the king did not respond with acceptance when she entered the palace inner court, Esther would quickly be put to death.



Mordecai sent a grave message to Esther. He told her that if she did not go before the king, deliverance would come to the Jews from elsewhere while she would perish. So Esther determined that, after leading a three-day fast, she would act.



Despite the danger, she humbly went before the king, and he received her. At length, he learned from her the truth about Haman's plot. As a result, Haman was hung on the gallows he had ordered built for Mordecai, and the Jews were allowed by new royal decree to defend themselves.



Likewise, God expects us to courageously step forward in faith to follow Him. In the end it is always far better to obey God than to fear what man can do.



Schemes and plots

In the time of Elizabeth I, court intrigue formed a tangled web. Religious disputes added to the complications. Her father, King Henry VIII, had broken with the Roman Catholic pope to divorce his first wife Catherine of Aragon, a Spanish princess, and established the Protestant Church of England with himself as the head.



Several years after Henry died, his and Catherine's daughter Mary, Elizabeth's older half-sister, became queen. A Catholic who married a Catholic prince of Spain, Queen Mary wished to see the English Protestant Reformation overturned. She was often called "Bloody Mary" for the many executions of religious dissenters she endorsed.



Having been raised a Protestant, Elizabeth was constantly under suspicion of treason, her life at risk. She was imprisoned in the Tower of London, where royals and other important people were executed, under the accusation that she might plot to depose her sister. Only when Mary was finally persuaded of her innocence was Elizabeth released.



Elizabeth's choice

Both Esther and Elizabeth had to act against the conventions and expectations of their circumstances. Elizabeth's challenge, however, came not in the confines of marriage but in choosing not to marry.



The rulers of Europe expected her, as a princess and later as queen, to take a prince, king or other powerful man as her husband. This was the precedent, and other powerful nations, among them Spain and France, hoped to effectively annex England by such a marriage.



Once again, Elizabeth, a Protestant Christian, faced a religious battle. Spain and France were at the time ruled by Roman Catholic kings who, being subject to the pope, wished to use a royal marriage to force England back under the umbrella of Catholicism.



To protect the relative religious freedom of her kingdom, Elizabeth chose to forgo marriage to a foreign sovereign or prince. Likewise, she also chose to forgo marriage to any of a number of powerful English aristocrats whose ambition was to rule England through a royal wife.



Royal wisdom and wise counsel

It takes courage and wisdom to remain confident and faithful despite the schemes of conniving people. Both Queen Esther and Queen Elizabeth used wisdom and caution to navigate webs of intrigue and plots that surrounded them.



Esther relied on the council of Mordecai and of the harem eunuch Hegai. The latter gave her advice about how to please the king and how to take care of herself, while Mordecai reminded Esther to be true to her faith and her people. Esther also looked to God's guidance through fasting.



Similarly, Queen Elizabeth sought wise council from her advisor William Cecil, Baron Burghley. She also recognized the existence and power of God, the primary step to true wisdom. Lastly, she relied on the advice of a Latin saying, Video et taceo ("I see and keep silent"). It is wise to observe circumstances carefully before speaking, to see the whole picture before acting.



Queen for a day

These two ladies lived momentous lives. Imagine wearing the crowns of each of these great queens on their days of greatest challenge. What lessons of conviction, courage and wisdom might we learn from their varied histories?



Would you bravely traverse the sticky corridors of intrigue by carefully choosing your words wisely and remaining true to your convictions? Would you take your life in your hands and go before King Ahasuerus? Facing religious persecution, would you be willing to challenge the executioner?



Esther was brave not just for herself but for all the Jewish people. Her courage directly contributed to their national deliverance. The book bearing her name in the Bible powerfully inspires us to faithfulness.



Queen Elizabeth's determined choice to remain unmarried foiled political interlopers and foreign powers desiring to force England back into the Catholic fold. That decision allowed religious freedom to flourish in England, setting the stage for her successor, King James I, to produce his monumental English translation of the Bible—the King James Version, which transformed English life and culture.



Just as these great queens, we too can search for sound mentors to guide us into good sense and right principles. Today, we seek the path of truth from the Scriptures, the wisest counsel. Then, when circumstance demands it, we can observe carefully, choose our words wisely and stand up for what is right.



We must fear God, not other people, to truly be people of valor.

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