Sunday January 25, 2009

Isn't this a beautiful image of Esther. Laurie brought this Thursday night and I don't think everyone had a chance to see it. It was painted around 1565 by Luca Cambiaso.

By now hopefully you have read through the entire book and started identifying Key Words.

Don't forget to make your lists as that will really help you during our class time next Thursday. Not to mention the more you see the text, write the text and discuss, the more likely you are to remember it! And we could all use a little help with our memories.

Historical Context

Babylon Conquers Israel. Before the time of Esther the Babylonians were the world power and they had carried the Jews off into captivity. The Babylonians took the cream of the crop. Think Daniel…. the best, the smartest, the good looking Jews in Israel.

Jews Released to return to Israel. In 538 BC Cyrus (after a 70 yr exile) issued a decree that said the Jews could go back to their homeland. Not all of them went. In fact only 60,000 of 2 million Jews returned. Many had grown comfortable in the Babylonian Empire so they didn’t go back.

Persia Conquers Babylon. Later Persia conquers Babylon. Persia was the strongest world power. Xerxes (Greek name) was the king. In your Bible it might say Ahasuerus.

Esther’s Time. Now it’s 50 years later and a group of Jews remains in Persia – the Diaspora – the dispersed.

I Can't Wait

I have got to tell you... I have that Christmas morning feeling. Major excitement and anticipation!! Like I am getting ready to open the biggest and best present under the tree.

And it is truly the best gift ever to be able to study God’s Word with you.

I have met so many very cool women who will be joining us… a creative director for an ad agency… a recruiter… a beautiful mother of 3 beautiful girls… an adorable realtor… a sharp attorney… an internet guru… and more. Single… married… new moms… and many with grown kids… working in the home… working outside the home… or just working everywhere!!

God is bringing together His girls for such a time as this…. And I can hardly wait.

Be praying for protection. Pray that your thought life would be protected and that you would not bail out. Stand firm and be here. I promise God has something in store just for you. He is so personal and He loves you so much!!

See you next Thursday!
k.

... may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. ~Psalm 68:3