The Family Bible Journey Podcast

Relief for the Jews, Esther 8, OT S1:E275

Mordecai is given Haman's house, position, and an opportunity to save his people. Even though a royal decree can't be revoked, a new one can be written. The new decree, authored by Esther and Mordecai, allowed the Jews to defend and avenge themselves on their enemies. Thus, God turned their promised demise into their deliverance.

Just Desserts, Esther 7, OT S1:E274

Haman receives his due as Esther presses her king for mercy. The king can't believe his second in command was so cruel, and when he comes to confront Haman, it appears Haman is attacking Esther! Incensed, the king orders Haman hung on the gallows prepared for Mordecai. An unexpected conclusing to Esther's dinner party.

Feed My Sheep, John 21:15-25, NT S1:E141

Jesus tells Peter to love HIM by tending, feeding, and caring for His flock. Jesus doesn't ask us to build great monuments or buildings for Him. All He asks us is to love Him by loving others and by pointing them to Jesus.

Do Unto Others... Esther 6, OT S1:E273

How often do you feel forgotten? Mordecai had saved the king's life and received no honor. Esther was preoccupied with being queen to pay him much attention. Yet, in this chapter, the king remembers Mordecai's service and honors him above Haman. Here we see God's sense of humor and are encouraged when it feels like we have been forgotten.

Winning The King's Favor, Esther 5, OT S1:E272

Esther is unsure of her king's love and affection when Mordecai asks her to interceed on behalf of their people. Instead of going to the king and insisting he make right the terrible wrong done to her people because she is his wife, she wisely begins to win him over by love. Lavish feasts, prepared by her maidens, give her opportunity to assure herself of the king's love, so that when she makes her urgent request, he does so in love, instead of obligation.

Fishing and Feeding, John 21:1-14, NT S1:E140

This seemingly minor miracle is a gentle gesture that puts the disciples on a course that will become the greatest movement in all of human history. We take courage and comfort from these men. Just as God used them to change the world, He uses us to alter the earthly lives and eternal destiny of those we touch with His love.

For Such A Time As This, Esther 4, OT S1:E271

Mordecai pleads with Esther to intervene on behalf of her people, who are faced with extermination at the hands of Haman. She is torn. She wants to help, but isn't feeling the love of the king, and could experience the same fate as Vashti if she overplays her hand. By risking her life and position to address the king, she is a type of Christ, and wisely seeks the king's favor before making her entreaty.

Ancient Foes, Now Mortal Enemies, Esther 3, OT S1:E270

Esther's adoptive father Mordecai earns the wrath of Haman, the second in command of Persia because he refused to bow before anyone besides God or king. Haman's anger led to a murderous, then genocidal hatred for Mordecai and all the Jews. In this episode we learn that this conflict was over 1,000 years in the making.

So You May Believe! John 20:19-33, NT S1:E139

Jesus establishes His disciples in the faith by appearing to them. When He appeared, He gave them His Holy Spirit and a new charge-to go and proclaim the forgiveness of sins to all people. Ever since this great commissioning, we properly understand that the Church is in the forgiveness business.

Beautiful in Every Way, Esther 2, OT S1:E269

Queen Esther stands out from the crowd, not only because she is physically attractive, but also because of her wisdom and virtue. Loved as the only daughter of Mordecai, she knew how to love, because he had loved her dearly. In her rise to prominence, we are encouraged to cultivate the inner beauty that made her stand above the rest.