Reading Esther

Esther is a refreshing story stuck in between two similar accounts of hurt, Nehemiah and Job. Esther tends to veer slightly away from the writing style of Nehemiah and Job, which includes multiple parallels, and other poetry, or lists. Instead, Esther reads as almost a storybook. In fact, the story of Esther is perhaps the most famous regarding a female in the Bible.

A lot of people like to focus on the Israelites thriving in a foreign kingdom aspect of the story. In truth, this is a great story to set an example for that, especially if we base our lives off of Esther or Mordecai's. Esther and Mordecai together were able to create an environment that was supportive of the Israelites and their religion. Their determination was perhaps the greatest contribution to that success.

However, while reading, I focused on a different lesson. It also tends to be a popular lesson taken from the story, which is that God always provides. That truth could not be more evident in this narrative.

The truth is, not much background is given regarding Esther's history. But she is placed within the king's household to her benefit, and to her people's. God is clearly provided for both in this story, by increasing Esther's standard of living, and at the same time, keeping his people safe. Not only does God keep his people safe through Esther, He also provides a new lifestyle where they don't have to be afraid and are almost treated like equals.

Yet, not only does God provide, but He also provides using unique methods, through people that no one would expect He would use. He uses a woman which is extremely unique considering the time and culture. He uses an Israelite in a foreign country that looked down on those people. And in a way, He also uses a foreign king to serve His purpose.

Lemonville United Church

Reading Nehemiah

The next book in the Bible is closely connected with the previous one, Ezra. Nehemiah talks about the same period of time, with many of the same events, just with a different perspective. In fact, Ezra and Nehemiah are so similar, in the Hebrew Bible, they are combined to form one book. However, other then the different perspective, there are other differences. One would be that Ezra focuses on the rebuilding of the temple, whereas Nehemiah focuses on the rebuilding of the wall. Author and Speaker Ray Stedman states that Ezra focuses on making the first step to reconnecting with God, while Nehemiah focuses of fulfilling the need for strength and security. Nehemiah tends to also highlight the powers up against his work, especially from foreign enemies that were frightened. His account is primarily first hand perspective, whereas sometimes in Ezra, it is third person, or an outside perspective.

However, once again, to be highlighted is the attitude and character of Nehemiah. He is another character who I feel does not get recognized enough. Again, I feel we should be studying Nehemiah for many of the same reasons as Ezra. Nehemiah was in a foreign situation, where the situation was extremely bleak. However, Nehemiah never lost sight of God, and dedicated his every action to the Lord. Nothing could distract him, nothing would prevent him from working for God. His passion and commitment were perhaps his most defining qualities.

There are a few special qualities that I think can be derived from Nehemiah's story that are slightly different than Ezra's. First, this project was very much a team project. The book of Nehemiah highlights the different roles that each person played in this rebuilding effort. Even more interesting to me is how the book highlights the two major leaders in the project; Ezra and Nehemiah. Together, they are working towards the same end result, yet each plays a different role in getting to that finish line. Two leaders, working together, using different methods, but simultaneously towards the same result. Rather than have one person shoulder all the responsibility, the project is shared between two capable men, who compliment each other with their contrasting styles and abilities.

I also noticed that Nehemiah immersed himself in prayer. Before the beginning of this grand adventure, Nehemiah immediately looked to the Lord for advice and for help. Throughout the journey, whenever an obstacle presented itself, Nehemiah again, looked to the Lord. Constantly, he was praying and praising, thanking and asking for help. His communication with God never ended. This perhaps could be the defining reason as to why he was so successful in his mission.

The Importance of Youth

A gripping issue in the church today, one that could prove detrimental to the survival of our faith, is the importance of youth. Too many times there are situations were youth are pushed to the side, ignored, or forgotten. Within the church, this absolutely can't happen.

The reasons why are quite simple actually. The difficult part is implementing action. But first, let's discuss why youth are important.

First, it clearly states in the Bible that all young people are especially important to Jesus. Matthew 19:14 includes a statement from Jesus to his disciples regarding them trying to hold back children from coming to see the "Teacher." They concluded that Jesus had much better things to do with His time then babysit children. Jesus responded, "Let the little children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children." (NLT) Once when my mother used to teach Bible devotions as part of our homeschooling classes, she taught about this very verse. The key component of the verse is "those who are like these children." How can adults be like children or youth? The answer lies in the character of youth. Unlike adults, who are consumed with worry of trivial matters in life, the passion that consumes youth for even the smallest things is a huge contrast. Jesus is stating that those who pose a character, a passion like that of a child or youth is worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Secondly, youth also fall under the category of "all people". By all people, I'm referring to the Great Commission. It is a Christian's duty to evangelize to all people, no matter their age. But it shouldn't just be a duty. It should also be something we long to do. It should be something that is ever present on our minds, and in our hearts. Again, age shouldn't matter. We should be looking at the youth of this generation, and genuinely feel broken at their current state. Youth of today are lost, mired in horrible influences that are completely destroying their future without the church.

Lastly, for a more practical purpose, the youth are the future church. If the church hopes to survive, it needs to recruit members now, and preferably at a young age. This does sound a bit like a regiment, but again, it should be because the church is worried about the world in the future. The best way to ensure that the mission is continued on is by helping youth now, so they are prepared for the future.

Now for the action. How does the church show that it values youth? I think the answer is actually more simple then some would believe. At times, youth need to be put first. Their needs and wants, their ideas, their leadership should be valued equally with others for certain, but at times, decisions need to be made in order to favour youth. Currently, the debate ranges from the style of music to the style of preaching to the dress code. Of course, traditionally, things are set in stone. Many tend to disagree with change. But, inevitably, change will happen whether people like it or not. So, will the church be dragged along in this change screaming and fighting, or will they act boldly, and take the first step to welcome youth to a new generation of the faith?

Reading Ezra

The book of Ezra was written by perhaps the most overlooked author of the Bible, who also comes from an overlooked period of history for the Israelites. Of course, I'm talking about the man Ezra himself! Most times, not a single non-Christian has a clue who Ezra is, and the same can be said for many Christians as well. This specific book also depicts a period of history for the Israelites that many can say that they have only briefly heard of. The time of the rebuilding of Jerusalem is a short, quick period, that many only skim over in their readings.

Ezra was a scribe and scholar. Because of this, he is commonly labelled as the author of Ezra, and First and Second Chronicles. His style was extremely factual, yet also sentimental in a way. It is clear Ezra clearly cared about his material, and presenting the exact happenings in a nearly perfect manner. We also know that Ezra was a descendant of Aaron the chief priest, and if this book tells us anything, Ezra took on many of the chief priest's roles and responsibilities admirably. His zeal for God and the people is evident in almost every action. We can also look at Nehemiah for another identical picture of Ezra and his passion for his work.

This book contains an important part of history for the Israelites. In fact, it almost acts as a connecting puzzle piece between the period of reign, and the period of slavery/being captured by foreign powers. Ezra depicts how the Israelites were able to return to their home country and begin to rebuild for the future. Ezra serves as the next step before the New Testament, as many of the other books that follow don't mention the next parts of Israel's history, from the rebuild to the domination of the actual city of Jerusalem by foreign powers such as the Romans.

While the book does focus on actual history, again there are many lessons that can be gleaned. Again, highlighted from this short book is the character of Ezra. His zeal and passion are something missing from churches today. Even though we may not be in as drastic of a situation, we can still mimic that love for God and His work. In fact, we need to, in order to change the way the church does things today. Our perception in society, our work, our future is extremely shady. Renewing our vigour will certainly change that, and we could use a page from Ezra's book in order to do so.

Reading Second Chronicles

When it comes to First and Second Kings, and First and Second Chronicles, the similarities are striking. Especially with Second Chronicles, the stories are almost identical to First and Second Kings. And while First Chronicles really focuses on genealogies, there are similarities in that book as well.

Because the books are so similar, the question that arises is why we have books in the Bible that are almost identical. Essentially, the same story and same history is repeated. Overlap is created, and a strong relationship is built. But the question arises is why? What is the purpose of having two books that include much of the same material?

I believe there are at least a few reasonable answers to that question. The first would be for historical proof. These books were clearly written by different authors and most likely at different times as well. The traditional belief is that Ezra wrote both books of Chronicles after the Babylonian Captivity of Jerusalem, and Jeremiah wrote both books of Kings before the Babylonian Captivity. Basically, the fact that two people could write two different accounts of the same period of history and have all the facts match up so closely is amazing. Just like in a law court when two eyewitnesses will condemn someone, to have two people write accounts of the same events builds a stronger case for that historical event.

The second reason for having two books with almost the same material is that each serves a different purpose. Each author wrote their separate book with a certain purpose in mind. Kings seems to set out to provide a more comprehensive picture of history, while Chronicles is selective. Therefore, while the picture of the same events is similar, they come from a different perspective.

I've always found this useful, especially with the four gospels. Having four different accounts of many of the same stories could prove to be boring, but with the unique flair that each author adds, a more well rounded picture of the story is presented.

This does bring up the interesting doctrine of inspiration as well. So far in school, I've taken two theology courses, that have really helped to clarify this issue. Inspiration states that God divinely inspired each human author to write their books that are included in the Bible. It does not mean that God forced each word out of the human vessel. Rather, the author was able to put their own style into their writings, making it a partnership work between God and man.