Daily Scripture Reading – Week 7

February 12, 2026 — Exodus 37:1–38:31; Matthew 27:11–44; Psalm 21:1–7

Exodus 37:1–38:31
The craftsmen carefully build the furnishings of the tabernacle exactly as the Lord commanded. Every detail reflects obedience and reverence, showing that worship is shaped by God’s design, not human creativity. God is worthy of careful, wholehearted devotion.

Matthew 27:11–44
Jesus stands silent before false accusations and brutal mockery. Though rejected and humiliated, He remains the true King, fulfilling God’s saving purposes through suffering. God’s plan of redemption moves forward even when it appears defeated.

Psalm 21:1–7
The psalm celebrates the king’s strength and joy in the Lord’s salvation. Victory and blessing flow from trusting God’s steadfast love. Confidence rests in the Lord’s faithful power.

Together
God is the true King who deserves reverent worship and unwavering trust. His purposes stand firm even through suffering and opposition. Joy and victory are found in relying on His steadfast love.

February 13, 2026 — Exodus 39:1–40:38; Matthew 27:45–66; Proverbs 4:20–27

Exodus 39:1–40:38
Israel completes the tabernacle just as the Lord instructed, and His glory fills it. God’s presence among His people is the ultimate sign of covenant faithfulness. He leads them visibly, guiding every step.

Matthew 27:45–66
Darkness covers the land as Jesus dies, and the temple curtain is torn in two. His death opens the way into God’s presence, even as His body is laid in a guarded tomb. God’s redemptive work is accomplished through sacrifice.

Proverbs 4:20–27
Wisdom calls for focused attention and guarded hearts. The path of life requires intentional direction and steady obedience. God’s ways lead to life and stability.

Together
God makes His presence known and opens the way for relationship through sacrifice. He calls His people to walk carefully in the life He provides. His glory guides those who stay on His path.

February 14, 2026 — Leviticus 1:1–3:17; Matthew 28:1–20; Psalm 21:8–13

Leviticus 1:1–3:17
God outlines offerings that express devotion, atonement, and fellowship. Worship involves surrender, gratitude, and restored relationship. God provides a way for His people to draw near.

Matthew 28:1–20
The risen Jesus defeats death and sends His followers with authority and promise. His resurrection confirms that He reigns as Lord over all. God’s saving plan now moves outward to the nations.

Psalm 21:8–13
The psalm praises God’s strength and ultimate victory over enemies. The Lord’s power secures the future of His anointed king. Praise rises because God reigns.

Together
God provides access to Himself and proves His power through resurrection. He reigns victorious and invites His people into His global purpose. Worship and mission flow from His triumph.

February 15, 2026 — Leviticus 4:1–5:13; Mark 1:1–28; Psalm 22:1–11

Leviticus 4:1–5:13
God addresses unintentional sin with clear instructions for atonement. Even hidden or unaware failures matter before Him. God makes provision so guilt can be removed and fellowship restored.

Mark 1:1–28
Jesus begins His ministry with authority over demons and power in teaching. His words carry divine weight, and people are amazed. God’s kingdom breaks in with unmistakable authority.

Psalm 22:1–11
The psalm expresses deep anguish yet clings to God’s past faithfulness. Trust is remembered even when feelings waver. God remains the faithful refuge from the beginning of life.

Together
God is holy and provides atonement for sin. His authority and saving power appear in Jesus, bringing hope into human need. Even in distress, His faithfulness anchors trust.

February 16, 2026 — Leviticus 5:14–7:10; Mark 1:29–2:17; Psalm 22:12–21

Leviticus 5:14–7:10
The guilt offering highlights restitution and responsibility alongside sacrifice. God cares about both worship and making things right with others. Forgiveness and restoration go hand in hand.

Mark 1:29–2:17
Jesus heals the sick, forgives sins, and calls unlikely people to follow Him. His authority reaches both body and soul. God’s grace welcomes the needy and the outcast.

Psalm 22:12–21
The psalm vividly portrays suffering and desperate need for rescue. Surrounded by enemies, the writer cries for deliverance. God is sought as the only hope.

Together
God provides restoration that reaches guilt, suffering, and broken lives. His mercy moves toward those in need and calls them into new life. Hope rises because He is willing and able to save.

February 17, 2026 — Leviticus 7:11–8:36; Mark 2:18–3:30; Proverbs 5:1–14

Leviticus 7:11–8:36
The fellowship offering and priestly ordination emphasize shared meals and set apart service. God establishes leaders who serve in His presence on behalf of the people. Worship involves both joy and consecration.

Mark 2:18–3:30
Jesus challenges rigid traditions and reveals Himself as Lord of the Sabbath. His authority brings restoration, yet opposition grows. God’s work exposes hardened hearts while offering healing.

Proverbs 5:1–14
Wisdom warns against the path of unfaithfulness and its bitter consequences. God’s instruction protects from regret and ruin. Listening to wisdom guards life.

Together
God calls His people to joyful worship, faithful service, and wise obedience. He brings healing but confronts hardened hearts. Life flourishes when His instruction is taken seriously.

February 18, 2026 — Leviticus 9:1–10:20; Mark 3:31–4:29; Psalm 22:22–31

Leviticus 9:1–10:20
God’s glory appears as sacrifices are offered, but disobedience brings swift judgment on Nadab and Abihu. His holiness is not to be treated lightly. Worship must honor Him on His terms.

Mark 3:31–4:29
Jesus teaches that true family consists of those who do God’s will. Through parables, He describes the kingdom growing quietly yet powerfully. God’s work advances in ways often unseen.

Psalm 22:22–31
The psalm turns from suffering to praise, declaring God’s deliverance to future generations. Hope expands from personal rescue to global worship. God’s faithfulness fuels lasting praise.

Together
God is holy, worthy of reverent worship, and faithful to bring deliverance. His kingdom grows beyond what we see, drawing people into lasting praise. Awe and hope belong together in His presence.

Lesson 18 – Mark Jensen

  1. Introduction: The Power of Prayer and Preparation
    1. Personal testimony of presenting to Microsoft’s Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner
      1. Prepared for two weeks with numbers, project plans, risks, and objectives
      2. Prayed for God’s peace, favor, and wisdom
      3. God provided grace and the meeting went beyond expectations
    2. Nehemiah had a much larger concern and went to prayer first, a repeating theme throughout the book
    3. God blessed Nehemiah with approval from the king of Persia
  2. Overview of the Book of Nehemiah
    1. Nehemiah and Daniel are examples of practical Christianity in the world
      1. Both books show how to live and work as a Christian in a secular environment
      2. Excellent models for being Christian at home, church, and work
    2. Nehemiah’s name means “Jehovah Consoles” or “Comforts”
    3. Background and context
      1. Born in Persia
      2. Third great leader in the Jewish Restoration (second Exodus) after Zerubbabel and Ezra
      3. Worked at the highest levels of Persian government as cupbearer to the king
      4. Little known about his personal background
    4. Nehemiah’s mission compared to Ezra’s mission
      1. Ezra dealt with spiritual needs: spiritual rebuilding and growth of the people
      2. Nehemiah dealt with physical needs: rebuilding the walls, protection of the people, and development of the nation
      3. Both missions were very important and complementary
    5. Connection to the story of Esther
      1. Nehemiah probably does not rise to high government levels if Esther had not stood up
      2. God’s providential protection of the Jews through Esther enabled Nehemiah’s mission
      3. Again demonstrates the theme of God’s providence
  3. Key Themes in Nehemiah Chapters 1-2
    1. Balance between confidence in God’s sovereignty through prayer and human responsibility through thoughtful planning
    2. The beauty of Nehemiah’s prayer in chapter one (Nehemiah 1)
      1. Similar to prayers of Ezra (Ezra 9) and Daniel (Daniel 9)
      2. A beautiful prayer in the Bible demonstrating deep spiritual character
    3. Nehemiah’s reaction to discouraging news about Jerusalem
      1. Showed he was a man of deep spiritual character
      2. Identified with hardships he had not personally experienced
      3. Denied himself palace luxuries to fast, mourn, and pray
    4. Nehemiah knew he could not solve the situation by himself, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)
  4. Theological Principles from Chapters 1-2
    1. Prayerfulness: Making prayer the first action
    2. True spirituality: Acknowledging that God answers prayers as he sees fit
    3. Confession of sin and intercession for others
    4. Drawing on God’s promises: God is always working for his glory and the good of his people, even when it doesn’t seem like it
      1. Includes personal suffering and hardship
      2. God uses the messiness in our lives for our ultimate good
    5. Presence of faith does not mean absence of organization
      1. Planning, project management, and leadership all have their place
      2. God honors prayer along with order and organization
  5. Exposition of Nehemiah Chapter 2:1-10 – Nehemiah’s Petition to the King
    1. The setting: Artaxerxes notices Nehemiah’s sadness (Nehemiah 2:1-2)
      1. In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes
      2. Nehemiah was very much afraid because cupbearers were expected to be cheerful
      3. Sadness in the king’s presence could be interpreted as disrespect or ill-will toward the king
      4. Could have resulted in execution
    2. Nehemiah’s response to the king’s question (Nehemiah 2:3)
      1. “Let the king live forever. Why should my face not be sad when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies desolate and its gates have been consumed by fire?”
      2. Wisely does not mention Jerusalem by name to avoid reminding the king of past rebellion
      3. Appeals to ancestral honor and family tombs, concepts the king would understand and respect
    3. The king’s favorable response (Nehemiah 2:4)
      1. “What would you request?”
      2. Before answering, Nehemiah prayed to the God of heaven
      3. Demonstrates the principle of arrow prayers – quick, urgent prayers in critical moments
    4. Nehemiah’s detailed, prepared request (Nehemiah 2:5-8)
      1. Asked to be sent to Judah to rebuild the city
      2. Requested letters of safe passage to governors in the region
      3. Asked for a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, for timber
      4. Needed timber for gates of the fortress, city wall, and his own house
      5. The king granted all his requests because the good hand of God was on him
    5. Journey to Jerusalem with royal support (Nehemiah 2:9-10)
      1. King sent army officers and horsemen with Nehemiah
      2. Delivered letters to governors beyond the River
      3. Sanballat and Tobiah were displeased that someone came to seek the welfare of Israel
      4. First mention of opposition that will persist throughout the book
  6. Leadership Principles from Nehemiah’s Petition
    1. Prayer and planning work together
      1. Nehemiah prayed for months (Kislev to Nisan, approximately 4 months)
      2. He also planned carefully what he would request
      3. When opportunity came, he was ready with specific, detailed requests
    2. Wisdom in communication
      1. Carefully chose words to avoid negative associations
      2. Appealed to values the king would understand
      3. Was truthful but tactful
    3. Dependence on God’s providence
      1. Acknowledged “the good hand of my God was on me” (Nehemiah 2:8)
      2. Recognized success came from God, not his own cleverness
    4. Thorough preparation demonstrates stewardship
      1. Thought through all necessary resources
      2. Anticipated obstacles and needs
      3. Made specific, reasonable requests
  7. Exposition of Nehemiah Chapter 2:11-20 – Initial Assessment and Vision Casting
    1. Arrival and waiting period (Nehemiah 2:11)
      1. Came to Jerusalem and was there three days
      2. Took time to rest and observe before acting
    2. Nighttime inspection of the walls (Nehemiah 2:12-16)
      1. Arose at night with a few men, telling no one what God had put in his heart
      2. Went out by night to inspect the walls and gates
      3. The Valley Gate, Dragon’s Well, Refuse Gate were examined
      4. Some areas so damaged he could not pass with his animal
      5. Went up by the valley at night, inspecting the wall
      6. Officials did not yet know where he went or what he was doing
    3. Leaders gather information before casting vision
      1. Assessed the situation personally and thoroughly
      2. Did not rely on second-hand reports
      3. Kept plans private until the right time to share
    4. Nehemiah’s vision casting to the people (Nehemiah 2:17-18)
      1. “You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach.”
      2. Identified with the people (“we are in”)
      3. Clearly stated the problem
      4. Proposed a solution
      5. Explained the benefit (no longer be a reproach)
      6. Shared his testimony of God’s goodness and the king’s support
    5. The people’s response (Nehemiah 2:18)
      1. “Let us arise and build”
      2. United response to join the work
      3. Motivated by truthful assessment and encouraging testimony
    6. Immediate opposition from enemies (Nehemiah 2:19-20)
      1. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem mocked and despised them
      2. Accused them of rebelling against the king
      3. Nehemiah’s confident response: “The God of heaven will give us success. Therefore we his servants will arise and build. But you have no portion, right, or memorial in Jerusalem.”
      4. Did not argue or become discouraged
      5. Courageously used his authority as servant of the king and of God
  8. Leadership Principles from Vision Casting and Opposition
    1. Effective leaders understand needs before proposing solutions
      1. Personal inspection and assessment
      2. Took time to fully understand the situation
    2. Vision casting motivates people to action
      1. Be truthful about the problem
      2. Identify with the people (“we”)
      3. Share testimony of God’s work
      4. Encourage through examples of God’s faithfulness
    3. Godly leaders trust in God’s strength, not their own
      1. “The God of heaven will give us success”
      2. Self-confidence rooted in God’s wisdom and strength
    4. Opposition is normal when walking by faith
      1. Criticism and opposition don’t necessarily mean you’re outside God’s will
      2. May actually reinforce that you are in the center of God’s plan
      3. Don’t be discouraged or argue with opponents
  9. Key Truths and Theological Lessons from Nehemiah 1-2
    1. God’s providence is trustworthy
      1. God knew the condition of the walls and was not surprised
      2. God has a plan and moves people according to that plan
      3. Sent Nehemiah because organizing projects and leading rebuilding were not Ezra’s skills
    2. Nehemiah as a type of Christ
      1. Just as Nehemiah was distressed over the condition of the Jews and Jerusalem, Jesus was distressed for us
      2. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45)
      3. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10)
      4. Nehemiah’s name “Jehovah Consoles or Comforts” is fitting – God consoles his people by sending Nehemiah to them
    3. The power and priority of prayer
      1. Prayer was Nehemiah’s first and best course of action
      2. Humanly speaking, only King Artaxerxes could make Nehemiah’s mission possible
      3. The king had issued a decree stopping construction, and only he could reverse it
      4. Nehemiah prayed specifically: “Give your servant success today by granting him favor (compassion) in the presence of this man”
    4. Nehemiah demonstrates balance between faith and action
      1. Presence of faith does not mean absence of organization
      2. God honors prayer along with order and organization
      3. Prayer and planning work together, not against each other
  10. Application and Reflection
    1. Trusting God’s providence in your life
      1. Can you trust God for direction and guidance in your life?
      2. If God can work for Nehemiah, can he work in your life?
      3. Can you trust God’s plan for you?
    2. Looking for God at work and joining him
      1. Are you like Nehemiah, attuned to what God is doing?
      2. Are you ready to join God in his work?
      3. Nehemiah was very aware of how God was working and responded accordingly
    3. Applying leadership principles
      1. Principles of leadership, prayer, and trust found in Nehemiah apply to personal life, family, jobs, and church service
      2. Where and how can you apply these principles to make an impact on people in your life?
      3. Nehemiah took time to understand people’s needs and motivated them through truth and encouragement
    4. Using your testimony to motivate others
      1. Nehemiah told his testimony of what God had done when he stood before King Artaxerxes
      2. How can your testimony of God’s work in you be used to motivate people to trust in God?
      3. You have a testimony just like Nehemiah had a testimony
    5. Prayer as the first and best response
      1. No matter what emotions you may be feeling, the first and best response is to pray
      2. Prayer is how Nehemiah dealt with his emotions
      3. He didn’t allow himself to be driven by emotion, but rather to be driven by God through prayer
    6. Responding with God’s grace and wisdom in trying times
      1. Our city, nation, and world are being driven by emotion
      2. How are you bringing your emotions to God and submitting them to him through prayer?
      3. Instead of responding with emotion, respond with the grace and wisdom of God
      4. Be like Nehemiah: bring emotions to God, submit them to him, and spend time in prayer to know how to respond and what direction to take
    7. Leadership starts with personal life
      1. Be men of prayer
      2. Be leaders over ourselves
      3. Walk in holiness
      4. Encourage one another: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
      5. “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called today, so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13)
    8. Practical steps for daily living
      1. Take time each day to pray, worship God, and listen for his leading
      2. Learn the needs of people around us, not just Christians but all people
      3. Pray, plan, listen for God’s voice, and organize around his leading
      4. Be realistic: when you walk by faith and seek to lead, you will encounter hostility from people who walk by sight

Daily Scripture Reading – Week 6

February 5, 2026 — Exodus 23:1–24:18; Matthew 24:1–31; Proverbs 4:1–9

Exodus 23:1–24:18
God’s laws emphasize justice, mercy, and integrity in everyday life. He promises His presence to guide Israel and calls them into covenant relationship sealed with sacrifice and worship. His holiness and nearness define what it means to belong to Him.

Matthew 24:1–31
Jesus speaks of coming upheaval, warning of deception and calling for endurance. History moves toward His visible return in power and glory. God remains sovereign even when the world feels unstable.

Proverbs 4:1–9
A father urges his son to prize wisdom above all else. Wisdom protects, honors, and guides those who embrace her. God’s instruction is a life giving treasure.

Together
God calls His people to faithful obedience rooted in covenant relationship. He gives wisdom for daily living and hope for the future when everything else shakes. Security comes from walking closely with Him in trust and reverence.

February 6, 2026 — Exodus 25:1–26:37; Matthew 24:32–25:13; Psalm 18:37–42

Exodus 25:1–26:37
God provides detailed instructions for the tabernacle, showing His desire to dwell among His people. Every element reflects His holiness and intentional design. Worship is shaped by His revealed pattern rather than human preference.

Matthew 24:32–25:13
Jesus urges watchfulness through parables about readiness. His return will be certain but unexpected, calling for steady faithfulness. God values hearts prepared and alert.

Psalm 18:37–42
David describes God granting victory over enemies. Strength and triumph come from the Lord’s enabling power. God fights for those who trust Him.

Together
God draws near to dwell with His people and calls them to live ready for His purposes. He equips, strengthens, and expects faithful attentiveness. Hope and preparedness grow from confidence in His presence.

February 7, 2026 — Exodus 27:1–28:43; Matthew 25:14–46; Psalm 18:43–50

Exodus 27:1–28:43
The altar, courtyard, and priestly garments reveal that access to God requires mediation and holiness. The priests are set apart to serve in beauty and dignity before Him. God establishes a way for sinful people to approach Him.

Matthew 25:14–46
Jesus teaches accountability through parables of stewardship and final judgment. Faithfulness is measured by action, especially toward those in need. God’s kingdom values responsible trust and compassionate obedience.

Psalm 18:43–50
David praises God for deliverance and enduring love. The Lord exalts and preserves His servant. God’s steadfast love extends beyond one generation.

Together
God provides access to Himself and calls His people to faithful, compassionate service. He is worthy of reverent worship and active obedience. Gratitude flows from recognizing His saving love.

February 8, 2026 — Exodus 29:1–30:38; Matthew 26:1–30; Psalm 19:1–6

Exodus 29:1–30:38
The consecration of priests and instructions for worship highlight the seriousness of approaching God. Regular sacrifice, prayer, and atonement maintain fellowship with Him. God makes a way for ongoing relationship through holy provision.

Matthew 26:1–30
Jesus prepares for the cross while a woman honors Him with costly devotion. At the Passover meal, He identifies the bread and cup with His coming sacrifice. God’s redemptive plan moves forward through willing surrender.

Psalm 19:1–6
Creation declares God’s glory without words. The heavens testify daily to His power and majesty. God’s greatness is evident to all.

Together
God reveals His holiness and glory while providing a path for redemption. Worship, sacrifice, and creation itself point to His majesty. Hearts are drawn to awe and gratitude before Him.

February 9, 2026 — Exodus 31:1–33:6; Matthew 26:31–46; Proverbs 4:10–19

Exodus 31:1–33:6
God fills Bezalel with skill for sacred work, showing that craftsmanship can serve holy purposes. Yet Israel’s impatience leads to the golden calf, exposing how quickly hearts turn. God disciplines but continues guiding His people.

Matthew 26:31–46
Jesus predicts failure among His disciples and then prays in deep anguish. He submits fully to the Father’s will despite the coming suffering. God’s plan advances through obedient surrender.

Proverbs 4:10–19
Wisdom leads on a brightening path, while wickedness walks in darkness. Choices shape direction and destiny. God calls His people to stay on the path of life.

Together
God desires faithful obedience in both work and worship. Even in human weakness, His purposes move forward through willing submission. The path of life is found in trusting and following Him.

February 10, 2026 — Exodus 33:7–34:35; Matthew 26:47–68; Psalm 19:7–14

Exodus 33:7–34:35
Moses meets with God face to face, pleading for His presence to remain with Israel. The Lord reveals His name and character as compassionate, gracious, and faithful. God’s glory shapes those who spend time with Him.

Matthew 26:47–68
Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and falsely accused, yet remains steadfast. Even under injustice, He fulfills God’s redemptive plan. God’s purposes stand firm despite human schemes.

Psalm 19:7–14
God’s law is perfect, reviving and guiding the soul. His words are sweeter than honey and bring light to the eyes. God’s truth shapes hearts and guards lives.

Together
God reveals His character through His presence, His Word, and His saving work. He remains faithful while calling His people to treasure His truth. Transformation comes from knowing Him more deeply.

February 11, 2026 — Exodus 35:1–36:38; Matthew 26:69–27:10; Psalm 20:1–9

Exodus 35:1–36:38
The people respond to God’s call with willing hearts and generous giving. Skilled workers build according to His design, and the work overflows with provision. God delights in wholehearted participation in His purposes.

Matthew 26:69–27:10
Peter’s denial and Judas’s despair reveal different responses to failure. Human weakness is exposed, yet God’s plan moves forward toward redemption. Sin cannot overturn His saving purpose.

Psalm 20:1–9
The psalm expresses confidence in the Lord’s saving power. Trust is placed not in human strength but in God’s name. Victory belongs to Him.

Together
God accomplishes His purposes through willing hearts and despite human failure. He invites trust in His power rather than our own. Hope rests securely in His faithful saving work.

Lesson 17 – Jeremy Thomas

  1. Introduction: Invisible Power and the Book of Esther
    1. Illustration of a levitating, glowing light bulb: magnets hold it, invisible current lights it, showing an unseen power behind what is visible.
    2. Scientific explanations like electromagnetic induction and magnetic levitation are true but ultimately inadequate to explain deepest causality; at the deepest level, reality is grounded in Christ (Colossians 1:16–17).
    3. Colossians 1:16–17: all things—visible and invisible, thrones, dominions, rulers, authorities, magnets, electricity, science, politics—were created through Christ and for Him, and in Him all things hold together.
    4. Key analogy: the bulb floats because laws exist, those laws exist because Christ created them, and they hold because He is holding them now; likewise, Esther reveals an invisible God upholding and guiding events even when His name is never mentioned (Esther 1–10).
    5. Thesis: God’s “power of invisibility” is a superpower, not a weakness; He works powerfully and invisibly in Esther and in contemporary politics and culture (1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:15–16).
  2. Seeing the Immortal, Invisible God in Esther
    1. Biblical framing of God’s invisibility:
      1. 1 Timothy 1:17: God is the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, deserving honor and glory forever.
      2. 1 Timothy 6:15–16: He is the blessed and only Sovereign, King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; His invisibility is a feature, not a defect.
    2. Marvel universe analogy:
      1. In popular fiction, anyone who can act powerfully and invisibly has a “superpower,” inspiring awe and marvel.
      2. Similarly, Scripture describes the Lord’s doing as “marvelous in our eyes” (Psalm 118:23), whether in creation, history, or the events of Esther.
    3. Reading Esther in light of the whole Bible:
      1. Though God’s name is never mentioned in Esther, the book assumes God rather than arguing for Him, inviting readers to see His hidden providence by faith (Esther 1–10).
      2. We must read Esther in the light of the whole counsel of God—Old and New Testaments—allowing broader biblical theology to illuminate God’s role in the narrative (Luke 24:27).
    4. Seeing God’s providence behind human politics:
      1. Just as it is incomplete to explain the light without reference to electricity and magnetism, it is incomplete and intellectually dishonest to explain Esther—or modern politics—without reference to God’s invisible rule (Colossians 1:17).
      2. Esther shows that God works behind morally complex human decisions and seemingly random events, revealing a coherence and purpose that goes beyond chance (Esther 2–9).
    5. Key truth: God operates invisibly in Esther and in our time not because He is less real, but because He is greater than what can be seen.
      1. God’s goodness may be hard to see amid wickedness and hatred, but His sovereign power is always present and ultimately working within and over human evil (Romans 8:28; Esther 6–9).
      2. Believers are called to worship the immortal, invisible God and to interpret history, including Esther, with Him explicitly in view (1 Timothy 1:17).
  3. Reading Esther Carefully: Layers, Characters, and Coincidences
    1. Reading with humility and community:
      1. The narrator of Esther is sophisticated and provocative, stacking apparent coincidences alongside morally complex human actions (Esther 1–10).
      2. Interpreting Esther well involves reading in community, paying careful attention to the text, and seeking to extract, not impose, meaning—like careful legal reading of a constitution.
    2. Morally complex human characters:
      1. Mordecai and Esther: Hebrews who at times act in morally ambiguous ways and at other times with genuine virtue, making them mixed characters rather than flawless heroes (Esther 2–8).
      2. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes): murderous, adulterous, self-indulgent, and indecisive; he appears powerful but often cannot make decisions alone and is easily manipulated (Esther 1–3).
      3. Haman: a heinous, haughty, hateful, and hurtful enemy whose power is real but temporary; he ultimately loses both his life and legacy (Esther 3–7).
    3. Providential convergence of events:
      1. The narrator piles up precise timings (e.g., the lot casting, the sleepless night, the chronicle reading, Haman’s arrival) so that explanations excluding God become implausible (Esther 3–6).
      2. What first appears random (casting of pur, the lot) gradually reveals a coherent pattern of divine purpose (Esther 3:7; Esther 6:1–11).
    4. Biblical interpretive frame:
      1. Esther plays out the principle of Genesis 50:20: what humans intend for evil, God works for good, particularly for His covenant people (Genesis 50:20; Esther 7–9).
      2. Esther also displays Romans 8:28 in narrative form: God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28; Esther 8–9).
    5. Key truth: Esther’s multi-layered story pushes readers to see beyond human actors to the deeper, invisible reality of God’s providence.
      1. Ignoring God’s role in Esther—or in modern news—means missing the most important explanatory factor behind what is happening.
      2. The book is designed to train believers to see God by faith in situations where He is not named and where interpretive sermons are not supplied within the narrative itself.
  4. The Unseen Enemy: Satan’s Hatred and the Deeper War
    1. Satan’s role in Esther:
      1. As God is unmentioned yet clearly active in Esther, so Satan is also unmentioned yet active through Haman’s hatred of the Jews (Esther 3:5–6; Esther 7:4).
      2. Haman’s genocidal hatred for Abraham’s descendants reflects Satan’s long-standing desire to exterminate the Hebrews/Israelites/Jews, the people through whom the promised seed would come (Genesis 12:1–3; Genesis 3:15).
    2. Historical pattern of Satanic opposition:
      1. From Pharaoh’s slaughter and oppression in Egypt, through Haman’s plot in Persia, to Herod’s massacre of infants and beyond, Satan repeatedly attempts to destroy the line leading to the Messiah (Exodus 1–2; Esther 3; Matthew 2:16–18).
      2. Later history includes Hitler and others who seek to annihilate the Jews, reflecting the same satanic hatred against God’s redemptive plan.
    3. Haman’s responsibility and Satan’s influence:
      1. Satan’s involvement does not excuse human evil; Haman remains fully responsible for his hatred, violence, and plot against God’s people (Esther 3:8–11; Esther 7:9–10).
      2. Seeing Satan’s role helps readers perceive the deeper spiritual war underlying Haman’s actions and the Persian politics of the book (Ephesians 6:11–12).
    4. God’s steadfast love victorious over unrelenting hatred:
      1. In the end, Satan’s and Haman’s evil plans cannot overcome God’s steadfast love for His people; Haman is destroyed and the Jews are preserved and honored (Esther 7:10; Esther 8:15–17; Psalm 136).
      2. Esther demonstrates that God’s marvelous light ultimately outshines the darkness of evil and hatred (John 1:5; Esther 9:1–5).
    5. Key truth: The story of Esther is not just political intrigue but a window into the deeper spiritual conflict where God’s enduring love decisively defeats Satan’s hatred.
      1. Readers must see both the visible human actors and the invisible spiritual battle to grasp the full significance of the narrative (Ephesians 6:12).
      2. This perspective shapes how believers interpret both ancient Scripture and modern events, refusing to tell the story without reference to God and the unseen war.
  5. Justice, Violence, and Esther 9: Guardrails and Canonical Context
    1. The troubling question of Esther 9:5:
      1. Esther 9:5 states that the Jews struck all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them and doing as they pleased to those who hated them, raising the question: is this righteous justice or sinful retaliation?
      2. Scripture invites honest wrestling with whether this violence is God-honoring or merely human vengeance (Esther 9:1–5).
    2. First crucial clarification: not ethnic cleansing, but defensive justice:
      1. The first edict, influenced by Haman, authorized genocide—an annihilation of Jews across the empire (Esther 3:8–14).
      2. The second edict, following Esther’s intercession, permits the Jews to defend themselves against those who would attack them, making the events of Esther 9 a response to a specific, unchangeable Persian law (Esther 8:11–13; Esther 9:2).
    3. Guardrail 1: Targets limited to enemies:
      1. The text repeatedly identifies those killed as “those who hated them” and “those who sought their harm,” emphasizing that this is not indiscriminate slaughter of civilians (Esther 9:1–2, Esther 9:5).
      2. The aim is the preservation of life for the Jews, not conquest or personal vendetta.
    4. Guardrail 2: Refusal to take plunder:
      1. Although the second edict explicitly allows the Jews to plunder their enemies’ goods, the narrative stresses three times that they “laid no hand on the plunder” (Esther 8:11; Esther 9:10, Esther 9:15, Esther 9:16).
      2. This restraint signals that their action is not driven by greed or opportunism but by a limited goal: stopping the perpetuation of evil.
    5. Connection to 1 Samuel 15 and Saul’s failure:
      1. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul is commanded to strike Amalek and devote everything to destruction, taking no plunder, but he disobeys by sparing Agag and the best of the livestock (1 Samuel 15:3, 9).
      2. God calls Saul’s selective obedience rebellion and idolatry and rejects him as king for taking what he valued instead of obeying God fully (1 Samuel 15:22–23).
      3. In Esther, the Jews’ refusal to plunder may deliberately echo Saul’s failure, suggesting a more God-centered, Scripture-shaped restraint in their response.
    6. Guardrail 3: Canonical perspective and restraint today:
      1. Esther 9 is not presented as a timeless model for all situations; it must be read in light of the whole canon, including New Testament calls to leave vengeance to God and to respect governing authorities (Romans 12:17–19; Romans 13:4).
      2. Believers today are not to become “the next Haman” in the name of Mordecai, but to recognize God’s use of human governments to restrain evil while the church fights a spiritual, not physical, holy war (Ephesians 6:12).
    7. Key truth: Esther 9 portrays measured, divinely-framed justice under unique historical conditions, not a blanket endorsement of violence or revenge.
      1. The refusal to plunder, the limitation to those who seek harm, and the canonical echoes of Saul’s failure suggest “justice with restraint” rather than mob violence or ethnic cleansing.
      2. The Feast of Purim celebrates the preservation of life and God’s deliverance, not the sheer destruction of enemies (Esther 9:20–22).
  6. Contrasting Kingdoms: Ahasuerus, Haman, and the True King
    1. Persian counterfeit kingship:
      1. The palace of Ahasuerus is described with lavish detail resembling a temple, suggesting the pagan king’s attempt to replace the true God with himself (Esther 1:3–8).
      2. Ahasuerus is surrounded by advisors, with Haman leading him into heinous decisions, showing that the man on the throne is not truly in control (Esther 1–3).
    2. Haman as “celebrated one” and false greatness:
      1. The name Haman can be understood as “celebrated one,” depicting him as an ancient celebrity who lives for human applause and self-exaltation (Esther 3:1–2).
      2. His hunger for power, prestige, and legacy—passing honor to his ten sons—illustrates the self-centeredness that can infect any sphere of life (Esther 5:11–13; Esther 9:7–10).
      3. Modern parallels include any “celebrity” (political, artistic, religious) who seeks to perpetuate their own name, power, and platform rather than God’s kingdom.
    3. Mordecai and Esther’s contrasting purpose:
      1. By the end of the book, Esther and Mordecai act not to perpetuate their own fame, but to preserve God’s people and His redemptive line “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14; Esther 8:15–17).
      2. Their ascent highlights a different kind of leadership aimed at sustaining the people through whom God’s saving purposes will unfold.
    4. The true King over all kings:
      1. Behind the pomp of Persia and the schemes of Haman stands the immortal, invisible, only wise God, the true King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15–16).
      2. His steadfast love endures forever and outlasts all corrupt empires and human rulers; corruption is prevalent but will not prevail (Psalm 136; Esther 10:1–3).
    5. Key truth: Esther contrasts fragile human kingdoms and “celebrity” power with the enduring kingship of the immortal, invisible God.
      1. Believers are called to place their hope not in political leaders or cultural celebrities, but in the unseen King whose kingdom cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28).
      2. The book trains God’s people to trust His invisible reign even amid corrupt regimes and tangled politics, ancient and modern.
  7. Implications for Faith Today: Seeing the Invisible God in Our World
    1. Reading news and history with God in view:
      1. Just as one cannot fully explain the levitating bulb without reference to unseen forces, one cannot fully explain history or contemporary culture without reference to the invisible God (Colossians 1:17).
      2. Attempts to tell the full story of what is happening in the world while leaving God out mirror the attempt to explain the bulb without electricity or magnetism.
    2. Spiritual warfare and the church’s calling:
      1. The church’s primary conflict is not against human beings but against principalities, powers, and spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12).
      2. Believers are called to stand for life and righteousness, trusting God’s justice and refusing to repay evil for evil (Romans 12:17–21).
    3. Trusting God’s marvelous providence:
      1. Esther encourages believers to see that, even in corrupt times—ancient Persia or modern America—God’s invisible hand is at work, and His steadfast love will outlast every corrupt system (Psalm 118:23–29; Esther 9–10).
      2. God is the immortal, invisible, only God, whose marvelous light will ultimately outshine all darkness, and whose purposes cannot be thwarted (John 1:5; 1 Timothy 1:17).
    4. Encouragement to worship and trust:
      1. Believers are invited to worship God as the King of the ages and to rest in His invisible but powerful reign over science, politics, and personal history (1 Timothy 1:17).
      2. Prayer focus: that God would give His people eyes of faith to see His providence behind “messed up” human politics and to live with confidence in His ultimate justice and mercy (Romans 8:28; Esther 1–10).

Daily Scripture Reading – Week 5

January 29, 2026 — Exodus 9:1–10:29; Matthew 20:1–19; Psalm 17:6–12

Exodus 9:1–10:29
The plagues intensify, revealing both God’s unmatched power and Pharaoh’s deepening hardness. Clear warnings and moments of relief still do not produce lasting repentance. God makes His name known through patience and righteous judgment.

Matthew 20:1–19
Jesus tells a parable that overturns human ideas of fairness, showing that the kingdom runs on generosity, not wages. He then predicts His suffering, reminding the disciples that glory comes through sacrifice. God’s grace cannot be earned, only received.

Psalm 17:6–12
David cries out for protection from violent enemies. He trusts God to guard him as the apple of His eye, sheltered under divine care. Confidence rests in God’s faithful defense.

Together
God reveals Himself as powerful, just, and gracious. He confronts pride, protects His people, and gives generously beyond what is deserved. Trust grows when we see His hand in both mercy and deliverance.

January 30, 2026 — Exodus 11:1–12:51; Matthew 20:20–34; Psalm 17:13–15

Exodus 11:1–12:51
The final plague brings both judgment and redemption through the Passover. Blood on the doorposts marks those who trust God’s provision for deliverance. Salvation comes through obedience to His gracious instructions.

Matthew 20:20–34
Jesus redefines greatness as servanthood, not status. He shows compassion to the blind, responding to persistent cries for mercy. God’s kingdom lifts the humble who depend on Him.

Psalm 17:13–15
David contrasts temporary prosperity with the lasting hope of seeing God’s face. His satisfaction rests not in this world but in God’s presence. Eternal hope steadies present trials.

Together
God saves through mercy, not merit. He values humble faith, hears cries for help, and provides redemption through His chosen means. Lasting satisfaction is found in Him alone.

January 31, 2026 — Exodus 13:1–14:31; Matthew 21:1–17; Psalm 18:1–6

Exodus 13:1–14:31
God leads His people by cloud and fire, guiding them into what seems like a dead end. At the Red Sea, He makes a way where none exists, displaying His saving power. Deliverance comes through trusting His direction rather than human logic.

Matthew 21:1–17
Jesus enters Jerusalem as the promised King, gentle yet authoritative. He cleanses the temple, defending true worship. God’s house is meant for prayer, not corruption.

Psalm 18:1–6
David calls God his strength, rock, and deliverer. In distress, he cries out and finds refuge in the Lord. God responds to those who seek Him.

Together
God is a powerful deliverer and rightful King. He leads, rescues, and defends true worship. Confidence rises when we remember who goes before us.

February 1, 2026 — Exodus 15:1–16:36; Matthew 21:18–32; Proverbs 3:21–35

Exodus 15:1–16:36
Songs of praise quickly give way to complaints as the wilderness exposes fragile trust. God patiently provides water and daily bread, teaching dependence. His provision remains steady even when faith wavers.

Matthew 21:18–32
Jesus confronts empty religion and highlights obedience over appearance. A willing response matters more than polished words. God values hearts that truly follow through.

Proverbs 3:21–35
Wisdom guards, guides, and stabilizes life. Trusting the Lord leads to peace and right relationships. God blesses the humble and resists the proud.

Together
God provides faithfully while calling for sincere obedience. He sees beyond appearances and honors humble trust. Stability comes from walking wisely in dependence on Him.

February 2, 2026 — Exodus 17:1–18:27; Matthew 21:33–22:14; Psalm 18:7–15

Exodus 17:1–18:27
God brings water from the rock and victory through intercession, showing that dependence and prayer matter. Jethro’s counsel establishes shared leadership, preventing exhaustion. God’s work thrives through humble cooperation.

Matthew 21:33–22:14
Jesus tells parables exposing rejection of God’s messengers and the danger of empty association. Entrance into the kingdom requires responding rightly to the King’s invitation. God seeks genuine allegiance, not superficial connection.

Psalm 18:7–15
The psalm pictures God as a warrior who powerfully intervenes. His response to distress is active and mighty. Creation itself reacts to His presence.

Together
God responds powerfully to need and calls for true loyalty. He works through prayer, wise counsel, and faithful response to His invitation. His kingdom belongs to those who truly honor Him.

February 3, 2026 — Exodus 19:1–20:26; Matthew 22:15–46; Psalm 18:16–24

Exodus 19:1–20:26
God descends on Sinai in holiness and glory, forming a covenant with His people. The commandments reveal His character and design for life. Worship must be shaped by reverence and obedience.

Matthew 22:15–46
Jesus answers challenges with wisdom, revealing the heart of the law as love for God and neighbor. He silences opponents and points to His greater identity. God’s truth stands firm against testing.

Psalm 18:16–24
David celebrates God’s rescue and righteous dealings. Deliverance is tied to God’s faithful character. The Lord acts in justice and mercy.

Together
God reveals His holiness, wisdom, and righteous care. He defines true obedience and defends His truth. Life flourishes when shaped by reverent love for Him.

February 4, 2026 — Exodus 21:1–22:31; Matthew 23:1–39; Psalm 18:25–36

Exodus 21:1–22:31
God gives laws that protect the vulnerable and promote justice and responsibility. His commands show concern for everyday life and relationships. Righteous living reflects His just character.

Matthew 23:1–39
Jesus warns against hypocrisy and religious show without heart obedience. He longs for people to come under His care but grieves their resistance. God desires sincerity over performance.

Psalm 18:25–36
David praises God’s faithful dealings and strengthening presence. The Lord equips and sustains those who walk with Him. Victory flows from His enabling power.

Together
God values justice, sincerity, and faithful dependence. He calls His people to live out His character in real ways. Strength and stability come from walking humbly with Him.

Daily Scripture Reading – January 28, 2026

Exodus 6:13–8:32; Matthew 19:16–30; Proverbs 3:11–20

Exodus 6:13–8:32
God reveals His power through signs and judgments, confronting false authority. Pharaoh’s stubborn heart resists repentance despite clear evidence. The Lord demonstrates that He alone is supreme.

Matthew 19:16–30
Jesus challenges misplaced trust in wealth and self-effort. True life is found in surrender and following Him. God’s kingdom operates on grace, not human merit.

Proverbs 3:11–20
Discipline is framed as an expression of God’s love. Wisdom flows from reverence for the Lord and leads to life and peace. God’s ways are both corrective and generous.

Together
God reveals His authority, wisdom, and grace. He confronts pride, invites surrender, and teaches through loving discipline. True riches are found in knowing and trusting Him.

Daily Scripture Reading – January 27, 2026

Exodus 4:1–6:12; Matthew 19:1–15; Psalm 17:1–5

Exodus 4:1–6:12
Moses struggles with fear and obedience, yet God remains patient and committed. Pharaoh’s resistance intensifies the hardship, testing Israel’s faith. God reassures His people of His covenant faithfulness.

Matthew 19:1–15
Jesus upholds God’s design for marriage and honors childlike faith. Entrance into the kingdom requires humility and trust. God values dependence over self-sufficiency.

Psalm 17:1–5
David appeals to God’s justice and protection. His confidence rests in God’s righteous care. Trust is anchored in God’s faithful character.

Together
God remains faithful amid resistance, doubt, and testing. He calls His people to humility, trust, and reliance on His promises. Faith grows as we rest in His righteous care.

Daily Scripture Reading – January 26, 2026

Exodus 1:1–3:22; Matthew 18:10–35; Psalm 16:1–11

Exodus 1:1–3:22
Israel multiplies under oppression as God’s promise continues. Moses encounters God in holiness and compassion at the burning bush. The Lord reveals Himself as the faithful deliverer who hears His people’s cries.

Matthew 18:10–35
Jesus teaches the value God places on the vulnerable and the lost. Forgiveness is essential, reflecting God’s mercy toward us. Kingdom life flows from grace received and extended.

Psalm 16:1–11
David expresses confident trust in the Lord as his refuge and joy. God is the source of life, guidance, and eternal hope. His presence brings fullness of joy.

Together
God reveals Himself as a compassionate deliverer and gracious forgiver. He draws near to the oppressed, values every soul, and offers joy in His presence. Trust deepens as His mercy is experienced and shared.

Daily Scripture Reading – January 25, 2026

Genesis 49:1–50:26; Matthew 17:14–18:9; Psalm 15:1–5

Genesis 49:1–50:26
Jacob blesses his sons, revealing both consequences and hope. Joseph responds to betrayal with forgiveness, affirming God’s good purposes. Faith looks forward, trusting God beyond one lifetime.

Matthew 17:14–18:9
Jesus highlights faith, humility, and seriousness about sin. True greatness is marked by dependence, not status. God calls His people to wholehearted trust and careful obedience.

Psalm 15:1–5
The psalm describes the character of those who dwell with the Lord. Integrity, truth, and faithfulness mark a life pleasing to God. Such a person stands secure.

Together
God values faithful hearts shaped by humility, forgiveness, and integrity. He works through generations and calls His people to reflect His holiness. Stability comes from walking closely with Him.

Lesson 16 Outline – Brett Cushing

  1. Assurances During God’s Apparent Absences
    1. Lesson focus: Esther 7–8 shows God’s providence amid His apparent absence, mirroring times when believers feel abandoned or “in exile” in their own lives (Esther 7–8).
    2. Apparent absence is a normal part of the Christian life, not a sign of abnormal or “bad” faith, but a common experience for followers of Jesus.
    3. Psalms of darkness and confusion (Psalm 88; Psalm 73; Psalm 42; Psalm 44; Psalm 13) are given to normalize and validate believers’ pain, questions, and struggle to keep believing when God feels distant.
    4. Big idea: During God’s inevitable apparent absences, believers need assurances that He is still present, still protecting and providing, and has provided Someone and prescribed helps to sustain their faith (Esther 7–8).
    5. Illustration: the “missing arms” college nap—limbs felt utterly absent yet were still there—parallels how God can feel absent while truly present and active, and the question becomes: how do we gain assurance of that reality?
  2. Assurance One: God Is Present with Us Somehow
    1. Feeling exiled and undeserving:
      1. Like Israel in exile, believers can feel that God is distant, unhappy, or disappointed because of their sinful desires and circumstances (Ezra–Esther context).
      2. Examples include job loss, medical crises such as cancer, chronic pain, financial strain, family issues, or simply a loss of desire for God, leading to the question, “Where are You, God?”
    2. God’s desire to dwell with His people:
      1. Esther 7–8 reveals that, even when God’s name is not mentioned, He is orchestrating everything providentially for His people’s deliverance (Esther 7–8).
      2. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s heart is to dwell with His people; even when they do not desire Him, He continues to desire them and takes initiative to be with them (Genesis 3:8; Revelation 21:3).
    3. Only seeing a sliver of God’s work:
      1. The Max Lucado “sliver” story (horse, wild horses, broken legs, spared from war) illustrates how people wrongly label events as “good” or “bad” based on limited perspective.
      2. Likewise, Esther’s story is a roller coaster of apparent blessings and curses, yet Scripture shows that God is working through the whole sequence, not just the sliver believers can see (Esther 2–8).
    4. Key truth: Even when God seems absent, His desire to be with His people and His providential care remain unchanged.
      1. Believers can have assurance that God is still present and still desires them, even when feelings and circumstances strongly suggest otherwise (Psalm 73:23–26).
      2. Esther 7–8 is given as part of Scripture to assure exiled and struggling believers that God is with them in their darkness and confusion (Psalm 88).
  3. Assurance Two: God Protects Us from Something and Provides Us with Something
    1. Protection and provision embedded in God’s commands:
      1. Throughout Scripture, God’s commandments carry a double purpose: protecting His people from something harmful and providing something good and life-giving (Deuteronomy 10:12–13).
      2. This pattern runs from Genesis to Revelation and continues in Esther’s context, where God is both protecting and providing even in exile.
    2. Examples of God’s protection and provision:
      1. Garden of Eden: Expelling Adam and Eve protects them from eating from the tree of life and living forever in sin, and God provides eternal life later through Christ, the promised offspring (Genesis 3:22–24; Genesis 3:15).
      2. Egypt and the first Exodus: God establishes Israel as His people, protecting them from surrounding nations and providing Himself as their King and a priestly vocation to bless the nations (Exodus 19:4–6).
      3. Sinai and the Law: The law protects from destructive practices and provides a framework for holy living, revealing God’s character while exposing sin (Exodus 20; Romans 7:7–12).
      4. Wilderness: God protects Israel from returning to Egypt and from their own self-sabotage, while providing manna, water, His presence, and a daily lesson in dependence (Exodus 16–17; Deuteronomy 8:2–3).
    3. Protection and provision in Esther’s Second Exodus:
      1. In Esther, God protects His people from their independence streak that led to exile by letting them feel the consequences of sin (exile) and by intervening to prevent their annihilation (Esther 3–8).
      2. He provides them with an impending incarnate Savior foreshadowed in the “second exodus” theme—pointing ahead to Christ’s exodus described at the Transfiguration, where Moses and Elijah speak about His departure (Greek: exodus) that will bring salvation (Luke 9:30–31).
    4. Key truth: During apparent absences, God is still at work protecting His people from unseen dangers and providing deeper blessings than they can yet discern.
      1. Believers are called to trust that God’s commands and providential dealings are guarding them from something destructive and leading them toward something better (Romans 8:28).
      2. Esther 7–8 displays how God turns a path of destruction into a path of life through surprising, sovereign reversals (Esther 7–8).
  4. Assurance Three: God Has Provided Someone – Esther as a Type of Christ
    1. Seeing Jesus in Esther 7–8:
      1. Scripture ultimately points to Christ; Jesus taught that the Old Testament speaks about Him, so readers must look for Him even in Esther (Luke 24:25–27).
      2. In Esther 7–8, Esther functions as a Christ-figure, foreshadowing Jesus as the Messiah who leads His people out of the exile of sin.
    2. Esther’s threefold role:
      1. She willingly identifies with her people, revealing herself as a Jew and tying her fate to theirs (Esther 7:3–4).
      2. She embraces the prospect of death for her people, having already said, “If I perish, I perish,” and risking her life before the king (Esther 4:16; Esther 7:3–4).
      3. She intercedes repeatedly to the king on behalf of her people, pleading for their lives and seeking their deliverance (Esther 7:3–6; Esther 8:3–6).
    3. Reversal in Esther 7: exposure and execution of the enemy:
      1. Through Esther’s identification, willingness to die, and intercession, Haman’s hidden plot to destroy the Jews is exposed before the king (Esther 7:3–6).
      2. Haman is revealed as the true enemy of both the king and God’s people, and is executed on the very gallows he prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:7–10).
      3. The vulnerable people of God, who seemed condemned, are exonerated, while the apparently secure Haman is condemned.
    4. Christ’s greater threefold role and the deeper reversal:
      1. Jesus identifies with humanity by taking on flesh and dwelling among us (John 1:14).
      2. He embraces and undergoes death for us, suffering once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18).
      3. He intercedes for believers at the right hand of God, continually representing them before the Father (Romans 8:34).
      4. Through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, the true enemy—human sin and the sinful heart—is exposed and judged, not merely external power structures (Matthew 5–7; Romans 1:21–25).
      5. Jesus, who knew no sin, becomes sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him, effecting a far greater reversal from guilt to righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
    5. From expiation to imputation: more than forgiveness:
      1. Expiation describes how Christ’s sacrifice removes sin, guilt, and shame from believers (Hebrews 9:14).
      2. Imputation means God credits believers with Christ’s righteousness, treating them as if they had always perfectly obeyed, so they move not just from guilt to innocence, but from guilt to perfect righteousness (Philippians 3:9; Romans 5:19).
      3. Because of this imputed righteousness, believers can be assured that God is not perpetually disappointed and will not abandon them, even amid ongoing struggles with sin (Romans 8:1).
    6. New position and identity:
      1. Because of Esther’s actions, Mordecai is elevated to Haman’s position, gaining a new role and identity, moving from certain death to honor and life (Esther 8:1–2, Esther 8:15).
      2. In Christ, believers are raised with Him, given a new position, purpose, and identity as those united to the exalted Lord (Philippians 2:9–11; Ephesians 2:4–6).
    7. Key truth: God has provided Someone—Jesus—who secures believers’ standing from guilt to perfect righteousness, giving deep assurance even when God feels absent.
      1. Because righteousness is Christ’s gift, not the believer’s achievement, ongoing sin struggles do not overturn their justified status (Romans 5:1).
      2. This reality frees consciences and strengthens assurance that God will not leave or forsake His people (Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 13:5).
  5. Assurance Four: God Has Given a New Decree and Prescribed Helps for Our Assurance
    1. From old decree to new decree in Esther 8:
      1. Esther again intercedes in chapter 8, pleading with the king to avert the disaster planned against her people (Esther 8:3–6).
      2. The first genocidal decree cannot be revoked, but a new decree is written allowing the Jews to defend themselves and destroy those who attack them (Esther 8:8–13).
      3. The outcome is a movement from despair under the old decree to joy, feasting, celebration, and honor under the new decree (Esther 8:15–17).
    2. Law and gospel: Christ as the new decree:
      1. In Scripture, the law functions like the first decree—it is good and stands, but reveals sin and brings death, not salvation (Romans 3:19–20; Romans 7:10–12).
      2. God does not abolish His law, but adds a new “decree”: the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which sets believers free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
      3. Jesus fulfills the law perfectly and brings life and delight to those who trust Him, turning their despair under the law’s condemnation into joy under the gospel (Matthew 5:17; Romans 8:1–4).
    3. From despair to delight in Christ:
      1. As Esther’s new decree leads to joy and feasting, Christ’s work leads believers from the despair of condemnation to the delight of justified, adopted life with God (Esther 8:16–17; Romans 8:14–17).
      2. Because Jesus has “done everything for us,” the believer’s status before God is secure, free, and permanent by faith in Christ alone (John 19:30; Romans 5:1–2).
    4. God’s prescribed helps to strengthen assurance in apparent absence:
      1. God’s people, the church: regular gathering in corporate worship keeps believers tethered to God and His promises, especially when emotions are low (Hebrews 10:24–25).
      2. God’s promises in Scripture: immersing in God’s Word, including Psalms of lament and hope, feeds assurance and reorients perspective (Psalm 42:5–8; Romans 8:31–39).
      3. God’s presence in prayer: praying the Psalms and honestly bringing emotions to God cultivates experiential awareness of His nearness (Psalm 62:8; Philippians 4:6–7).
      4. God’s person—Jesus and the Spirit: focusing on Christ’s finished work and the indwelling Holy Spirit reinforces identity and security (Romans 8:9–11; Galatians 2:20).
      5. God’s plan—loving God and neighbor: living into God’s mission of love keeps believers engaged in His purposes rather than spiraling inward (Matthew 22:37–40).
    5. Contemporary illustration of providence and reversal:
      1. The “Captain America shed” story: public humiliation and exposure of a man’s addiction became the doorway through which a believing friend reached out, shared Christ, and walked with him into sobriety and ministry to others.
      2. What seemed like the worst day of his life becomes, in Christ, the best day, as he sees beyond the sliver of his experience to God’s larger redemptive work, mirroring Esther’s pattern of providential reversal (Esther 7–8).
    6. Final assurance: Nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ.
      1. Because Jesus identifies with His people, dies for them, and intercedes for them, no sin, failure, darkness, or circumstance can sever them from God’s love (Romans 8:31–39).
      2. Esther 7–8, read through the lens of Christ, assures believers that even in apparent absence and exile, God is present, protecting, providing, and working all things toward a joyful, Christ-centered outcome.