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Rounding out this last third of our 3 part Summer of Psalms series, this episode looks at the justice and deliverance of the Lord. Because God takes care of His own, His righteous ones will stand when evildoers fall. We know there is an eventual judgement that will come upon unbelievers. We know that despite the deep love of our Creator, there is a level of justice that He must uphold. For those in Christ, there are action steps in all of this. How am I living and what am I living for? Am I going after the inheritance Psalm 37 speaks of? And if I have a glimmer of hope that is flickering, how do I fan that into flame and live on fire for my God? This is your invitation to come and hear about the God who rescues and saves!

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As we dive further into Psalm 37, we see that God has much to say about the righteous man. Despite what this life brings, a righteous man's needs are met; his household is taken care of and provided for. He is also generous and giving and this is in stark contrast to evildoers and the wicked. Finally, the steps of a righteous man are upheld by the Lord. God is not going to allow him to stumble or stay down because He watches out for him. A righteous man serves and obeys his God. Therefore, God protects him and keeps his life. Psalm 37 has many promises and this episode outlines several of them. We can take heart. God is with us.

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Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13

The world is messy. The church is going through messy stuff as well. How do we stay committed to the Gospel even when the things around us seem hopeless at times? We are called to put on the Full Armor Of God and stand firm. We do this by putting our hope in Christ and not in this world or the leaders in it. We test every word and practice discernment -- something we are lacking in. Finally, we strive for unity. The church is as divided as ever. We must major on the majors and minor on the minors in terms of what divides us. In all of this, we ask for the Lord's leading and guidance. When we do, we can stand firm even in messy days.

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Finishing up our journey through Esther, this episode concludes with the great reversal that God does on behalf of His people. What Haman sought to do comes back upon his own head. The evil plan comes to ruin. In this episodes, we discuss how it is God's job to bring vengeance; we must leave it all in His hands. And as we see vengeance being enacted, we also realize that we are deserving of God's wrath. But we thank Him for sending His Son, Jesus. Because of Christ, the cross is the ultimate reversal. He did it for Israel and the Feast of Purim is a remembrance of His faithfulness. We remember what Jesus has done by partaking in the Lord's Supper. He has been faithful to us as well.

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Recapping our journey so far in Esther, we've seen God's plan despite an upside-down world. We've seen how evil and persecution are real, yet we can stand amidst it because of our hope in Christ. And we've taken a look at the palace -- could we leave the place that Jesus puts His finger on, knowing that He has a plan that is better for our lives? This week we see Esther stepping out and taking the steps of faith that will lead to freeing her people. We see that no matter where we are at in life, faith steps are part of what we must take as believers in Christ. Those steps will always bring opposition but even in the midst of that, God is working behind the scenes. He has a plan and we can follow Him. Let's dig in once again and see what He has to show us in this amazing book!

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If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s family will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this. Esther 4:14

Nearing the climax of the story, Esther 4 begins to show the steps Esther must take in order to save her people. There's a moment in which she hesitates; the outcome for her could be death. But she must also realize the palace won't save her. She was brought into this position as queen for a specific purpose, "for such a time as this." As she steps out, she shows that she is "all in" with God's plan. She is able to leave the palace and step into whatever God might call her to do. Of course, Jesus is the ultimate example of one who stepped down in complete obedience to His Father. Jesus left the palace so that we could be reconciled to God. We must follow in His steps.

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In Esther 3, we are introduced to one of the most prideful, vile characters in all of Scripture: Haman the Agagite. Haman is a character that has one sole aim in mind: the elevation of Haman. In this chapter, Haman is concerned with the annihilation of a people group he believes should no longer exist: the Jews. He is able to persuade the king to write an order to destroy the Jewish race entirely throughout Persia. This is further complicated by Haman's specific hatred toward Mordecai (Esther's guardian before becoming Queen). This episode looks at the fact that evil exists in this world and that furthermore, Christians will experience persecution in some fashion. Finally, despite the confusion we see around us, we don't have to fear. God still has a plan and we can trust Him.