Vashti, Esther and Zeresh

My Bible reading this week includes the book of Esther.  It's such an amazing book.  I studied both Vashti and Esther in 2015 when I studied women of the Bible.  Vashti's story was eye opening to me.  Her refusal to expose herself to a group of drunken men brought her removal from the throne.  She has been considered a rebellious women when in reality she obeyed "the law of the Persians, which suffered not women to be seen in public; and particularly did not allow their wives to be with them at feasts, only their concubines and harlots, with whom they could behave with more indecency; as for their wives, they were kept out of sight, at home (s); and therefore Vashti might think it an indignity to be treated as an harlot or concubine." (John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible)  You can read the full post here.

Following Vashti's removal, we meet Esther.  She was a woman of great grace and dignity, who submitted herself to the authorities in her life. "If I perish, I perish."  Such brave words!  "I will put my life in danger and refer the success to God, seeing it is for his glory and the deliverance of his Church." (1599 Geneva Bible Translation Notes)  "Signifying, that she readily and cheerfully risked her life for the good of her people; and if such was the pleasure of God, that she should lose it, she was content, and acquiesced in his will, leaving herself entirely in his hands, to dispose of her as he thought fit." (John Gill)

 

While I usually consider the defeat of Haman's plot the end of Esther, she continued to be influential in the kingdom.  The final verses about Esther show that she continued to lean upon Mordecai's counsel and spiritual guidance.  He helped her write letters establishing the Feast of Purim.  Esther 9:29 says, "Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim."  Verse 32 says, "And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book."  A new festival was instituted, "It was called the feast of Purim, from a Persian word, which signifies a lot. The name of this festival would remind them of the almighty power of the God of Israel, who served his own purposes by the superstitions of the heathen." (Matthew Henry)

 

According to the Jewish virtual library, "Esther, while she needed some convincing, was able to save the Jewish population in Persia. She is considered one of the most heroic women in Jewish history. Her story is read every year on Purim."  You can read the full post on Esther here.

 

The feast of  Purim is still celebrated each year in March. It covers two days, the first being the Fast of Esther, followed by the Festival of Purim. This particular fast has one purpose - to remember God’s deliverance of the Jews from Haman’s attempt at extermination.  We don't usually fast to remember, but to ask God for something.  I know I have never fasted in remembrance of what God has done for me.  The next day, during the Festival of Purim, is a time of joyful celebration.  I wrote about it in my post called "When Satan Runs Amok in the Streets."

There is one more woman in the book of Esther that I did not study.  She popped up in my reading this morning.  Esther 5:14 says, "Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made."

Zeresh is mentioned by name only three times - Esther 5:10 and 14 and Esther 6:13. Between the time when the gallows were built and Esther's banquet, the king had a troubled night.  It was during that night that the king was reminded that Mordecai had saved his life and no honor had been given to him.  Haman is then forced to show Mordecai great honor.

Esther 6:12-13 says, "But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.  And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him."

That is all we read about Zeresh, but we do read in Esther 9:14, "they hanged Haman's ten sons."  We don't know where Zeresh was.  I do wonder, was she still alive and watching as her sons were hanged?  She was a wife who's influence contributed to great harm to her own family.

One book in the Bible, ten short chapters, and three very different women.

Musical

What role does music play in your life?

 

 

A quick glanced shows that 60 posts on this blog have the tag "music."  I hardly know where to start describing the role music plays in my life.  I've always loved music.  I remember records playing in our home when I was a child.

 

 

In a post called "Courage to Start" I wrote about learning to play the piano after Les and I got married:

I enrolled at Moorpark Community College for a semester of Class Piano.  I knew nothing about music, so I was starting at middle C!  I tried to keep it a secret that I was attempting to learn the piano.  Long before I was ready, Sis. White found out and before I could do a thing about it I was playing a keyboard in church!  Actually, I was attempting to play a keyboard in church! 

I was terrified.  Even though I could hide behind the organ, bass and drums, I was still terrified.  My keyboard wasn't plugged into the house system - I just had a small amp that I usually kept so quiet I couldn't hear it myself!  It took a lot of courage in those early months to come to service and try to play along.

I have had so many people help me through the years.  I don't consider myself a great musician, but I can carry a service entirely if I need to.  Victory Tabernacle is now blessed with many musicians who started at a much younger age and have far surpassed my abilities.  But I do think my courage to start was an example to others that they too could be a blessing to the Kingdom!

 

I wrote about the Sunday school child who said I sing like a Rock Star.  I've also written about the time it all fell apart at Pacific Coast Camp when the organ got out of tune.  I've written about Christmas recitals and music workshops.  I've written many, many posts about how a particular song encouraged or challenged me.

I wrote a post a few years ago called "The Power of Music."  If you're involved in music ministry at your church, it's worth reading.  I just want to share a little:

I have been involved in music in one way or another the majority of my life.  I started in children's choir and have been involved in just about every type of choir or group there is.  I love music and I know how it can move me.  I've written before about crying over "Jingle Bell Rock."  The thoughts I want to share have been in my heart for quite some time.  After reading Long Way Gone, I decided today would be the day to share them. 

Church Isn't American Idol
There are a couple of minor characters in Long Way Gone.  The first chapter opens with an old man playing his guitar on a street corner.  Much later we meet his grandson, Jubal.  When Jubal is going to play in front of a crowd for the first time he is very nervous, wondering how people will respond if he messes up.  "But all those people on the TV shows always get raked over the coals by the judges..."  Cooper sets him straight, telling Jubal that music is a gift that we make to give away.  And anyone who doesn't like that can "go suck on a lemon."

It's tough playing or singing in church sometimes.  Over 30 years ago I was part of a small singing group.  The director stopped us in practice and pointed me out, telling me I was not singing my part correctly.  He went over our part again.  When the sopranos sang, I just listened, trying to hear our part in a female voice and figure out what I was doing wrong.  The director stopped us and again pointed me out, telling me I was still off (even though I hadn't actually been singing.)  I've never forgotten how he made me feel and I've tried to be careful in offering even "constructive" criticism to others.

I've been on the receiving end of criticism many times.  I'm not the greatest singer or musician in the world but I give it my best.  Words hurt and and they can make people back completely away from doing what God wants them to do for His glory. Sitting in church, judging those who are striving to lead the congregation in worship only accomplishes one thing - it takes our minds and hearts away from Who we should be worshiping.  Believe me, musicians and singers know when they've messed up.  You don't need to tell them!

 

Music is Powerful
Choosing songs for a service, whether it's a solo or the entire service set, is something I struggle with.  It's not that I don't have songs.  I've got hundreds of them.  But I don't take the responsibility lightly.

Music is powerful.  It can cause people to dance and shout or bring them to tears.  Hurting souls walk through our doors every service.  They may be first time visitors or long time saints, but life has brought hurt their way.  Music can bring peace and healing. We can't take that powerful gift lightly, but must prayerfully consider each song.  

Keep on Singing!
If you're a musician or singer, I hope you'll be encouraged.   If you've been burned and are thinking about hanging up your microphone, don't!  Remember Who gave you the song in the first place and keep on singing!

Heroes ~ Average People Who Do Something

I think it is very fitting that in Sacramento today there is a parade to honor three young American men.  College student Anthony Sadler, Oregon National Guard specialist Alek Skarlatos and U.S. Airman Spencer Stone foiled an attack on a train in Europe three weeks ago today.

From left, French President Francois Hollande, Alek Skarlatos, U.S. Ambassador to France Jane D. Hartley, Spencer Stone and Anthony Sadler

Read more here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/national/article32268423.html#storylink=cpy

They were just elementary school students 14 years ago, but today they are heroes.  "I don't think I'm any different than the average American. When people are faced with this situation, I feel like it is a choice. Like, you think, 'Should I do something or should I go hide?' And I just want everybody to know that they should do something," Anthony Sadler said.

I'm thankful today for the many brave first responders who willingly walked into the face of danger that Tuesday morning and for our service men and women through the ages.

Courage to Start

This quote came in an email last night and I really love it:

It takes so much courage to start something new!  23 years ago I was a new bride in a new city attending a new church.  I was content to slowly find my place in Victory Tabernacle.  I wasn't looking for any platform time, I was happy to help where needed.

A need became apparent when Pastor and Sister White were gone for Senior Camp one Sunday.  Our organist was missing and we were hurting big time!  In Fresno there was a never a gap - there were so many musicians that half of them could be on vacation or at camp and we'd still have plenty of music coverage.  That was not the case 23 years ago at Victory Tabernacle.  On our way home that Sunday morning I asked Les a couple of questions:

"Doesn't anyone else play?"  "No."
"Doesn't anyone else want to play?"  "Not that I know of."

And that's when I had to take a HUGE step of courage...

I enrolled at Moorpark Community College for a semester of Class Piano.  I knew nothing about music, so I was starting at middle C!  I tried to keep it a secret that I was attempting to learn the piano.  Long before I was ready, Sis. White found out and before I could do a thing about it I was playing a keyboard in church!  Actually, I was attempting to play a keyboard in church! 

I was terrified.  Even though I could hide behind the organ, bass and drums, I was still terrified.  My keyboard wasn't plugged into the house system - I just had a small amp that I usually kept so quiet I couldn't hear it myself!  It took a lot of courage in those early months to come to service and try to play along.

I have had so many people help me through the years.  I don't consider myself a great musician, but I can carry a service entirely if I need to.  Victory Tabernacle is now blessed with many musicians who started at a much younger age and have far surpassed my abilities.  But I do think my courage to start was an example to others that they too could be a blessing to the Kingdom!

It also takes a lot of courage to start over.  I remember walking into a Weight Watchers meeting in 2005.  My head hung in shame as I stepped on the scale, knowing I had regained all the weight I had previously lost and added more.  But I courageously attended meetings every week until I reached my goal once again.  Then I continued going to meetings for another 5+ years.  I was determined to get it right this time!

What are you hoping to finish?  Do you need to make some changes in your life?  Does that task seem overwhelming and you wonder if you can do it?  Have the courage to start (or start over) today!

Book Review - The Four Feathers

Upon Les' recommendation, I recently read "The Four Feathers." Here is the description from Amazon:

Written by A. E. W. Mason, “The Four Feathers” is a riveting tale of redemption woven in the complex interrelationships between love, friendships, trust, and courage.

Harry Feversham, a young man who finds himself born into a historic family of proud British military men, wants nothing more than to be free of such a heritage. Whereas his forefathers fought and died with great courage, Harry is petrified of risking his life for his country and mentally labels himself a coward. Nevertheless, he has little choice but to follow in his father's footsteps. When Harry's regiment is finally summoned to go to war in the Sudan, Harry's fear of his own cowardice overcomes his fear of his father, and he accordingly resigns his commission.

Once three of Harry's closest companions uncover the reason for his decision to resign, they decide to each send him a single white feather to signify his cowardice. What ensues is a story of Harry's heroic attempts at redemption, not only from his friends and from his father, but also from the girl of Harry's dreams, who, being present at the time Harry receives the feathers, adds her own to the original three.

Throughout the exciting events and plot twists of The Four Feathers, Mason presents to readers a reality of human emotions and impulses which cannot draw comparison. As one of the masterpieces of 20th century literature, Mason’s novel is highly recommended.

This was such a great book! I enjoyed every chapter. Harry's decision to redeem himself through acts of courage is courageous in itself. He doesn't rejoin his regiment, but goes on his own. The book is fast paced, with likeable characters.

Harry's fiance, Ethne, is a fascinating character. She doesn't even know that she has pushed Harry to be courageous. She feels terrible for giving him the fourth feather, but once the deed is done can't take it back. As she is later contemplating marriage to someone else, she uses the phrase "Two lives must not be spoilt because of me."

I don't want to give too much away, but I highly recommend this book. As with most literature of that era, the book is morally clean and never uses vulgar language of any kind. It's free for the Kindle or you can probably get it at your local library.

7 Year Old Hero!

A young boy saved his family by dialing 911 Tuesday morning. Three suspects invaded the Norwalk, CA, home threatening to take what they wanted. The boy, who the suspects did not know was in the house, locked himself in a bathroom with his younger sister and called 911 while the suspects threatened his parents at gunpoint.

On the recording, he begs the operator to send police quickly, "a lot of them... And bring soldiers too." The suspects heard him on the phone, broke into the bathroom and asked who he called. When he said 911, they quickly fled.

I was amazed at the bravery of this boy. It was also proof of parents who had taught him what to do in a time of trouble. He knew who to call.

It reminded me of Deuteronomy 6, verses 6 and 7: "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

It is so important that we diligently teach our children the ways of the Lord. Sunday school teachers play an important role, but it is the parents who are with them when they sit in the house, walk by the way, lie down and rise up.

They need to be able to answer the question, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" with the firm conviction of Acts 2:38. They need to know the name they can call upon in time of trouble.

And Sunday school teachers, make sure those children who do not have parents in the church know who to call. It could be that seven year old who brings salvation to their entire family!