Morning Message: The Golden Sceptre

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "The Golden Sceptre"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

“Ahasuerus held out his golden sceptre…"  It was the law in ancient Persia, that no one could approach the King without being invited to do so, not even his queen! But Queen Esther dutifully humbled herself, and waited for the King to notice her, and acknowledge her. After all, her husband had unwittingly joined in Haman’s plan to kill all the Jews in His kingdom.

With the Jews being persecuted under the King’s #2 man, Haman, Esther approached her husband and King with humility and caution according to the law. This should remind Christians to approach our own husbandman and King by putting on humility, and waiting. Waiting on the Lord, our strength will be renewed, and we shall fly as on eagle’s wings. But our path to Him begins with a humble approach. That’s not always easy. In our time-controlled realm, and our most immediate needs bringing desperation, putting on humility is among the hardest things we are called to do.

But with sincere humility we must look around and consider others whose needs might be greater.  Jesus knows our needs already, even before we ask. Let our blessed Lord see sincere humility. If we take the time to see another’s needs, and help them while we wait upon the Him, we might find the purpose for our wait. Humility will lead to slowing down among the throngs of people, and nurture our own compassion to help another. Ministries can grow from such a seedling faith. And love is spread, perhaps even emboldening others to join in a service to others. In Galatians 5:13, Paul writes, “For brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not your liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love, serve one another.” There are plenty of people suffering in this world, whose king is Satan. Remain in the Spirit, waiting.

When Ahasuerus saw his queen waiting, he held out his golden sceptre to her, and she drew near, and touched it. Message invitation received, and it would be her opportunity to speak with her request.

What Jesus sees is one of His children waiting humbly, and patiently. His favor is turned towards the humble, towards His child. Then! We can come boldly to His Throne of Grace and lay out our petitions before Him.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” - Hebrews 4:16

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message

Esther 5:1-14 - "The Golden Sceptre"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

In chapter four we learned of the reaction of Mordecai and the Jews upon hearing the new edict issued from the king for the annihilation of the all the Jews in the Media-Persian empire. Mordecai instructed Esther to go before the king and plead for her people. Since she had not been summoned by the king, going into his presence unannounced was taking her life in her own hands. If he held out his scepter to her, she would live and have her audience with the king, but if he did not hold out his sceptre, she would be executed.

At the end of chapter 4, with courage and grace, Esther bows to the will of Mordecai and agrees to go unannounced to the king to plead for her people. But first Mordecai must gather all the Jews in Susa and fast on Esther’s behalf for three days and Esther with her maids will do the same. Then she would go to the king, even though it was against the law. Esther’s resolve was, “If I perish, I perish.” The fast symbolized Esther’s complete willingness to enter into death—a death three days and three nights long. Esther was willing to die to save her people from annihilation, just as Jesus Christ was willing to save us from the second death. We must be willing to accept in practical experience the judgment of the cross upon our flesh, our old nature, as Esther was willing to enter into death. 

This morning we enter into chapter five, the three days of fasting are over. It is the third day, the fast is over, and Queen Esther bravely approaches King Ahasuerus unsummoned to stop Haman's plot.  She is welcomed by the king, finds favor with him and receives his promise to fulfill her request. She hosts two banquets for the King and Haman to delay her reveal. A furious Haman, annoyed by Mordecai, builds 50-cubit gallows to hang him, unaware of his impending downfall.

Let’s pray and then read our Scripture for today.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

She Obtained Favor (5:2) - This actually means that Esther first found favor with the God of Israel (cf. Proverbs 21:1).

What is Thy Request (5:3) - Esther deferred her real request until 7:2,3. Esther delayed her request to King Ahasuerus to ensure the timing was perfect, maximize her influence, and trap Haman. God’s unseen hand shapes the timeline. Esther’s second banquet aligns with the king’s sleepless night (6:1), the reading of the royal chronicles, and the overdue honor for Mordecai—all indispensable for exposing Haman’s plot. The pause allowed Yahweh to orchestrate circumstances impossible for Esther to arrange.

It Shall Be Given Thee (5:3) - Esther had risked her life in approaching the king without being bidden, but the Lord providentially touched his heart.  No doubt Esther, already having been recognized as the fairest in the kingdom and now dressed in her "royal apparel" (5:1), looking radiant after three days of prayer and fasting, made a striking appearance, and the king knew that she must have come for some very good reason.  Three times he promised to give her up to half the kingdom (see 5:3, 6; 7:2).  This was probably a rhetorical exaggeration (note also Herod's promise to Salome - Mark 6:23), but it does indicate the king's sincere desire to please his queen.

The Banquet (5:4) - The first of two (cf. 5:4-8; 6:14-7:1) that Esther prepared.  God would providentially intervene between the two (6:1,2).

Half of the Kingdom (5:6) - With such a huge promise from the king, Esther did not immediately make the appeal for her people, instead requests a second banquet.  Whatever the reason for her delay, notice the Lord's hand in this.  It was on this sleepless night (6:1) that Ahasuerus learns of Mordecai's earlier report to Esther which had saved the king's life (2:21-23; 6:1,2).

The Multitude of His Children (5:11) - At least ten sons were fathered by Haman (cf. 9:13), who personified sinful pride (cf. Proverbs 16:18; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Galatians 6:3).

Availeth Me Nothing (5:13) - Haman expressed raging fixation on killing Mordecai.

Gallows (5:14) - A stake on which a human would be impaled to death and/or displayed after death (cf. 2:23). 

Fifty Cubits High (5:14) - Approximately seventy-five feet or almost eight stories high.  Perhaps the gallows involved displaying a shorter stake atop a building or wall to attain this height.

Morning Message: The Agagite's Plot

Attention: The order of Esther Chapter's 3 and 4 have been mistakenly reversed. Posted below is Chapter 3, as Chapter 4 was taught last Sunday.  While we apologize for our error, the misordered chapters and the timing of chapter 3 really fall in line with current middle east events. The Lord is in control. Thanks for your understanding.

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "The Agagite's Plot"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Murphy’s Law says, “If something can go wrong, it will.” It has nothing to do with Sacred Scripture, but Sacred Scripture has plenty of examples of it as it covers the plans of men.

Two weeks ago, I had to cancel Sunday service due to illness. I was ready to teach Esther 3 when I realized I could not speak. In preparing last week’s study, Chapter 3 was completed in my mind, so I prepared for Chapter 4. Murphy’s Law struck because my plans were incomplete. This week, we are going back to pick up Chapter 3, and I’m glad we can do this, because Chapter 3 leads to as much a turning point for Esther, as we saw happen in Iran this past week. The history of that region today is following the history of Ancient Persia. The leaders have not learned the lessons of the past and are repeating them.

Among the most ancient of lands, the Land of Elam takes us back to the days following the Flood of Noah. Genesis 10 lists the name Elam as a son of Shem, and a grandson of Noah. Elam’s descendants inhabited that land after the flood, beginning about 2,000 BC (Genesis 10: 21,22). That’s 19 generations before even Abraham came from that same bloodline of Shem.

The capital of Elam was Susa, along today’s Persian Gulf, north and west of the Strait of Hormuz. The Medes came along about 650 BC, occupying the mountainous region northwest of Elam.

Nonetheless, as the Elamites and Medes shared their region, the Elamites held to the lowlands of the south, and the Medes took to the highlands to the northwest. Eventually, the line between them was blurred, and they became a blended people, and they are inextricably connected to modern Iran. While the Elamites were absorbed into Persia, it was the Medo-Persian Empire’s combined forces that defeated Babylon. The mountainous region of Elam became Kurdistan, and the lowlands became Persian, which changed its name to Iran in 1935 AD.

This was the norm among tribes and nations: “Conquer, or be conquered.” But it is clear that Iran’s blended bloodline includes Shem’s, which is the bloodline of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jesus.

“In Isaac shall thy seed be called…” (Hebrews 1:18; Genesis 21:12; Romans 9:7)

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Esther 3:1-15 - "The Agagite's Plot"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

In the last study we were introduced to a rather lovely character by the name of Esther. Under the direction of her guardian, Mordecai, she arose from obscurity to become queen in the Medo-Persian Empire. God's providence. After a yearlong preparation period Esther was chosen by King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) to become his queen, and a great feast was proclaimed throughout the empire. Esther was happy, the king was happy and everything was going swimmingly.

Throughout this whole book we shall see that King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) makes very poor decisions. Choosing Haman, the Agagite, to be the highest in command in the king's court, is a glaring example of this.

This week, in chapter 3, we are introduced to the nasty villain, Haman. Haman was a proud and ambitious man who demanded that everyone bow down to him as a sign of respect. Those refusing, well, we will see just how far this hateful man is willing to go to punish the offender. When Mordecai refuses to bow, citing his identity as a Jew, this triggers Haman's fury, exposing his true nature and his pure hatred of an entire race.

As Esau hated Jacob, so Amalek hated Israel and so Haman hates Mordecai and the Jews. In fact, Haman is so full of rage that Mordecai will not bow down to him that he forms a plan to not only destroy Mordecai himself, but the entire Jewish population! Sound familiar. The same scenario is playing out today.

The types in verses 5 and 6 are hopefully clear. We have seen above that Haman is an Amalekite - the sworn enemy of Israel. You may remember from other studies that Amalek speaks of the flesh - that sinful self-centered old nature that we all possess. Thus, the conflict here between Haman and Mordecai gives us a glimpse of that which battles in our own hearts - the conflict between flesh and spirit. This battle may be internal and unseen to those around us, yet it is as real as the conflict that we see brewing in these first verses in Esther chapter 3. Mordecai then, is a picture of the Holy Spirit who will not bow down or give any ground to Haman, the sinful old nature. The two will always be in conflict:

"And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi: for he said, Because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation" (Exodus 17:16).

On a prophetic level, Haman is a type of the Antichrist still to come. Whether it is Haman, Antiochus Epiphanies, Adolph Hitler, the Ayatollahs or the Antichrist himself, the goal is always the same - kill the Jews! Thus, it is no surprise that we read that "Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai." And thus, unfortunately, it shall happen again. In a very sobering prophecy Jesus directly warned the Jews in Judea (and indirectly all believers on earth at that time) to flee for their lives when they see the 'abomination of desolation' for ' then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now-- and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:21-22). We shall see more about the prophetic implications of this book later on in the series. But for now, let's return to the drama at hand!

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

After these things (3:1) - Sometime between the seventh (2:16) and twelfth year (3:7) of the king's reign.

Haman . . . the Agagite (3:1) - Haman was an Agagite and the son of Hammedatha. Haman was likely a descendent of Agag, king of the Amalekites, long-time enemies of the Jewish people. Haman was married to a woman named Zeresh, and they had ten sons. Haman, is a central villain in the book of Esther, was the high-ranking minister to Persian King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) who plotted to annihilate all Jews in the empire. He sought revenge against Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to him, but was ultimately hanged on his own gallows.

Bowed Not (3:2) - Mordecai refused to bow because the act constituted idolatrous worship that violated the first commandment and because honoring an Amalekite enemy contradicted God’s covenant mandate. His allegiance to Yahweh overrode imperial decree, modeling faithful resistance that preserved God’s people and advanced redemptive history.

He was a Jew (3:4) - Originally, God’s chosen people were known as the Hebrews. Later, after they settled in the Promised Land and formed a nation, they were known as the Israelites. The term “Jew” did not come into use until after the ten northern tribes were exiled to Assyria and Judah was exiled to Babylon. In the later stages of the captivity (Esther) and in the early stages of the return to the land of Israel (Ezra and Nehemiah), the tribe of Judah was dominant. The word Jew developed as a shortening of the word Judah. But the word Jew was used as a descriptor for more than just the tribe of Judah. The dominance of the tribe of Judah in the return to the Promised Land resulted in all of the Israelites, people from all 12 of the tribes, being referred to as “Jews.”
It seems evident, from Haman's fury and attempted genocide, that there were strong anti-Semitic attitudes in Shushan, which seems to explain Mordecai's reluctance to reveal his true ethnic background.

The People of Mordecai (3:6) - The Jews. Haman was being satanically influenced and used to target the entire Jewish race in an unsuccessful attempt to change the course of redemptive history and God's plans for Israel.

Destroy all the Jews (3:6) - Haman had apparently such delusions of grandeur that he craved worship as a divinity. He realized that not only Mordecai but also the Jews as a people would refuse him the worship he desired. Therefore, he determined to stamp out the Jews and their monotheistic religion altogether.

Nisan (3:7) - The time period March/April. Ironically, the Jews should have been celebrating the Passover to remind them of a former deliverance.

Twelfth Year (3:7) - circa 474 B.C.

They Cast (3:7) - Haman's court advisers made decisions superstitiously based on astrology and casting of lots.

Pur . . . Lot (3:7) - A lot would be like modern dice which were cast to determine future decisions (cf. Hebrew lot, 1 Chronicles 26:14; Nehemiah 10:34; Jonah 1:7). Proverbs 16:33 states that God providentially controlled the outcome of the lot.

Adar (3:7) - February/March. There would have been an eleven-month interval between Haman's decree and its expected fulfillment.

A Certain People (3:8) - It may be significant that Haman did not reveal that this "certain people" were the Jews. He may have been afraid that Ahasuerus (Xerxes) would remember the earlier decrees of Cyrus and Darius favoring the Jews, and possibly also remember the honored position that Daniel - also a Jew - had held in the courts of two Persian kings (Ezra1:2-3; 6:11-12; Daniel 6:25-28).

Ten Thousand Talents (3:9) - The exact dollar amount is uncertain, but reportedly it would have weighed 375 toms and equaled almost 70 percent of the king's annual revenue. Since this sum would have been derived from the plunder of the Jews, it indicates that they had grown prosperous. Haman was evidently the wealthiest man in Persia, and Ahasuerus had dipped heavily into his own resources in financing his ill-fated Grecian campaign. No doubt one reason for the king's promotion of Haman was this wealth, which he coveted. Haman thus agreed, in effect, to make up personally any lost income that might otherwise have been received from the Jews. Whether monarchy or democracy, men of wealth have often been able to manipulate political leaders by controlling their financial resources.

Sealed . . . King's Ring (3:12) - Equivalent to the king's signature. The date has been calculated by historians to be April 7, 474 B.C.

To Destroy (3:13) - An ambitious plot to annihilate the Jews in just one day. Historians have calculated the date to be March 7, 473 B.C. The king had unwittingly approved this provision which would kill his own queen.

For a Commandment (3:14) - As Law. It would be irrevocable.

Perplexed (3:15) - No specific reason is state. Most likely, even this pagan population was puzzled at the extreme and deadly racism of the king and Haman.

Morning Message: A Fast Is Called

Attention:  The order of Esther Chapter's 3 and 4 have been mistakenly reversed.  Posted below is Chapter 4, and Chapter 3 will be posted after this Sunday morning's service.  While we apologize for our error, the misordered chapters really fall in line with current middle east events.  Thanks for your understanding.

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "A Fast Is Called"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Proverbs 26:27 says, “Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.” This quote seems like an appropriate passage in the aftermath of the Resurrection story. It applies to Adolph Hitler’s 3rd Reich, as well as today’s look at Haman the Agagite. It applies to what has happened in Gaza, and in Iran currently: in Lebanon in the near future, and anywhere else that holds a cultural hatred towards God’s people. Certain people in Minneapolis, Minnesota may accel for a time, but they too shall be trapped in their own plans. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should parish, but that all should come to repentance.”

There are so many that yet have to be saved and brought to repentance. If we all understood that God, Jesus Christ is preparing a place for us, we would all rethink how we live. It is only the Gospel of Jesus Christ that saves us.

Loyalty to a religion? Doesn’t count. Familiarity with a church or temple? It cannot save you. Brick and Mortar cannot save you, not even with regular visits. Following a friendly teacher-pastor won’t challenge you towards salvation. Only the man Jesus Christ is worth following for salvation. Keep your hearts and minds focused of Jesus’ teachings. Heaven responds to prayer, and praise. Lift up your hands, and the battles will be won. Let your hands fall, and the battle is already lost. Be a prayer warrior. Send. Go. Follow through. Help the stranger. Feed the hungry. Help the poor. And do it in humility so only the Lord sees it. And if you think you have done it all, look at 1 Thessalonians 5: 11-28.

" Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?”  - Matthew 25:44

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Esther 4:1-17 - "A Fast Is Called"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Esther Chapter 4 is a sad chapter. We are about to see that the Jewish people, Mordecai, and Esther experience crippling fear. The villain of this story - Haman - has figured out a way to pass a law requiring that the entirety of the Jewish people in all of the 127 provinces of Persia be murdered on a certain day. This caused confusion throughout the city of Susa, which was the capital city at the time of Esther, and most likely the rest of the empire. Meanwhile, we see that key people in the palace are sitting down for a drink - and I think this is the author’s way of saying that the king, Haman, and the rest of those in the royal palace were out of touch with what was going on. They gave little thought to the well-being of their people.

The dialogue between Esther and Mordecai plays a significant role in the narrative. The dialogue begins at a point of disagreement, with Mordecai refusing to accept clothes sent by Esther (4:4) yet ends with Mordecai agreeing to carry out Esther’s instructions of gathering all Jews for a fast (4:16–17). This progression instils a glimpse of hope in the reader that rather than give in to their fear, they are turning to the Lord, and trusting Him.

Esther Chapter 4 details Mordecai’s profound mourning over Haman’s decree to destroy the Jews, urging Queen Esther to intercede with King Ahasuerus. Despite the risk of death, Esther embraces her purpose, famously stating she will approach the king, saying, "...if I perish, I perish", after calling for a three-day fast.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Sackcloth and Ashes (4:10) - An outward sign of inward distress and humiliation (cf. Jeremiah 6:26; Daniel 9:3; Matthew 11:21).  Mordecai realized that he had prompted this genocidal retaliation by Haman.

She Sent Garments (4:4) - Mordecai could then enter the king's gate (cf. 4:2) and talk with Esther directly (cf. Nehemiah 2:2).

Hathach (4:5) - A trusted eunuch who knew of Esther's Jewish background.

Golden Scepter (4:11) - In order to protect the king's life from would-be assassins, this practice prevailed.  Seemingly, the king would extend the scepter (a sign of kingly authority) only to those whom he knew and from whom he welcomed a visit (cf. 5:2; 8:4).

These Thirty Days (4:11) - Perhaps Esther feared she had lost favor with the king since he had not summoned her recently.

Relief and Deliverance (4:14) - Mordecai exhibited a healthy faith in God's sovereign power to preserve His people.  He may have remembered the Lord's promise to Abraham (cf. Genesis 12:3; 17:1-8).

You . . . Will Perish (4:14) - Mordecai indicated that Esther would not escape the sentence or be overlooked because of her prominence (cf. 4:13).

Such A Time As This (4:14) - Mordecai indirectly appealed to God's providential timing.

Fast (4:16) - The text does not mention prayer being included such as was Daniel's practice (Daniel 9:3), though it surely was.

Perish (4:16) - Esther's heroic willingness to die for the sake of her fellow Jews is commendable.