Series: Shaped by Environment 
Message: Personal
Preacher: Jessyka Albert
Daily Walk: Jessyka Albert

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 72:15-20.

Read: Esther 8-10 (Message). Note 1-3 insights/questions that arise from the paraphrase. 

Reflect: So how do we deal with all the violence found in this story—even in the edict made by the hero, Mordecai? Carol M. Bechtel outlines the two edicts to compare and contrast them:

Every element of the first edict finds its counterpart in the second. This is extraordinarily important for understanding this passage. It is not so much that Mordecai is anxious to “destroy, to kill, and to annihilate,” but rather, that the second edict must counteract the first. Every detail is designed with a restoration of balance in mind. Remember, as well, that Esther and Mordecai’s first choice would have been to revoke Haman’s edict entirely, thus obviating any need for violence. Failing that, the counter-edict at least tries to ensure that it is a fair fight (p. 74).

God’s deliverance of the Jews still took place in the form of human laws. He worked within the context of the world. 

Jesus is the perfect example the counterpart to sin. 

“For since by a man came death by a man also came the resurrection of the sea For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:22).
“So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For as through the one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so through the obedience of the One many will be made righteous. And the Law came in that the transgression might increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 5:19-21).

Recalibrate: ​ 

1. What needs to be counteracted in your life this week?
2. How is God working through your circumstances?
3. What can you do this week to add goodness to someone’s life?

Respond: Pray for balance in your life.

Research: Make your own compare and contrast list between the edict made by Haman and the one made by Mordecai.