Esther: A 10-Day Reading PlanSample

The book of Esther is gory—it’s okay to acknowledge this reality. If we’re honest, sometimes we struggle to understand why God allows such violence, especially when victims include women and children, as is the case here in the new edict drafted by Mordecai. It’s not that God loves violence; it’s that he hates sin! And the truth is, everyone—men, women, and children—are deserving of death and destruction because of sin.

Reflection:

Do you minimize or excuse your sin? Consider how the violence we’ve seen in Esther (with more to come) opens our eyes to the horror of sin and where sin inevitably leads. How does this impact your understanding of Jesus Christ and his gospel?