Speaking of God…
Initially (2006-2007) much of my study time was spent in the New Testament as I had questions that seemed more readily answered in Paul’s Epistles, recently though; especially the past 2-3 months; has been spent primarily reading and studying from the Old Testament.
Having gotten a little "winded" on the Major prophets such as Isaiah,Jeremiah and Daniel, I recently opted to take in some lighter reading by checking into Esther (History & Government). Making my way through the first few chapters of Esther, I wasn’t really blown away. That outlook changed however, by the time I managed to finish the book which is only 10 chapters in length.
A few things of interest from Esther that I’d like to share for those not in the know, such as I was. First, Esther is; as confirmed by my pastor; the only book in the Bible where God is not mentioned. Back the truck up! Yep, nowhere throughout the book is God mentioned. No one is praising Him, nor calling on Him for help in their afflictions. No pleading to God, nor complaining to Him about one’s knuckle-headed 
adulterous countrymen (and women). No condemnation or prophetic words spoken in the name of the Lord; just a story about a King named Xerxes (Uh? I don’t think he’s quite the same 13 foot tall dude as portrayed in Frank Miler’s graphic novel "300", adapted for the Silver screen) his rebellious queen Vashti, her replacement Esther, Esther’s cousin Mordecai and a scum bag named Haman. "Oh!",… and just desserts.
Another interesting perspective that I took from reading the book of Esther is that though God isn’t mentioned in the text, by the time you complete the book you can see God’s hand all over the situation that’s depicted. From the New Testament Book of Matthew I’m reminded of these words from Jesus:
Matthew 23:12
12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
(See also: Luke 18:14 & 1st Samuel 2:7)
For those not familiar, I hope you , take take do take some time to read Esther and that you too enjoy the reading as I did.
Grace and peace be with you.
Y’know what’s funny - I was in a small group meeting yesterday morning when someone in that group said the exact same thing (First, Esther is; as confirmed by my pastor; the only book in the Bible where God is not mentioned. Back the truck up! ). Well, OK, they didn’t say “back the truck up!” but you get the idea.
Christopher says:
LOL, too funny E.B.! It actually wasn’t until after posting and viewing online that I even got the slightest hint of innuendo regarding “Back the truck up!”. Hmmm… I wonder if that qualifies as a Freudian slip? Anywho.. I hope that you are finally with power at home.
Grace and peace be with you E. B.
First, thanks for leaving great comments over at my renewed blog. Like the dogs? I wasn’t sure I wanted my kids’ picture front and center… And thanks for the thoughtful comment re the Clay post (a situation that saddened me). You will be glad to know that I purposely didn’t put “gay” in the title as a crass way of getting more traffic.
Anyhow… I’ve been in a 2 year Bible reading program (though I am still on the July readings). I read passages from a great book by Don Carson that go along with the reading. So that helps. I’ve done the Bible in a year several times, but for some reason, the OT is bugging me more this time. Well, I like the Psalms more, but am having such a hard time with the killing. I mean slaughter of men, women, and children in Joshua. Esther is more palatable for me. Now that I think of it, this will make a good blog: how to deal with OT death… So, I’ll stop commenting now and blog on it later!
Christopher says:
I figured as much about the dogs. Besides, one can never be too careful when it comes to their
tax exemptionskids.Traffic!?!? What’s that? I think I’m my own fan here, well OK, Jen & E.B. seem to dig Got-Fruit(?) as well. Just take a look at the map with that big ‘ole dot in the middle of the US, I’m fairly certain that readers from OKC and Tulsa are not the majority of the hits. But that’s OK, Got-Fruit(?) was never intended to be about attaining any readership numbers. From what I see of your blog “L”, that doesn’t and never has struck me as being the motivation behind LHS either. I can appreciate your perspective though on not baiting readers with titles; which if you had used “gay” I personally wouldn’t have thought it a cheap ploy, since it is Clay who claims to be gay. Facts are facts. I for one want people to visit because I’m able to share something with others that God is or has done in this life, something that I can be used to encourage others, or offer a Biblically correct perspective on.
“L” thanks for the encouraging word regarding my comments BTW. It’s easy to get wrapped up in having an agenda to point out the obvious sometimes, more difficult to let God lead with His words, wisdom, and Holy Spirit, so to Him be the glory.
As for all of those “touchy” subjects in the Old Testament, I recommend checking out Mark Carlton’s blog (An Honest debate/Whoever is thirsty). He used to have more of a debate and discussion forum but has switched formats. I don’t get over to his blog as often as I like, however I’ve found his posts to be very informative, especially when addressing topics that are typical objections to Christianity, such as war, Godly judgments etc. From what I recall, Mark has been doing an in depth series over the Old Testament. I think you might find it beneficial in gaining another perspective.
Now go blog away, your way below your quota since that last hiatus.
Grace and peace be with you “L”.