Steven Wales

WHISTLEBLOWER. Esther 8:15; 10:3.

Parents tire of tattling children, and children use peer pressure to stop each other from tattling. But there is nothing inherently wrong with reporting wrongdoing—particularly reporting FUTURE wrongdoing so it can be prevented. Those who would stop you from tattling often begin by challenging your LOYALTY. If you tell, then you are not one ofContinue reading “WHISTLEBLOWER. Esther 8:15; 10:3.”

The Bible Contains Wisdom for Nations, Not Merely for Individuals. Esther 8:11.

Guess what the pagan king gave the Jews after Haman was killed and his conspiracy foiled? The king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children, andContinue reading “The Bible Contains Wisdom for Nations, Not Merely for Individuals. Esther 8:11.”

Politicians. Esther 9:16.

The worst thing my father ever said about another man may have been: “He’s nothin’ but a politician.” He only said it twice. These two men got under my father’s skin for three reasons: (1) they took on leadership positions not to serve, but to build their influence and their resume, (2) they cultivated friendshipsContinue reading “Politicians. Esther 9:16.”

Insomnia. Esther 6:1.

Could there be anything more irritating than insomnia? I was always a night owl and a light sleeper. I have so many memories of lying in a dark tent for hours with mosquitoes in my ears and the thunderous snoring of my buddy next to me. I would count the seconds until morning, miserable. ItContinue reading “Insomnia. Esther 6:1.”

BEING HUMAN MEANS STORYTELLING: Esther 4:16.

Purim is the springtime celebration of the events recorded in the book of Esther. The celebration requires Jews to attend synagogue where they hear the story of Esther read aloud. Esther may be a bit long to read aloud. But tradition makes it fun: when the name of evil Haman is mentioned, the congregation drownsContinue reading “BEING HUMAN MEANS STORYTELLING: Esther 4:16.”

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. Esther 4:13-16.

One day, there may come a moment when it’s all on the line—when the fate of the world, or your future, or your family—turns on a single decision. Have you ever faced such a moment? One day, you just might. May God bless you and give you the courage, faith, and obedience to do theContinue reading “FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. Esther 4:13-16.”

“If I Perish, I Perish.” Esther 4:16

There’s a famous line in the book of Esther that everyone should know: “For such a time as this.” Mordecai was trying to encourage his adopted daughter Esther to use her power as queen to stop the king from killing all the Jews. She answered that if she approached the king uninvited, she could beContinue reading ““If I Perish, I Perish.” Esther 4:16”

HAMAN HAD 99%, BUT HE WAS NOT SATISFIED. Esther 3:2-5; James 4:10.

The king honored Haman more than all his other counselors. He even passed a law requiring everyone to bow before Haman—and everyone did. Except Mordecai, servant of the One true God; he would not bow to a man. It made Haman crazy. “The entire royal staff bowed down and paid homage, but Mordecai would notContinue reading “HAMAN HAD 99%, BUT HE WAS NOT SATISFIED. Esther 3:2-5; James 4:10.”

WHY IS THE BIBLE FILLED WITH RICHES? Esther 1:4; Luke 11:31.

People are poor. Many struggle to feed their children. Yet the Bible—a story about God’s compassion for the least of these—is filled with tales of the greatest among us. We meet Egypt’s pharaohs. Then God’s kings: Saul, David, and Solomon. Solomon builds a temple covered in gold. The nation splits. Nineteen of history’s richest menContinue reading “WHY IS THE BIBLE FILLED WITH RICHES? Esther 1:4; Luke 11:31.”

Fallen Preachers. Zechariah 11:15 and 17.

Could there be a bigger disappointment to a church than to see its pastor embroiled in scandal? Could there be a greater hindrance to the gospel than preachers caught in adultery or worse? God’s judgment awaits those who bring shame to the Name of Christ. “Take the equipment of a foolish shepherd … Woe toContinue reading “Fallen Preachers. Zechariah 11:15 and 17.”