During February as we reflect on Black History, there are parallels in Jewish history as presented in the book of Esther that are captivating to this Pastor. In the intricacy of its plot and the beautiful drama presented in the book, Esther shows how Divine Providence overrule all things; even in a distant, far country, God’s people are yet in His hands. The book of Esther reminds us that the fate of the Jewish people was not in the hands of their enemies, but of Almighty God. The Jews placed their trust in God who would raise up an “Esther” which would “come to the Kingdom for such a time as this.” In the far country of slavery, the ugliest testimony of man’s inhumanity to man, the non-biblical concept of man having dominion over another man, even there was His providence in the midst of His people. It is amazing how through the study of Scripture, people of African descent, the descendants of Ham have found themselves an important part of the human race. From the early days of slavery until the dawning of the 1900s, black children were told “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory.” (1 Samuel 2:8a). (By the way, have you checked what the Lord has done? For people of color, we might not be there but we are on the way) For the Jews, there was Esther and for African-Americans, there was Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman. There has been great persons of all races and classes and gender who were martyred for the cause of freedom. Freedom is not free! In the book of Esther, there is the inexorable working of divine judgement. Haman was eventually hanged on his own gallows.
Dear Ones, let me share three requisites from the Word of God:
- And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)
- If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)
- An let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)
Be blessed and let us continue.
Pastor J. Amos Jones
