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 it’s plot and the beautiful drama, Esther shows how Divine Providence overrules all things and all people. Even in a distant country, God’s people are always 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 the God who would raise up an “Esther” that would “come to the Kingdom for such a time as this.”
In the ugliness of slavery, the testimony of man’s inhumanity to man, that 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 been shown to be a tremendously important component of the human race. For the Jews, there was Esther, and African-Americans, there has been Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman. History reveals that many great persons of all races, classes and gender have been 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)
- And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)
Be blessed as we continue in Him.
Pastor J. Amos Jones
