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, 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 nonbiblical 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 for 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 God in the lives of individuals and in the affairs of a nation. Even when it looks as if the world is in the hands of evil men, God is still in control, providing protection and deliverance for those who are His. Black History is American history.
Be blessed as we celebrate Him in Black History.
Pastor J. Amos Jones
