1. Objective: Understanding that God is always present and is ultimately in control.

2. Opening Prayer  Heavenly Father, through these words help me understand the things you wish to teach me.  Dear Jesus, through these words let me feel the love you have for me as you feel your Father’s love for you.  Holy Spirit, through these words inspire me to live as a follower of Jesus and bring your love to everyone I meet today.  Amen

3.  Time Frame: 538-167 BC  Books: Ezra, Nehemiah, Zechariah, Haggai, Esther, Malachi  People: Esther, King Xerxes, Mordecai, Haman  God’s Family Plan: One Holy Kingdom  World Power: Persia The period of The Exile is depicted in Yellow to represent Judah returning home to brighter days.

4.  Like the Book of Judith, The Book of Esther is considered historical fiction  The Book of Esther is written in two parts – Hebrew and Greek  The Greek portions were removed from the Bible during the Protestant Reformation. Tobit, Judith, Baruch, Wisdom, Sirach, 1 and 2 Maccabees, and parts of Esther and Daniel were removed from the Bible during the Reformation.

5.  After the Babylonian captivity, some of the exiles began to return to Jerusalem.  Esther's family were among the Jews who stayed behind in Persia.  Although they were free to return to Jerusalem, many had probably become established and did not wish to risk the dangerous journey back to their homeland. The story takes place during the reign of King Xerxes I of Persia, primarily in the king's palace in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire.

6.  Daughter of Abihail from the tribe of Benjamin  An orphan, raised by her cousin and guardian, Mordecai  Received the name Esther, which means “star” in Persian and “hidden” in Hebrew, when she entered the royal harem  Saved her people from being exterminated Esther is known for her beauty, courage and devotion to God.

7.  In Esther’s story, we clearly see God's interaction with man's will:  Hatred of racial prejudice  Power to give wisdom  Help in times of danger  Two key themes stand out:  God’s Sovereignty  God’s Deliverance The Book of Esther shows how God works behind the scenes through His people.

8.  The hand of God is at work in the lives of his people.  He used the circumstances in Esther's life, as he uses the decisions and actions of all people, to work out his divine plans and purposes.  We can trust in God’s sovereign care over every aspect of our lives. God ‘s plan is for the good of His people. Even when people make bad choices, He can still make good come out of it.

9.  God raised up Esther, as he raised up Moses, Joshua, Joseph, and many others to deliver his people from destruction.  Through Jesus Christ we are delivered from death and hell. God is able to save his children. Esther, a Jewish orphan, becomes the Queen of Persia and saves her people from destruction. In the end, God wins and His people rejoice – then and now!

10.  The Book of Esther concludes with an ironic twist  The villain, Haman, ends up as the victim of his own plot  The story shows us that our destinies are not random and that God is always in control, working behind the scenes Haman chooses a punishment for the Jews and the reward for a king’s honoree, except the tables are turned and the outcomes are reversed.

11. Purim Animated

12.  The joyous holiday of Purim celebrates the salvation of the Jews from the wicked Haman, through the leadership of Queen Esther.  It usually falls in March. In 2014, Purim began at sundown on March 15.  It is sometimes referred to as the “Jewish Mardi Gras” or “Jewish Halloween” by non-Jews. The name Purim, or "lots," was most likely given to this festival in a sense of irony, because Haman, the enemy of the Jews, had plotted against them to completely destroy them by casting the lot (Esther 9:24).

13.  There are several similarities between the Jewish festival of Purim and the Christian season of Lent.  The mood of these observances is quite different – Purim is festive while Lent is penitential  It is important to keep in mind that Old Testament conceals what the New Testament reveals. The stories of the Old Testament point toward Jesus and the Messianic Fulfilment of God’s promises.

14. Esther Jesus  Esther’s beauty is compared to the “morning star.”  Esther is sometimes considered to be the person to whom Psalm 22 is addressed, “Song for the morning star.”  The Book of Esther can be understood as The Book of Hiddenness, representing God's hiddenness in the story.  Jesus is referred to as “The Morning Star” throughout the Bible. “I am the root and offspring of David, the bright morning star.” (Rev 22:16)  Psalm 22 is one the seven last words (fourth) of Christ on the cross.  Christians understand that He is hidden in the Old Testament and is revealed in the New Testament.

15. Purim Lent  During Purim, popular activities include staging comedic plays, expounding on the Torah in humorous ways, dressing up in costumes, holding beauty contests, and marching in parades.  Lent is preceded by Mardi Gras, which is celebrated with festivities that include costume balls and playlets depicting a heroine, a hero, and a villain, as well as the famous parades.

16. Purim Lent  On the Sabbath before Purim, the Havdalah candle is lit. Havdalah commemorates the hope for the coming of the Messianic age.  The ashes that the original Havdalah candles produced symbolize redemption.  Before the discovery of wax, the Havdalah candle consisted of date palm leaves that were intertwined to form a type of torch.  Mardi Gras is followed by Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.  During this time, we prepare for Easter, which celebrates Christ’s Resurrection and our redemption.  On Palm Sunday, we commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with palms.

17. Purim Lent  Purim is preceded by a minor fast, the Fast of Esther, commemorating the three- day fast that preceded the miracle of Haman's downfall.  There are 30 days between Purim and the next festival, Passover.  Lent is a season marked by penance and fasting. Lent lasts approximately 40 days.  The Easter Triduum – Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday – falls between Lent and Easter, which celebrates the miracle of the Resurrection.

18. Purim Lent  The traditional observances of Purim include public readings of the Book of Esther, feasting, gifts of charity to the poor, and gifts of food among friends.  During Lent, we give money to charities and practice the Corporal Works of Mercy: Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Clothe the Naked, Welcome the Stranger, Visit the Sick and Imprisoned and Bury the Dead.

19. Purim Lent  Purim is followed by Passover, which commemorates the Exodus.  The Exodus is remembered as a time when God led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.  Before they reached their final destination, though, the Israelites wandered through the desert for 40 years.  Lent is followed by Easter, which commemorates the Resurrection.  We celebrate Easter as a time when Jesus redeemed our sins so we would be able to enter into Heaven.  Easter is preceeded by Lent, a 40-day season where we are symbolically in “the desert.”

20. Purim Lent  The general topsy-turvy spirit of Purim is ascribed both to the merry celebration of the occasion, and as an allusion to how the decree against the Jews was suddenly overturned, and their standing in the kingdom went from outcast to privileged.  Jesus’ death and Resurrection elevates us from being barred from the Kingdom of Heaven to becoming true sons and daughters of God. “For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus.” (Gal 3:26)

21.  Persia continues to rule the empire  The Jews begin to return home to Jerusalem and rebuild  A new threat is on the horizon  To be continued… King Cyrus commanded the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.

22. “Rescue us from these evildoers, and take away my fear.” (Esther C:30)

23. Go to your rooms for Small Group Return to this room for closing reflection at 7:45

24. Apr 20 & 23……………..No PSR – Easter Apr 27 & 30……………..Ezra & Nehemiah May 4 & 7……………….The Maccabees – Last Session June 9-16…………………VBS – MS Volunteers Needed! June 19…………………..MS Holy Spirit Retreat June 30…………………..Discount Registration Deadline

25. How can you replace your fear of displeasing others with an eagerness to please God?

26. What are you facing in your life right now that requires courage? What risk do you face if you do the right thing? Who can be there to support and help you?

27.  God of all peoples, help me to look beyond the differences in others to see that everyone is loved by you. We pray to the Lord. R: Lord, hear our prayer.  Lord God, help me face my fears, and don’t let them keep me from helping others. We pray to the Lord. R: Lord, hear our prayer.  Just and merciful God, help me always make decisions that are worthy of you. We pray to the Lord. R: Lord, hear our prayer.  Lord, help me accept your plan for my life and understand that you are in control. We pray to the Lord. R: Lord, hear our prayer.

28. Closing Prayer  Dear Jesus,  Please help me to give you control. I want to follow you. I want what you desire for me.  Help me to realize that what I desire may not be what is meant for me, or what is best for me.  Let me accept each day as a gift. Let me follow the path you choose for me.  Help me not to be judgmental, as we are all equal in God's eyes. Help me to see the good in all of your creations.  Help me be who and what you want me to be. Give me strength, faith and hope, and guidance each and every day.  Amen