Esther: For such a time as this

Reading the Bible Today Series

by Peter Adam, Paul Barnett (Editor)

Esther is a book which has intrigued generations, with its powerful, action-packed narrative, in which God’s people find themselves in exile, and under persecution. In this moving and astounding narrative of rescue, the hand of God which is clearly seen, although not referred to. Nor is the book of Esther mentioned in the New Testament. In his thoughtful commentary, Peter Adam takes readers through the narrative of Esther, with its amazing twists and turns, and as he encourages deeper reflection on the themes of the book, he also draws out helpful questions for Christians to ponder on today, that they too may consider that God has placed them in their situation to serve him and his people ‘for such a time as this’.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2019

About the author

Peter Adam's major ministries have included lecturing at St John's College Durham, UK, and serving in Melbourne as vicar of St Jude's, Carlton from 1982-2002, and then as principal of Ridley Melbourne from 2002-2012. He was also chaplain of Melbourne University and archdeacon for parish development in the Melbourne Anglican diocese. Peter is currently vicar emeritus of St Jude's, Carlton, and Canon of St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful explanation of how the book of Esther fits into the big picture of the bible. Explores the biblical themes of humilitation/exaltation, voluntary suffering for others and of God's protection of his people.

"Every day is 'such a time'. Let's seize every day for God and make every ordinary day extraordinary in our service of him. "

"In these events we find a familiar three-fold pattern in the life of God's people...God's people are persecuted, God's people are rescued, and God's people bring blessing to the nations."

"While the message of Esther is that on that occasion when God's people faced annihaltion, he rescued them and honoured them, the message of the bible is that God will sometimes rescue his people, and that sometimes he will not rescue them. And the gosple is that God did not rescue his son from dying, but did rescue him by raising him from the dead."

"Every time a disciple of Christ is willing to suffer for the benfit of Christ's people we see a picture of Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death. As faithful disciples today point us back to the sufferings and death of Christ, so reading about Esther shows us an anticipation of Christ's willingness to suffer for his people."