Whether you are a lifelong member or a newcomer, when you come through the doors of Good Shepherd Church our prayer is that you are made to feel like family. As forgiven people, living in the grace of God, we want more and more people to experience the joy and freedom that can only be found in Jesus Christ. We hope to see you this Sunday!
In Esther, chapter 5, we see a sharp contrast between the words and actions of Esther and the words and actions of Haman. And while it's easy to identify with the former and condemn the latter, we have to admit that there's a lot of Haman in all of us. Thank God that He is a King that extends grace and favor to us even when we don't deserve it.
In Esther 4, we see God’s people facing a desperate situation, condemned to death and unable to save themselves. While Esther is called to risk her life on behalf of her people, we are reminded that we, too, need someone to intercede for us and accomplish what we cannot do for ourselves. In the fullness of time, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who willingly bore our sins, defeated death, and accomplished our salvation, giving us a sure hope in Him.
As we pick up in the story of Esther again this Sunday, we are introduced to the villain of the story - a man named Haman. And in what might be the greatest overreaction in all of human history, Haman feels disrespected by Mordecai and vows to have Mordecai's entire race destroyed. Come be reminded that God's providence and God's promises are still in effect, even when it looks like the enemy is winning.
