Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Luke 1:48-50 "48 For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49 For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation." This is Mary's Magnificat. Sometimes called Mary's Song. Beginning with verse forty-six Mary's responds to Elizabeth’s blessing is EPIC! The Latin translation of Mary’s response begins with the word "magnificat," which means “magnify” or you could say “exalt,” or “glorify.” In this poem Mary praises GOD for His blessing to her and His faithfulness to Israel.  Today's verses up lift GOD'S selection of Mary as His Servant; "For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth ALL generations shall CALL ME BLESSED. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name. And His mercy is on them that FEAR HIM fr...

Luke 1:45-47 "45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. 46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." We are studying Mary, the Mother of Jesus! She was willing to do whatever it took and pay whatever the price. Can you or I wrap our minds around what she did for Jesus, and by extension us?!?! She journeyed about seventy miles to visit her cousin Elisabeth. While getting away was good for her, even better was the Holy Ghost inspired welcome that Elisabeth gave Mary; "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the MOTHER of MY LORD should come to me?" Elisabeth's baby in her womb is John the Baptizer. He is so excited and jumping for joy knowing the Savior of the world is conceived and on His way to being born incarnate!!! This is such an incredible moment!! We are blessed to h...

Luke 1:41-44 "41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy." We are studying Mary, the Mother of Jesus! She is beloved by the world today, but it was not always that way. She was one of the last people you or I would consider for the position of Mother of GOD! Mary accepted GOD'S plan for her; "Behold the HANDMAID of the Lord." She is willing to do whatever it takes and pay whatever the price. Can you or I wrap our minds around what she is committed to doing? It would have been a VERY good thing for her to get away from Nazareth. She journeyed about seventy miles ...

Luke 1:39&40 "39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; 40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth." We are studying Women of Faith in the Holy Bible! This week we are going to study Mary, the Mother of Jesus! She is a FAVORITE subject in Western art, music, and literature. She is beloved by the world today, but it was not always that way. In the beginning she was a young poor girl living in a small town in the middle of NOWHERE. She is one of the last people you or I would consider for the position of Mother of GOD! When the Holy Ghost conceived the baby Jesus in her womb, her standing in the world dropped futher as she became a pregnant unwed mother. Still, Mary accepted GOD'S plan for her; "Behold the HANDMAID of the Lord." Handmaid is a personal maid or female servant. Some translations will use the word "SLAVE" here. Mary has clearly said that she is subservient to w...

Luke 1:37&38 "37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. 38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Thy word. And the Angel departed from her." We are studying Women of Faith in the Holy Bible! Last week we finished with Paul's writing about the body of Christ in First Corinthians. God intended the Church to have HARMONY and EQUALITY! Christ is the Head of the whole church; He presides over all; and all its members sustain to each other, depend upon each other. We are all Christians. This week we are going to study Mary, the Mother of Jesus! Also known as St. Mary or the Virgin Mary. She is venerated in the Christian church since the apostolic age and is a FAVORITE subject in Western art, music, and literature. She is beloved by the world today, but it was not always that way. In the beginning she was a young poor girl living in a small town in the middle of NOWHERE. She is one of the last people you or I would consider for the pos...

1 Corinthians 12:25-27 "25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." God has so arranged the Church, the body of Christ, in order to produce HARMONY and EQUALITY! What our culture and society is chasing after the most is designed into our Church. Every part is useful, and all are suited to the needs of the whole. Today's verses really make the point! The existence of differences of gifts in the Church has been used to cause division between people. Some gifts are are highly valued and sold to us as the best ever. While other gifts are depreciated and disregarded if noticed at all. When God's plan is for the variety of gifts to create a mutual dependence, and promote unity between people. "That there should be NO S...

1 Corinthians 12:20-24 "20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:" To better appreciate the contribution of Christian women and maybe get an idea of our role in GOD'S plan we have turned to First Corinthians, chapter twelve. WOMEN and men, we are all part of the ONE BODY, the one church that praises and worships the ONE true Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  We all have our role to play. Where GOD has placed you is where you are needed. Do what you can to...

1 Corinthians 12:15-19 "15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?" Women of the Holy Bible are VERY impressive! "MANY OTHERS" are Christian women who supported Jesus and His Disciples. These women made Christ's ministry possible! We owe our deepest gratitude to these women! To better appreciate their contribution and maybe get an idea of our role in GOD'S plan we have turned to First Corinthians, chapter twelve. WOMEN and men, we are all part of the ONE BODY, the one church that praises and worships the ONE true Lord and Savior, Jes...

My latest work of art, "Young Love." Features the couple from Holy Scriptures, Judges, chapter thirteen. This is Manoah and his wife, Hazlelponi, according to ancient Rabbis. This is them together under a shade tree on a hot and sunny day, shortly after they were visited by the Angel of the LORD! This is my first work made with the program Infinite Painter. I am very happy with the results. Infinite Painter is very intuitive and elegant to use. The brushes are amazing and I am still learning their potential. Anyone looking for a painting app for Android or other operating systems; I recommend you take a serious look at Infinite Painter. 

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 "12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many." Women of the Holy Bible are VERY impressive! Mary Magdalene is mentioned thirteen times. Johanna is mentioned two times. Suzanna is mentioned once. And "MANY OTHERS" are nameless and faceless Christian women who "...ministered unto Him of their substance." These blessed saintly women supported Jesus and the Disciples! These women made Christ's ministry possible! We are all indebted to these women! They found a way to contribute GOD'S plan! They did what needed to be done for the CHURCH. The church that is the body of Christ we are familiar with from First Corinthians, chapter twelve, tod...

Luke 8:3 "And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto Him of their substance." We are used to thinking about Jesus & His twelve Disciples. Helping Jesus and His Disciples every step of the way was another unlikely person, Mary Magdalene. Less often do we think of all the OTHERS on team Jesus. Today's verse helps us out; "And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and MANY OTHERS, which ministered unto Him of their substance." Mary Magdalene is mentioned thirteen times. Johanna is mentioned two times. Suzanna is mentioned only here. And "MANY OTHERS" are only mentioned here, and that's really not mentioning them at all. We don't know who they were. Nameless and faceless Christian women who "...ministered unto Him of their substance." These blessed saintly women supported Jesus and the Disciples! These women made Christ's ministry possible! We are all ...

Luke 8:2 "And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils," As we study Women of Faith in the Holy Bible, we find inspiration and examples for us all! Throughout history people have marvelled at the events recorded in the Holy Bible. Reading the scriptures brings many people to TEAM JESUS. Working together to futher the Gospel in the world and through history all the way to you and me.  God uses people as part of His plan. Jesus called His twelve Disciples and they were NOT the brightest and best of their culture and society. Helping Jesus and His Disciples every step of the way was another unlikely person. She is mentioned in today's verse; "And certain women, which had been HEALED of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils," Jesus freed her from a deep, dark dungeon of sorrow, she was afflicted with the tormenting power of Satan! She went o...

Luke 8:1 "And it came to pass afterward, that He went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with Him," We are studying Women of Faith in the Holy Bible. Each one is an inspiration to us all! This last week we looked at Mary Magdalene. It's noteworthy that the profoundly pivotal moment of Jesus's resurrection is completely in the care of her. Not Peter. Not John. Not anyone else. Mary Magdalene. Jesus freed her from a deep, dark dungeon of sorrow, she was afflicted with the tormenting power of Satan! She went on to become one of the most important people in our FAITH history! Faith history, church history, and Jesus's story is deep and worthy of our attention for a lifetime and beyond. One of the most remarkable aspects to God's story is that it's our story. It's all about Him but it's NOT! It's about us too. We need God and for some reason God uses us as part of His ...

John 20:18 "18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things unto her." JESUS is RISEN indeed! Mary is overcome with joy and relief. She had witnessed Jesus crucifixion. She help bury His body. She returned to the grave and found out His body was gone. She talks with two angels at the tomb. And THEN Jesus showed up!!! Jesus asked her to "TOUCH ME NOT; for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them..." And, she follows through for Jesus in today's verses; "Mary Magdalene came and TOLD the disciples that she had SEEN the Lord, and that He had spoken these things UNTO HER." Take a moment to appreciate that this profoundly pivotal moment for our FAITH is completely in the care of Mary Magdalene. Not Peter. Not John. Not anyone else. Mary Magdalene. Jesus freed her from a deep, dark dungeon of sorrow, she was afflicted with the tormenting power of Satan! She went ...

John 20:16&17 "16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto Him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God." Mary witnessed Jesus crucified.  She help bury His body. She returned to the grave and found out His body was gone. She is anxious to find Jesus's body. She is in agony with grief. Her mind is foggy. The pain and loss she is feeling is great. She looks into the tomb and talks with two angels. And then Jesus shows up! He asked her "WHY WEEPEST thou?" Now, today's verses; "Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto Him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, TOUCH ME NOT; for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God,...

John 20:14&15 "14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing Him to be the gardener, saith unto Him, Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away." Mary Magdalene held a fearless loyalty to our Lord and Savior. Mary stayed at the tomb. She is anxious to find Jesus's body. She is in agony with grief. Her mind is foggy. The pain and loss she is feeling is great. And, now on top of that His body has disappeared? She looks into the tomb and talks with two angels. These Angels KNOW she has no reason to weep! Mary seems to not notice she is talking with Angels. She is singularly focused on finding Jesus. She will not be satisfied until she finds Him. In today's verses she doesn't recognize Jesus; "And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus st...

John 20:12&13 "12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him." Mary Magdalene held a fearless loyalty to our Lord and Savior. She reported to Peter and John that she found the tomb empty! They came and inspected it and went AWAY. Mary stayed at the tomb. She is anxious to find Jesus's body. She is in agony with grief. Her mind is foggy. The pain and loss she is feeling is great. And, now on top of that His body has disappeared? She looks into the tomb "And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, WHY WEEPEST thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I KNOW NOT WHERE they have laid Him." These Angels KNOW...

John 20:10&11 "10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. 11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre," Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus's followers. She was healed by Him, she knew His Grace and Mercy. She was there when He was crucified. She helped in any way she could.  She held a fearless loyalty to our Lord and Savior. We see that characterized in today's verse from the Gospel of John; "Then the disciples WENT AWAY again unto their own home. But Mary STOOD without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre," Mary had reported to Peter and John that she found the tomb empty! They came and inspected it. Indeed finding it empty too. It was wise for them to not stick around, if Jewish leaders or Roman soldiers found them there they would be taken in for questioning. Mary is anxious to find Jesus's body. She is in ag...

Mark 16:9 "9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven devils." There are many Women of Faith in the Holy Bible! We are inspired by their stories of belief and blessings. One of the most important among them is Mary Magdalen. She was one of Jesus's followers. She was healed by Him, she knew His Grace and Mercy. She was there when He was crucified. She helped in any way she could.  In today's verse we read just how important she was; "Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, He appeared FIRST to Mary Magdalene," Note! None of the apostles, the male disciples, were honored with the FIRST visions of the angels at the tomb! Or with seeing Christ FIRST after His resurrection!   "...out of whom He had cast SEVEN devils." When Jesus saved Mary Magdalene she was afflicted with the tormenting power of Satan! Jesus freed her from a deep, dark dungeon of sorrow...

Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." As we study Women of Faith in the Holy Bible we are inspired by their stories of belief and blessings. Last week we read about the woman who touched the hem of Jesus clothes and was healed. And, Jairus's daughter, who died and was brought back to life. SHE LIVES AGAIN!!! That young woman grew up and had children of her own that she told about our Lord and Savior! She faced death and was resurrected. She had first hand experience with Jesus's LOVE, GRACE and COMPASSION. Experience we will all have someday. Today's verse is from the prophet Isaiah. These words, that he wrote from the inspiration from GOD, characterize the FAITH we need in this world. "FEAR thou NOT; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; y...

Luke 8:54-56 "54 And He put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, ARISE. 55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and He commanded to give her meat. 56 And her parents were astonished: but He charged them that they should TELL NO MAN what was done." SHE LIVES!!! How mind blowing this whole event was for Jairus! He went to Jesus as a last resort. He risked everything to save his little girl. He was told she was dead. Jesus told Jairus; "...Fear not: BELIEVE ONLY, and she shall be made whole."  When they arrived at Jairus's home, the family and friends that gathered did NOT respect Jesus and are very belligerent. They know that Jairus's daughter is dead. They did not know that Jesus is GOD!  Today's verses tell us what happened next; "And He put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, ARISE. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and He commanded to give her meat. And...

Luke 8:51-53 "53 And when He came into the house, He suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. 52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but He said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. 53 And they laughed Him to scorn, knowing that she was dead." Jairus, a leader in the synagogue, has risked his reputation and livelihood reaching out to Jesus for help. He hoped that Jesus could heal his 12-year-old daughter, who was on her death bed. On the way here they stopped to help another woman. Then they received word that Jairus's daughter has died. Jesus told Jairus; "...Fear not: BELIEVE ONLY, and she shall be made whole."  Now they have arrived at Jairus's home, Jesus "...suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all WEPT, and BEWAILED her: but He said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed Him to SCORN, knowing th...

Luke 8:49&50 "49 While He yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. 50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole." The woman with the issue of blood was healed! After her struggles for so many years, she had to be ecstatic! Her desperation has turned into a celebration! Witnessing all of this is the Jewish leader Jairus. How his heart must have swelled with hope that Jesus could heal his 12-year-old daughter who is on her death bed. Jairus was anxious and nervous, wanting Jesus to come along and get to his house and save his little girl. Only it's too late. Today's verses; "...there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, THY DAUGHTER is DEAD; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole." Jairu...

Luke 8:46-48 "46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched Me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of Me. 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before Him, she declared unto Him before all the people for what cause she had touched Him, and how she was healed immediately. 48 And He said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. "THY FAITH!" How exhilarating it must be; to be healed by Jesus and He says, "...thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace." Year after year she sought help from doctors and others. Always believing that this next specialist will be able to help. She spent all her money getting help and had no helpful results. She was secretive about it and snuck up to Jesus and touched just the hem of His clothing. "...she was healed immediately." Jesus felt her touch on some kind of a spiritual level, "...I perceive that virtue is gone out of Me....

Luke 8:44&45 "44 Came behind Him, and touched the border of His garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. 45 And Jesus said, Who touched Me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with Him said, Master, the multitude throng Thee and press Thee, and sayest Thou, Who touched Me? TOUCHING the Messiah is her only hope! She was considered unclean and UNTOUCHABLE, by Jewish law. She has suffered for a very long time. She has spent all of het money paying doctors and others to heal her. They took her money but, NO one was able to help her. She is DESPERATE. She was secretive about it and snuck up to Jesus and touched the hem of His clothing. Today's verses; "Came behind Him, and touched the border of His garment: and IMMEDIATELY her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, WHO TOUCHED ME? When all denied, Peter and they that were with Him said, Master, the multitude throng Thee and press Thee, and sayest Thou, WHO TOUCHED ME?" Almost like siblings in the ...

Luke 8:42&43 "42 For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as He went the people thronged Him. 43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any," We returned to the Gospel of Luke where Jesus has returned from casting out demons. Jairus is a Jewish leader, He is risking everything to come to Jesus. Jairus is DESPERATE. He is doing something he never would have; going to this troublemaker begging at His feet for help! His 12 year old daughter's life hangs in the ballace. Jesus agreed to help and they head to Jairus's home. In today's verses; "But as He went the people thronged Him." A big crowd has gathered and they are crowding in on Jesus and His Disciples.  In this crowd there is another DESPERATE individual. "And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could ...

Luke 8:40&41 "40 And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received Him: for they were all waiting for Him. 41 And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought Him that He would come into his house:" Women of Faith are everywhere in the Holy Bible. As we study Women of Faith we are learning valuable lessons. Last week's study of Esther showed us just how important one woman can be; she saved her people from a genocide! Something we see again and again, in life and in Holy Scriptures, desperate situations drive us to God. We can become open to doing things we wouldn't normally do. We read about that last week and we will see it again this week.  We return to the Gospel of Luke where Jesus has returned from casting out demons. "And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received Him: for they were all waiting for Him. And, beh...

Esther 4:15-17 "15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, 16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. 17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him." Mordecai believes that Esther was placed in her role as queen by GOD so she could help GOD'S chosen people. From today's verse; "thou art come to the kingdom for SUCH a TIME as THIS?" It's a curious thing, GOD is not mentioned once in the book of Esther, but God is everywhere. God's fingerprints are over it all. In this historical event, when many Jewish people were about to be killed, God didn't send a legion of Angles, he sent ONE WOMAN to save them all! Esther, Mordecai and all the Jews had to fast for three days and ni...

Esther 4:14 "For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for SUCH a TIME as THIS?" Haman, the king’s evil second-in-command, has influenced the King to pass a law calling for the death of all Jewish people! (The King doesn't know his queen is Jewish.) This has Esther, the queen, concerned for her cousin, Mordecai, and worried the King and others will find out her secret! She's Jewish!  Mordecai tells Esther the hard truth; she is NOT going to escape this genocide because she's the queen. Even if she is able to keep it a secret and is able to survive; sooner or later someone will figure it out. And, then she will be in trouble! And, in the mean time she will have the guilt of not helping her people along with the fear of being found out! Mordecai believes that Esthe...

Esther 4:12 "12 And they told to Mordecai Esther's words. 13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews." Haman, the king’s evil second-in-command, has influenced the King to pass a law calling for the death of all Jewish people! (The King doesn't know his queen is Jewish.) This has Esther concerned for her cousin, Mordecai, and worried the King and others will find out her secret! Esther is stuck in a dangerous place. Mordecai is asking her to talk to the King. If she tries approaching the King uninvited she could be killed! If she does nothing Mordecai and her Jewish family will be killed. If Haman catches Hatach delivering secret messages between Esther and Mordecai they could all be dead also. They are desperate and in what looks like a lose-lose situation. Mordecai begins to answer Esther in today's verses; "Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the ki...

Esther 4:11 "11 All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days." Mordecai's mortal enemy is Haman, the king’s evil second-in-command, and a descendant of historic enemies of God’s people. Haman has influenced the King to pass a law calling for the death of all Jewish people! (The King doesn't know his queen is Jewish.) This whole situation has Mordecai upset and causing a scene. This has Esther concerned for her cousin and worried the King and others will find out her secret! Esther can't go to Mordecai, so she sends her faithful servant Hatach. Mordecai is saying "Esther, you're OUR ONLY HOPE!" Mordecai gives all the go...

Esther 4:9&10 "9 And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai. 10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;" Esther went from being an orphan raised by her cousin, Mordecai, to the queen of Persia! The King passed a law calling for all Jewish people to be killed. He doesn't know his queen is Jewish!  This has Mordecai upset and causing a scene. This has Esther concerned for her cousin and worried the King and others will find out her secret! Esther can't go to Mordecai, so she sends her faithful servant Hatach. This is the "Esther, you're OUR ONLY HOPE," message. Mordecai gives all the gory details to Hatach. Who then relayed the message to Esther.  The events recorded in this book are like Shakespeare's writing, filled with palace intrigue and life and death struggles for power. Mordecai's mortal enemy was "Haman, the king’s evil second-in-command, and a descendant of Agag, king of the Amalekites, ...