Since Pharaoh in the time of Moses, it seems the Jewish people have been the objects of hatred. The same narrative shows up again in the book of Esther. The situation was dire. The story from Esther shows the evil Haman had devised a sinister plan to trap and kill the Jews. Then there was a transition from defeat to victory. Queen Esther’s uncle Mordecai showed the confidence of a child of God. Once again, the word “but” shows there will be a critical transition. Esther’s fate was bound up with her people. Mordecai helped her see the true value of her position. Nehemiah was another Jew with murderous enemies, but he discerned the plot against him. The wonderful story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel, shows how desperate things looked but God wasn’t finished. Once again, there was a great reversal. God is in the reversal business. When it seems things are finished, God surprises. The greatest surprise in history was the day the Crucifixion turned from stoned-cold silence to resurrection (Luke 24:1-12) and witness (John 20:11-18). - Pastor Tom Harrison