I loved reading Choose-Your-Own-Adventure books as a kid because of the way this format drew me into the story. These books contained decision points marked by page numbers. You flipped to page 98 for choice A and page 105 for choice B. Of course, as a kid, I kept my thumb on the original page just in case I chose the wrong outcome, but real life carries higher stakes. We rarely get a chance to undo our choices which freights our decisions with meaning and significance. Esther stands at the point of no return as she resolves to risk her life by coming before the king unprompted to plead for the deliverance of her people. She maneuvers the web of political relationships in the royal court to bring about her desired outcome, but not without risk. Her plan requires the alignment of a host of variables outside of her control, yet she courageously steps forward. The fate of her people lies not in the casting of lots or the whims of an unstable king or conniving counselor, but the providence of God bringing about a stunning reversal. This is Understanding Esther.

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