Scripture: One Book at a Time
The whole of Sacred Scripture is a single narrative that promises and points to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of the World. It is an epic story, the greatest ever told, and told "one book at a time." Each book makes it contribution to the narrative as God reveals God's self to us and his desire that all be saved.
Lesson 18: The Book of Esther
Esther
The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah were focused on the Jews who returned from Exile to Jerusalem. The Book of Esther is about the Jews who remained in the Persian Empire after the Edict of Return. It is a curious book. While it tells a great tale of survival and prospering, not once in the book is there a mention of God. So, why is it included in the canon of Sacred Scripture? Is is a sacred book or is it really a secular book? Enjoy the video, but be take a moment to read the following:
For those who would like to explore details of this book, please consider videos from Fr. Mike Schmitz’s “Bible in a Year” program. You can find the entire playlist here.
God’s Love
Love is a complicated word in English – and in Hebrew, hesed, is no less complicated. But what does it mean to say “God loves you?” Exodus 34:6-7 is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible: “the LORD, a God gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love and fidelity” – these are the characteristics of God as experienced by the people of God. Let’s explore what the meaning of “abounding in love.”