GN-Day336 Esther 9-10; Isaiah 43; 2 Timothy 1

Daily GNT Bible Reading Podcast

ESTHER 9-10:We have heard how Esther’s request was granted, the king and Haman came to the second banquet, where Esther revealed her identity. The eunuch Harbona just happened to have pertinent information about Haman’s plans for Mordecai, and Haman was killed and impaled/hanged on the pole he had planned to use for Mordecai. Mordecai, coming into possession of the king’s signet ring, wrote an edict that allowed for the Jews to organize and defend themselves against their enemies.

ISAIAH 43:In Isaiah 42 we heard twice about ‘the servant of the Lord’. The first passage is quoted in the New Testament about Jesus. However in the second, the servant (singular) pictures the people of Israel. Before Christ came, the Jews would have read the first section understanding it also to refer to the people of Israel. This intentional vagueness is one of the ways God used to reveal his message to us in this age and conceal it before the time for revealing had come.

2 Timothy 1:This is Paul’s final letter, and it is also the last letter from Paul we will read this year. This letter includes some practical instructions for Timothy’s ministry. It also includes precious statements about the inspiration of Scripture and the Lord’s reward for obedience and endurance. I love this letter because it is so very personal. Paul was in a very different imprisonment, not under house arrest. He knew his time on earth was short. So each personal message to ‘his son’ Timothy is moving and precious.

GNT Translation note:2Tim. 1:5 I remember [how sincerely you believe in Christ//the sincere faith you have], [which reminds me of how your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice believed//the kind of faith that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice also had]. I am sure that you have it also].13 [PET Hold firmly to the true teaching that I taught you[, (GNT) as the example for you to follow]. Keep believing in Christ, and live with the love we obtain because of being one with Him.//GNT Hold firmly to the true words that I taught you, as the example for you to follow, and remain in the faith and love that are ours in union with Christ Jesus.]