Reflection From The Book Of Esther

                     One of the most interesting facts about the book of Esther is that the name of God is not mentioned. It is the only book in canonized Scripture where the name of God is not mentioned. Yet even though His name is not mentioned, it is quite apparent that He is still there, felt in every chapter and paragraph. What a powerful truth this is, that even when He is not even mentioned He is still there. The God of the Universe cannot be ever truly excluded or edited out from the overall running or affairs of our lives. I must say it again, He is still there even when He is not recognized or acknowledged.

            This thought really blesses me today and I trust that it can also be a source of inspiration to anyone who feels overwhelmed and is kind of wondering if God is really there. May you be encouraged to know that sometimes He seems hidden and veiled but He is indeed still there – really there. The Psalmist in the 46th division of the Psalms confirms this for us when he unequivocally asserts “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Even today in our very agitated twenty-first century world, He is very much alive and present, superintending our world, sovereign over all the affairs that transpire in our universe. Even when He is not mentioned or recognized He is still there.

            Is it not true that if some peoples’ names are not mentioned they pitch a fit? Not so with our God! Mention Him or not, it does not change a thing with Him. We presently live in a demented world where some have tried to obliterate anything pertaining to God from their orbit, but we, His church, His offspring have come to realize that you cannot change the undeniable fact of His “is-ness!” He just “is” whether we choose to recognize it or not.

            This book, the book of Esther, persistently informs us of the active presence of God, right here and now, reminding us – that He is. He is in the remotest jungle of the most distant land and He is right here present in our present circumstances, as we twist, struggle and turn sometimes, feeling somewhat forlorn and forgotten. His presence is active in the slums of the poorest of the poor and in the mansions of the wealthy and the famous. Should we not rejoice and take comfort in this salient fact?

            The inescapable truth is that you cannot obliterate or eradicate God nor His presence and wherever He chooses to manifest Himself or His presence. This too was the Psalmist’s brilliant revelation, “If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of he morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me” (Psalm 139: 8-10).

            For all those who may be reading this short script today, please to know again that His hand, His genius, His footprint, His hallmark, his thumbprint, His signature is all over this universe.  Try to subtract Him, and you have absolutely nothing! He remains the mastermind that keeps all this machinery running so superbly and smoothly. Though sometimes veiled He will reveal Himself and masterfully act on your behalf as He did for the children of Israel here in the book of Esther, where He is not even mentioned, but fully active!

                                                                 Leroy V. Greenaway
                                                     Regional Bishop – Northeast Region

May 15, 2021

H————————————————————————————————H

                                                          PLEASE NOTE

          In collaboration with our District Overseers, the Church of God of Prophecy submits to the wisdom of continuing to ‘Shelter in Place’ for the safety and protection of the flock. This is to be observed until further notice and the present virus is better contained. Should the need arise to meet, we are advised to meet in groups of no more than 10, while we strictly observe the protocols of social distancing, wearing of masks and aggressive sanitizing of our hands and surfaces frequently touched.

          Please let us patiently observe these practices to keep each other safe and alive. We are reminded that we are indeed our brother’s keeper. Stay home! Stay Healthy! Stay Hopeful! We shall soon get through this! Premature re-openings of our churches seem not to be the wisest way to go at this point. Let us continue to pray, caring for each other and staying connected.

Leroy V. Greenaway
Regional Presiding Bishop — Northeast Region