The closing chapters of Esther provide a case study for looking at the question of violence in the Old Testament.
In the comedy of Haman's downfall we see a glimpse of the Gospel where God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, and uses the weak to shame the strong.
Esther provides a model of faith in action when you can't see God.
Vashti says no to being paraded as a trophy wife. The king of kings's ego is bruised. Solution: A Miss Universe contest. The plot thickens.
In a world full of polarisation where people despise their opponents Jesus exposes how contempt comes from pride and how we're all in need of mercy.
Jesus told a story about the prodigal grace of a father for his two lost sons – the one who insolently insisted on having his inheritance now and the other who scandalously disrespected him by refusing to come into the feast. He loved them both.
In the parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin Jesus shows us the heart of God who loves us and searches for us until he finds us.
We all ask the question Why does God allow Suffering? In Luke 13 Jesus answers this question, but also says our experience of tragedy is a wakeup call and an invitation to turn to God.
Jesus says he will return when we least expect it. To help us wait in readiness, he tells 2 stories, one of a Master who serves, and the other of a servant who tries to play the master.
Jesus' parable of the Rich Fool confronts one of the most pervasive lies we believe - that life consists in the abundance of possessions.