Salt emerged as a valuable commodity across the ancient world. Kings maintained a monopoly on salt and exacted great profits on its sale and distribution. The English word salary is derived from the Latin salarium, the ration of salt given to soldiers as part of their pay. From this practice sprang our modern expression describing a lazy worker as not worth his salt.

King Artaxerxes bestowed a highly valuable gift on Ezra and his band who attempted to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Now I, King Artaxerxes, decree that all the treasurers of Trans-Euphrates are to provide with diligence whatever Ezra the priest, the teacher of the Law of the God of heaven, may ask of you—up to a hundred talents of silver, a hundred cors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, a hundred baths of olive oil, and salt without limit.

Salt without limit, along with the other supplies, were to be delivered without delay. Such gifts underscored the serious intention of the king.

The generosity of a pagan king toward the rebuilding of a temple reminds me of the lavish ways the Lord treats us. Artaxerxes possessed vast resources which he shared with Ezra. The Lord possesses far more, and opens his hands with greater magnanimity. I must remember to ask, and to remain ever grateful for the gifts of salt without limit in my life.

Ezra 7 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Faran Raufi

Few of us will ever confront an edict from the government calling for our destruction, but that’s what Queen Esther faced. Falsely accused, a jealous official conned the king into a genocide over his wounded pride. Despite the foolishness, troops were mustered and knives sharpened.

Her uncle Mordecai urged her to go to the king and beg to have the order rescinded. He told her, Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?

Esther feared for her life. She knew her husband to be a capricious leader, erratic and easily swayed by his moods. If she approached him at the wrong time he might banish her or worse, put her to death.

Under severe distress, Esther asked Mordecai and her fellow Jewish citizens to fast for three days and told him, When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.

A young, inexperienced woman thrust into extraordinary circumstances made one of the bravest decisions recorded in the Bible. Esther fasted and prayed—giving herself to the Lord—resolved to follow though on what she determined she must do.

What decisions do you and I face that require bravery? Maybe at work when we’re called to compromise? It might be with family or friends where we know a hard conversation should happen, but we remain silent. Or even in our communities or schools, speaking into the difficult social issues affecting our children?

We all face daunting choices at times. Esther’s model of decision-making proves helpful for me. Fast, pray, and seek the Lord. Allow God and his words to guide my response and stiffen my resolve. Then step forward, and if I perish professionally, relationally, or socially, I perish.

Fight the good fight, and keep the faith.

Esther 4 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Dave Lowe

Dawn and I are excited to announce we’re leading a group to walk the Camino de Santiago next summer, June 7-15, 2025. Please consider joining us!

The prophet Jeremiah wrote, This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16).

The Camino de Santiago is an ancient path across Northern Spain, traveled by Christian pilgrims for over 1,000 years. It’s a thin place in our world, a location where it is somehow easier to gain a sense of the eternal. A journey here creates a once in a lifetime experience.

We will walk roughly 70 miles in 6 days, following the final leg of the Camino. Although the distance is long and the walking at times arduous, you will find rest for your soul along the way.

If you’re interested in joining our band of pilgrims, please visit our website for more info.

As they say along the trail, Buen Camino!

Photo by Dawn Dishman

Ever meet an old friend you haven’t seen for years who’s changed so much you don’t recognize him? And maybe the old friend says the same thing about you? As we age appearances reshape (or lose shape). But it’s always disconcerting to not recognize someone you should know.

The apostle John failed to recognize an old friend as well. The Roman emperor Domitian banished John to the island of Patmos to stop him from preaching about Jesus. One day while in the Spirit, he heard a voice like rushing waters telling him to write down a message. Turning around, John saw a figure glowing from head to foot, with eyes of blazing fire. He immediately collapsed as if dead.

The brilliant figure placed his hand on John and said, Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

John did not recognize Jesus, even though he spent three years in his presence and enjoyed a close relationship. Jesus stood before him transformed beyond comprehension. Stunned, John eventually gathered his wits and started taking notes.

Jesus is so much more than what I picture in my head. Kinder and gentler, firmer and stronger, alive and present. As John experienced, Jesus is more staggeringly glorious than anything I can imagine. If Jesus appeared to us in his glory we would all fall down as if dead.

Don’t underestimate Jesus. He’s more amazing than we realize.

Revelation 1 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Motoki Tonn