Gaining the Whole World

• Esther is one of two books named after a woman—the other is Ruth
• Esther is mentioned more times than any other woman (55x)
• Esther is a Jew (God's chosen people)
• The greatest short story ever written
• God is not mentioned by name—this is a story of a non-religious Jews who chose to stay dispersed while the dedicated Jews returned to Jerusalem.
• Ahasuerus, king of Persia, reigned over much of the land of promise (Middle East)
Psalm 62:10—if riches increase, set not your heart upon them
Psalm 39:6—vain—heapeth up riches
Psalm 52:1-7—mighty man trusteth in the abundance of his riches
Deuteronomy 6:10-12—Israel brought in land warned not to forget God when blessed
Deuteronomy 8:12-14—eaten till full/heart lifted up and forget God
Job 31:24-25, 28—If I made gold my hope/confidence—iniquity to be punished by the judge
Mark 8:36-37—profit a man if gain the whole world
Luke 12:15-21—Beware of covetousness
1 Timothy 6:17—Charge rich not to trust in uncertain riches
1 Chronicles 29:11-14—of thine we have given thee.