Modern-day Iran, significant for creating instability in the Middle East, used to be known as Persia, and, after the Babylonians took Judah into captivity, Persia defeated them, inheriting Judah as a captive nation. The story of Esther, and her familial relationship with Mordecai provides good lessons for us in dealing with difficult decisions.
Tim Martens is the pastor of the Northwest Arkansas and Springfield Missouri congregations. Prior to becoming a pastor, he has had successful careers in business and education as well as being a newspaper columnist.
