Home > Lenten Blog 2025

A Venture into the Apocrypha

March 13, 2025

Esther 14:1-6, 12-14 | Matt 7:7-12 | Psalm 138

Quite a few years ago I became curious about the Apocrypha.  The word refers to writings of doubtful authenticity.  So, I read it all from Esdras to the Second Book of the Maccabees.  What did I find there?  A book with my name, many interesting people, and some long and powerful prayers.  One of them is recorded here as Queen Esther prays for her people who are living under the rule of Artaxerxes.  King Artaxerxes whose aim is to erase the Jews from the face of the earth entirely.  Her story goes on for about seven chapters, a small portion of which is included in today’s reading. There are many other heroes and prayers throughout the Apocrypha.  Perhaps you are curious now too.

Matthew 7:7 – 12

This is a well-known passage filled with 100% good advice from Jesus Himself as He preached what we now call the Sermon on the Mount.  It doesn’t get any better than this including all that is included in the words that come before and after this section of scripture.

Psalm 138

This psalm is a favorite.  It is mostly a prayer with emphasis on God’s great love for each one of us.  There is a promise of protection and assurance of His work to accomplish His purpose. 

“The Lord will accomplish His purpose for me.  Thy true love endures forever; leave not thy work unfinished.”
Psalm 138:8

Judy Stenberg