This week we are studying the 3rd Chapter of the Book of Esther. Things were getting really serious! Remember when Esther came and shared the story of God’s provision for her life with us? If Esther were here sharing with us now, I think that she would be crying her beautiful heart out! And this is why…
- Uncle Mordecai is refusing to bow to Haman.
- This enraged Haman who decided that to kill Mordecai would be silly…why not destroy all of Mordecai’s people—the Jews.
- Haman somehow has convinced Ahasuerus that the Jews are a threat and that they all should wiped out.
- A date has been chosen for the annihilation of God’s people.
- An edict has been issued, signed, and sealed with the king’s signet ring and sent round to all 127 provinces in the kingdom.
- Mordecai and Esther’s people are to be wiped out of Ahasuerus’ entire kingdom…all this in Chapter 3!
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Today in our study of Esther: the Beauty of Courageous Submission, Mrs. Schacht asks an important question:
“If Vashti was rebellious when she refused to submit to the King in chapter one, how then was it okay for Mordecai to refuse? We can find a clue to that answer when we read Acts 5:27-29. What do you deduct from the example of Peter and the apostles?”
Have you considered her question yet? How about we look deeper in detail at this record…. Whenever I read this chapter in the Book of Esther, I always think that Mordecai was so similar in heart and his actions to Jesus’ apostles. He would not bow to any other than Almighty God; and they would not bow to any other than their Lord, Jesus. Let’s look at the Book of Acts, Chapter 5. Acts 5:18-41 Take a few minutes, if you would, and read through this incredible record; then come back here, ok?
We see this record opening with some of our Lord’s apostles being put in jail (verse 18). One of these men was Peter. Don’t you just love Peter?
- He was a fisherman who cast down his nets when Jesus said, ‘Follow Me.’
- He was one of Jesus’ closest companions
- He was one of the three that Jesus took with Him to pray on the night He was arrested
- He was a very passionate man
- He was the one who lopped off the ear of the high priest’s servant in the garden of Gethsemane
- He was also the one who denied being with the Lord three separate times during Jesus’ trial
- He was also the one who heralded forth the truth about Jesus on the day of Pentecost
Peter, and the others, were committed to telling others about the Lord Jesus Christ. They weren’t afraid. They weren’t timid. They didn’t hold back. Now, it doesn’t appear that they were trying to be radical or revolutionary. They just were NOT going to back down, close their mouths, and not speak. Just Like Mordecai could NOT bow down to <hiss!> Haman <hiss!>….they just could NOT not speak! Now the following, I think, is the ‘clue’ that Mrs. Schacht was referring to in her question.
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison,
and taking them out he said, “Go, stand and speak
to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.
Acts 5:19 and 20
They were directly following the command given to them by an angel sent to them by the Lord. How about you? If an angel brought a message to you from the Lord, would you hesitate to go and do it? Not at all, I am sure!
As we read in the context of this record, upon being sprung from prison by the angel, they immediately went to the temple and began to speak. Needless to say…they were confronted and accosted again. When asked why they would continue to do so, here is what they responded.
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
Verses 29-32
I am sure I do not need to tell you that the officials (the Sanhedrin) were livid upon hearing their words. But one them spoke up and suggested that they just let Peter and the others go…and see whether anything would come of it. “…for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God” (verses 38 and 39).
They went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Acts 5:41 and 42
So, do you have an answer to Mrs Schacht’s question?
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Lord, You have given us so many examples throughout the Scriptures of Your people who have boldly stood for the TRUTH. Help us, Lord, to have the same commitment, the same —the same love and devotion to You, and You alone. We love You, Lord!
Amen.
About coleen hayden
Coleen, thank you for this relevant study today. I believe this challenge is coming to all of us more and more each day. Either from inside ourselves or from outside sources, we are being and will even more frequently be asked, “Who are you going to answer to, God or people? The foundation for my answer is in the knowledge that God loves me and has my best interests in mind. I can’t say the same for anybody or anything else. So when I must decide who to answer to; I will answer to and follow the One who loves me most because He will take care of me. It won’t always be easy but it will always be best.
This is a good time to recommit to this standard of living so “Amen” to your prayer this morning.
Excellent Clella. When you think about it…make a 2 lists like some people do to decide on a question…God or People…guess who wins. Why do we often hesitate as it is so clear? He loves us more than anyone on earth ever could, he gave his life for us…no one else has…so who do I answer to…of course the one who loves me more.
true, true, true, clella! and sometimes we might be confused just how to submit…but God has promised to give wisdom to those that ask…so ask we must. having a guideline, as you wrote, of answering “to the One Who loves me most” is such a comfort! <3
I agree, Coleen. What a good God we serve!
Love these words today! I’ve always been told God gave me the gift to speak the truth, but something I’ve struggled with a lot lately is whether I am the one to be speaking the truth, or if God is teaching me to submit. This is especially difficult to decipher in relationships with other strong Christians. It seems easier for me to discern with non-believers. I pray constantly to hear God’s nudging in my life.
praying along with you, megan…i know this is a prayer that God will answer—to His glory! <3
Praying with you, Megan! That’s one of my soul searches since we started this study!
Amen, ladies! Great teaching today, Coleen, and great comment, Clella! Thank you!! Galatians 5:18 NLT: “But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses….v.24-25: Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”
we never need doubt that we will be led…we simply need to follow <
<3
<3 🙂
🙂 <3
Lord, You have given us so many examples throughout the Scriptures of Your people who have boldly stood for the TRUTH. Help us, Lord, to have the same commitment, the same —the same love and devotion to You, and You alone. We love You, Lord!
Amen…..praying this prayer with you. I’m a nurse and most of my patients population are Jews. When I used to work at my previous hospital,the environment was more open for me pray and share the gospel with my patients and their family. But since I started working in the hospital that I am now, I am silently praying for my patients, scared to reach out because I don’t want to be sued, feels like I am walking on needles but my heart is bursting to reach out to them, 2 weeks ago, I took care of one, our simple conversation lead to singing amazing grace and battle hymn of the republic at 3 am, a Jew and a baptist worshipping God. Thank you for another spirit-filled bible study. God bless!
betty, you just keep on praying for them and praising God! don’t you find that even in the most seemingly God-less circumstances, He gives us opportunity to bring attention to Him? praying with you, betty! <3
Amen for that! Thank you Coleen, God bless you!
One of the commentaries I was reading explained the difference this way:
The Queen refused for personal reasons. Mordecai’s refusal was a declaration that he was in God’s side. In good conscience Mordecai could not obey. It was as if Mordecai was enlisting in the perpetual battle against evil.
This reminded me of Daniel as well as Shadrach, Meshach & Obednego. What really struck me was the symbolism – God vs satan, good vs evil. And it made me question my reasons for doing, or not doing, things. Are my reasons personal or based in God’s Word?
thanks for sharing that, cynda! always good to be checking our motivations…and aking God to search our hearts <3
Thank you for this. :).