November 25, 2024

Esther – Chapter 5:3-5

October 1, 2013 by

 

Esther 5:3-5

And the king said to her, “What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you—up to half the kingdom!”

So Esther answered, “If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”

Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, that he may do as Esther has said.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

“We must keep our focus in check.”  I think this of my favorite line from today’s reading.  It is so true, but can be so hard at times.  I can imagine myself in Esther’s shoes, or rather sandals. Sitting on a choice, “Do I seek change for myself? Or do I seek change for my people?”  It would be easy to desire and pray for help for herself in this situation…for some sort of relief from the pressure that weighed on her shoulders. But instead she pushed forward with what God was directing her to do, and put the needs of her people above her own.

Like Darlene beautifully pointed out, this situation mirrors how we should approach our prayer life.  Our pastor told us this little saying yesterday, “Need versus Greed.”

 James 4:3

You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

This made me think.  It’s not as if I’m asking God to help me find 1 million dollars lying on the street, but I may be asking God for a promotion at work.  Why?  To further His Kingdom or to further my own?  I may be asking God for strength to get through the day, and to accomplish all the tasks I have to do.  But why?  So I can look good in front of others or so I can do what He has called me to do that day.

I don’t think we intentionally say greedy prayers, but I do think that we should pay attention to our motives.  About a year or so ago, this topic was brought up in church—the topic of what motivates our prayers.  I continue to pray for my family’s well-being, for financial guidance when money gets tight, for restoration of relationships when they get rough.   I don’t think James 4:3 is addressing this.  But I did add a piece to my prayers, a piece that I try to pray throughout the day.  I ask that God would open my eyes to areas during my day where I could do His work.  I prayed that my family would show others His love, that we would see opportunities in which we could grow His kingdom.

I am a naturally greedy person; I think most people are.  Not in a hording/not sharing kind of way.  But in how it applies to our prayers.  I want to automatically pray for myself—for a good day for me, for peace for me, for wisdom for me.  The question that Darlene asks at the end of this section is not a condemning question.  I see it as a growth question; an opportunity to grow for the better, an opportunity to be more intentional in our words that we lift up to our Father.

*****

Let’s Pray:

Wk5_Ellison_Esther

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Esther – Chapter 5:1-2

September 30, 2013 by

Here we are in the middle of our study of the Book of Esther.  Throughout her book, Esther: The Beauty of Courageous Submission, Mrs. Schacht shares her understanding of the meaning of the symbolism used in the Scriptures concerning Esther’s story.  One of the most beautiful pictures painted with words is here in Esther 5:1 and 2.

On the third day [of the fast] Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the royal or inner court of the king’s palace opposite his throne room.  The king was sitting on his throne, facing the main entrance of the palace.
And when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight, and he held out to [her] the golden scepter that was in his hand.  So Esther drew near and touched the tip of the scepter.

Take a moment and picture it in your mind…it is a vision of power, of majesty and of grace.  And it must lead us to a vision of the same—power, majesty, and grace—as we, like Esther, approach the Throne—God’s Throne of grace.  Esther, however, approached Ahasuerus’ throne with genuine fear knowing it might mean death.  Remember her words to Mordecai?

Esther 4:16
…and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law:
and if I perish, I perish.

Here is where the similarity ends.  It ends at the Cross.  Our Lord, our Savior, our Redeemer, was the spotless Lamb—the Perfect Sacrifice—required to take away our sins.  We need have no trepidation or fear.  Our welcome has been attained; we have access given to us through the precious blood of Jesus.

Colossians 2:13 and 14
He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness,
which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.

Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away
have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Hebrews 10:19-22
Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

There is no doubt—we can have boldness and confidence; we can draw near in full assurance; we have hearts and bodies which have been cleaned; we have been brought near—by the blood of Christ!  And so…

Hebrews 4:16
Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace,
that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our times of need.

Oh what joy…what thrill…what hallelujah goosebumps we should experience!  My sisters, by Jesus’ blood we have arrived!!!  Not by works, not by anyTHING we could do—not prayer, not tithing, not service, no good works of our own—nothing of ourselves!  Only Jesus’ blood, His righteousness, provides for us.

And so, my sisters, I encourage you to remember what is available to you.  Do not allow the enemy of your soul to tell you any different!  Jesus died for you (and me!).  His blood has purchased us.  We have been given access to God Almighty.   Therefore assured of your righteousness through Jesus, go boldly and confidently,  before His throne of grace to receive the mercy and the grace your heavenly Father has to give to you.

*****

Let’s Pray:
We stand continuously amazed and awed at all that You have provided for us, Lord Jesus!  Always in submission to Your Father’s will,  You offered Yourself as the only, the perfect sacrifice to purchase us back from eternal death to life.  No words can ever truly express our gratitude and thanks…may we live in obedience to You thus showing our love for You, Lord.  Amen.

 

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Esther – Chapter 4:15-17

September 27, 2013 by

What strengths has God given you ‘for such a time as this?’   Think about it for a minute.  God has placed you in a position for a purpose.  Everything that happens to us is either ordained by God or allowed by God.  And as Christians, we know He will deliver us!

Mordecai expected a divine deliverance, didn’t he?  Esther and Mordecai believed in God’s care and, because they acted at the right time, God used them to move His people.  By calling for a fast, Esther is asking the Jewish people to also pray for God’s help on this dangerous mission.  Verse 15: “Go gather together all the Jews that are present on Shushah and fast for me; neither eat or drink for 3 days and nights. I also and my maids will fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though is against the law and if I perish, I perish.”  Fasting and prayer moves mountains. Jesus fasted in the desert and prayed to His Father.

Fasting is the most important and greatest spiritual discipline for seeking God’s intervention. Together, combined with prayer, they’re the most critical weapon in spiritual warfare, which leads to deliverance in our lives.  Fasting does not manipulate God into doing exactly what we want nor does it mean that all our wishes and desire will come into fruition, but it does convey to Him exactly that we desire that His will be done in our lives.  In Mathew 9:15, Jesus told us that fasting would be necessary for His disciples after He ascends into Heaven, “The time will come when the Bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.”

Wk4_Esther_KimSpring

Esther was brave.  When God’s people feel pressed, His mighty power kicks in in a mighty way. In our own power, we are nothing, but God can turn us into mighty warriors if we allow Him to work through us.  Notice in this chapter, the roles are reversed for Esther and Mordecai—Esther is now the instructor, and Mordecai listens and obeys.  You can feel as you read these passages, the commanding power of God through this small, humble, yet beautiful woman moving into action. Isn’t this like our God?  Doesn’t He do this within the body of believers in the church? Regardless of sex or position/lack of position, in 1 Corinthians 11:1 , Paul says for us to “imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”  God had set Esther under Mordecai to watch over her and guide her. But now, God switched her into a leadership position over Mordecai.  What about you?  Are you ready to step into such a role if or when God needs you?

I cannot let the fact that Esther was willing to lose her life for this cause go unnoticed.   She knew her life would be in danger if she approached the King yet she was ok with it.   She was putting the lives of her people above her own life, and showing a great example of selflessness.  How beautifully her words picture this identification of the believer with the death of Jesus Christ.  He died for you, and you died with Him;  nothing you can do will ever affect that.   And just like Esther, the evil one cannot lay his hands upon you any longer.  You are not in bondage.  You are a believer and your deliverance rests upon an unchangeable fact!!!

This is a story of your heritage.  Consider that this story is still going on and you are a character and part of this story.  And just as God was working in the lives of these characters in Esther, He’s busy today working in yours!  It’s His-story and we are all in it, thanks to Jesus Christ.

So today as you go about your life, remember that no matter what you face, or what you need to be delivered from, He is able.  He will deliver you.  His promises are still proving true and He is the same God of Esther and Mordecai.  My challenge for you today is this: think about what role He has you in today; can you see the purpose yet?  Or are you just walking in faith?  Cannot wait to hear from you!

* * * * *

Let’s Pray:

Dearest Lord,  Today we come to You as Your children in need of Your grace and mercy.  You have taught us so much through this study; that the Holy Spirit is ours and is here to guide us in our everyday life as well as in our ministry work for You.  We praise You and worship You. God, You want us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love, like Jesus did in everything. We take our lead from Jesus and He keeps us in step with each other.   May we be filled with the knowledge of Your will and may we clothe ourselves in kindness and mercy and humility.   Above all things, we put on love and let the peace of God rule in our hearts.  May we be one body and may we seek to tell all about the deliverance that we have experienced in our own lives. May we be brave like Esther and obedient like Mordecai. In Jesus’s name we pray.

Amen.

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Esther – Chapter 4:4-7

September 24, 2013 by

Wk4_Esther_Ellison

Esther 4:4-7

So Esther’s maids and eunuchs came and told her, and the queen was deeply distressed. Then she sent garments to clothe Mordecai and take his sackcloth away from him, but he would not accept them. Then Esther called Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs whom he had appointed to attend her, and she gave him a command concerning Mordecai, to learn what and why this was. So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square that was in front of the king’s gate. And Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king’s treasuries to destroy the Jews.

Sometimes there is a pull on our heart or, as my pastor says, an “unrest in our spirit.”  I believe that Esther experienced this.  She was told something disturbing and she was “deeply distressed.” Has this ever happened to you?  We find out a piece of information…see or hear something…and then we know something isn’t right.  We may or may not know exactly what is going on, or what all of the details are, but we know that something is wrong.  I think this is what Esther experienced this day.  She didn’t know why Mordecai was acting the way he was acting but she knew that it was serious and wanted to know more.

So what does she do about this unrest?  She asks.  She seeks clarification.  She sends a message to him asking what the situation is.  How does this apply to you and me?  Mordecai symbolizes the Holy Spirit and, like Esther asked questions of Mordecai, we can ask a question of the Holy Spirit.  We need not send someone to ask for us—we can go directly to our Helper ourselves.

 John 14:16

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—

 Sometimes we don’t have to ask; sometimes the Holy Spirit speaks directly to us. “The Holy Spirit is that voice inside of us that convicts us of sin, while encouraging us to do better.”

Last week my pastor said something that stuck with me, he said that “the same Holy Spirit that was in the Bible is in us.”  The same Holy Spirit at work in the heart of Esther is the same Holy Spirit at work in our hearts.  The same Holy Spirit that began to pull on the heart of Esther that day isthe same Holy Spirit who pulls on our hearts to make a change in our lives.

This week I am determined to pray on the question that Darlene asks, “Is there anything in your life that you’ve recently been convicted of or encouraged to improve upon?” Like Esther I want to seek out what change needs to be made; I want to see how I need to improve the situation I’m in.  Like Esther I am going to ask of my Helper what those changes need to be. I’m going to ask what needs to be done.

_______

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the Helper that You have sent to us.  Thank You for the pull on our spirit when things need to change.  So often we feel that something is wrong, or that something can be better.  Lord, give us the courage to seek the answers from the Holy Spirit, to seek the change that needs to be made.  In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

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Esther – Chapter 3:12-15

September 19, 2013 by

Esther_Wk3_Clella

As we continue to read the events of this story we see that Haman’s sinister plan was coming together! King Xerxes was just “along for the ride.” I’m not sure that he had even thought through the potential consequences of such an order. He let Haman take full control. Haman dictated the order to the scribes, and then sealed it with the king’s signet ring. This seal guaranteed the death and destruction of God’s people.

When we come to Christ for salvation we are given a seal too. Ephesians 1:13 says that when we believe and are saved, “you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory.” So the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives is our seal, the evidence of our salvation, and the guarantee of our future inheritance, which is eternal life with Christ.

One king’s seal sealed the death sentence of God’s people. The King of kings’ seal seals the guarantee of eternal life for all who believe in God’s Son, Jesus.

Another opposing comparison that I see is this: Esther 3:12-15 tells us that Haman made sure everyone, everywhere knew that this order was given to destroy all the Jews everywhere. Satan wants all God’s creation destroyed. John 10:10, “The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy….” God, on the other hand, wants all His creation saved. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,…Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere,….” (Mark 16:15-20.) In Isaiah 45:23 God says, “turn to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is no other…Before Me every knee will bow; by Me every tongue will swear (confess allegiance).” Again in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”

All of the Jews were “perplexed” (Esther 3:15) and hopelessly dreaded that coming day of doom and destruction. All believers are looking forward with great hope to the day when every knee will bow before our King and we will live!

In this story, Haman and Mordecai represent the struggle of death and life. Haman is trying to kill off the Jews and Esther, whereas, Mordecai is determined to the best of his ability to protect Esther and save their people.

In our individual lives, our flesh, that is our fallen nature, is constantly struggling against our redeemed spirit–that same struggle of death and life. As our author says, “As long as we’re still in the flesh we will continue to struggle with this until the return of our Lord when Satan is destroyed for once and for all.”

Romans 7:18, “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.” Is it your temper, a bad habit, telling “white lies,” rebellion, envy, selfishness, or you name it? We are all tempted on every side or have some area of our life that needs cleaning up.

You might be thinking, “But we have the Law (Ten Commandments and other Old Testament ordinances) to show us how to live right.” God’s Word addresses that in Romans 3:19-20, “Obviously, the Law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the Law commands. The Law simply shows us how sinful we are.”

Haman’s orders singled out the Jews and condemned them to death. The Jews couldn’t stop Haman’s death sentence on their own.  They needed someone to intervene for them. They needed a savior.

The Law singles us out by pointing out our sins and condemns us to death, which is separation from God. Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death.” Like the Jews, we can’t stop the death sentence of the Law on us. We too need a Savior.

Let’s pray over what we have learned today, and then look forward to “the rest of the story.”

Dear Lord, we thank You that as Christians we have the seal of Your Holy Spirit on our lives, and with that the guarantee of our inheritance of eternal life with You.  We are looking forward to the day when we will all bow our knees before You as You sit on Your Heavenly Throne. In our own flesh we are tempted and can never do enough good deeds or obey enough of The Law to redeem ourselves. We thank You, Lord, that Your plan of redemption covers us as we submit our lives to You.  In Jesus’ Precious and Holy Name.

Amen.

 

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Esther – Chapter 3:8-11

September 18, 2013 by

Haman the Agagite is an arrogant, prejudiced, hateful, bold-faced liar. He was given a position of honor by King Xerxes (Ahasuerus), but that wasn’t enough for him – he had to be worshipped, as well.  And when Haman wasn’t worshipped by Mordecai, he leveled a false charge of disobedience or insubordination against an entire race of people, wrapped it up in an ingratiating package that looked like loyalty and served it up to the king.  Deceived, the king obliged him.

Does Haman sound like anyone else you know??  May I speak Southern, ladies?  Haman is the devil.  (We call all manner of things “the devil” in the south that seek to do us harm – that nosey neighbor, preparing your taxes, cupcakes…. You get the picture.)  Now Haman is not LITERALLY the devil, but he has so many of Satan’s characteristics – elevated to a high place, yet wanting the worship due the King (God); arrogant; hate filled; a definite prejudice against God’s people and a liar.  In this book, Darlene reminds us of Job’s story, where Satan has an exchange with God about Job, and she calls him a tattletale of sorts; “… who puts God’s people in the worst possible light to discredit our faith as he seeks to tempt and destroy all believers” (page 39).  I do agree, but let’s call things as they are – Satan is known in the Bible as the accuser.

“Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ.  For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down”  (Revelation 12:10 NIV).

To accuse, per the dictionary, is to charge with a shortcoming or error, or charge with a wrongdoing, fault, offense or crime. Sounds pretty serious, doesn’t it?  Satan, per Revelation, stands before God day and night charging you and me with wrongdoings, with crimes against God, with faults. What did Haman say in verse 8?  “They do not obey the King’s laws; it is not in the King’s best interest to tolerate them.” (Esther 2:8, NIV) Furthermore, he suggests that he be allowed to destroy them (verse 9).  Unlike the King, God is not deceived! The blood of his son, Jesus, was willingly shed for you to save your life and make you a brand new person!  In Psalm 103:12, it says: “He (God) has removed our sins from us as far as the east is from the west.” (NLT)  Not perfect?  No problem!  In 1 John 1:9, John says that “If we confess our sins, he (God) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV)

Now hear me, sisters.  If Satan is working day and night to accuse us before God, and God’s not listening to him, who do you think believes Satan’s lying garbage?  We do.  What does Satan’s accusations look like?  Stop me when this sounds familiar: “You don’t obey God’s commands.”  You think God can love you with your past?”  “You’ll never be good enough.”  “You’ll never amount to anything.”  “You aren’t a very good Christian.”  “You’ve never finished anything you’ve started.  Why even try?”  “Do you really think you’re equipped to lead a small group/start a ministry/teach a class/make a difference?”  “God doesn’t care about you. Why bother?”  Lies, lies, LIES!!!   Satan is going to be punished for all eternity, and he’s trying to take everybody with him.  If he can’t get God to sign off on you (never happen!), then he’ll try  to get you to give up on God.

That’s why Ephesians 6:10-18 is so important .  It tells us how to shield ourselves “…against the devil’s schemes” (verse11).  This passage tells us about putting on “the armor of God.”  There are many ways that we can protect ourselves from Satan’s schemes, but only one way to fight back – with the Word of God, which is called the “sword of the Spirit” (verse 17).  When Satan whispers some lie in your ear, tell him (and remind yourself!) what ALMIGHTY GOD says about you!  You are LOVED (John 3:16) ! You are REDEEMED (Galatians 3:13, Psalm 107:2).  You are PERFECT (Psalms 139:13-14)!  You are a CHILD OF THE KING (1 John 3:1)!!

Enough, sisters!  Have you allowed Satan to accuse you of things that God refuses to hold against you, or even think about you?  No more!  If you see yourself as “less than,” let’s ask God to help you see the truth; you are royalty!  You are a child of the King!

 

Let’s pray:

Holy God, I thank You that You love me!  Thank you that You willingly sacrificed the life of Your son so that I can live eternally with You! God, I’ll be honest, sometimes it’s hard to see myself as You see me.  I see my faults, my failures, my attempts and where I don’t measure up. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever make a difference for Your kingdom, or if I’ll ever be good enough to be used by You.  And Satan is constantly attempting to drag me down!  Help me, Lord!   Help me to see my beauty given to me by You!

Help me to see the talents, giftings, and unique abilities that You have provided me by Your Holy Spirit.  Remind me, Lord, in ways that only You can, that I am Your child and am incredibly special.  Thank You for Your invaluable Word, Your infinite grace, wisdom and strength!  Thank You for every good and perfect gift that comes from You.

Shine Your light of love on me, Lord, so much that it pours out and strengthens others.  Help me to remember that through the blood of Your Son Jesus, Satan has NO POWER OVER ME!   Praise You, Lord!  Let my life be Your glory!  In Your Son’s name.

Amen

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Esther – Chapter 3:6-7

September 17, 2013 by

Anger_Wk 3_Ellison

But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus—the people of Mordecai.  In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, the lot), before Haman to determine the day and the month, until it fell on the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.

Esther 3:6-7

I can imagine the scene, Haman and his men, sitting around with their planners open rolling dice to determine when they would carry out their plan to kill the Jews, lives on the line, their fate being sealed by such a simple method, such carelessness. Hamen wasn’t pleased with simply plotting against Mordecai, “but he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone”

 dis·dain

1. to look upon or treat with contempt; despise; scorn.

2.to think unworthy of notice, response, etc.; consider beneath oneself: todisdain replying to an insult.

3.a feeling of contempt for anything regarded as unworthy; haughty contempt; scorn

 Mordecai alone wasn’t worth his trouble, he was below Haman. “Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus”. All of them. That was quite a lot of people. There is a sentence in my study bible that caught my attention;  “a roll of the dice had no power to determine the destiny of God’s people”.

I can imagine the hatred that Haman had for the Jewish people, hatred so strong that he was compelled to try and kill the entire population, a people that had done nothing to him. A seed of hate was planted and that seed grew, it grew until he decided to act, I’m not sure if you have ever acted on a seed like this, but I have and I can tell you from experience that it doesn’t end well.

 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,

And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Proverbs 16:32

When I think of biblical times I think of a time where people had to defend themselves, men were expected to be physically strong whether they were tasked with farming or tasked with defending a city on battle. Women were expected to display a strength that allowed them to raise children, tend to her husband and run a home. Strength was a needed staple in life.

 Imagine now reading this verse, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty”. Slow to anger? But they cut me off. But they disrespected me. But they hurt me. “And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” But their words deserve a response. But I need to defend myself against their actions. But I need to prove that they can’t walk all over me. But. But. But.

But, we need to see where God sees true strength; it is not in the exertion of our power, the release of our anger. He is telling us that there is true strength in our self-control; there is true strength in patience and compassion, and grace.

Haman’s anger drove him to desire to kill; he allowed the anger, whatever the cause, to rule him. I’m not at all implying that we are going to copy his actions but, has your anger toward a person or a situation influenced what you said or did? We’re not rolling a set of dice to determine the outcome of a population group, but has it caused us to act carelessly? To hurt the heart or mind of another because we were acting on feelings.

Esther 6 and 7 are great examples of what not to do, what we shouldn’t allow to happen. This is an extreme example, but hatred and anger are extreme emotions.

 

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Anger and hatred are emotions to readily accepted in our world today. Lord give us the desire to not conform to this norm and to break the cycle of anger in our lives. Please replace these negative emotions with love and grace, with self-control and compassion. Soften our heart to those who may anger us, those who offend us, whether the offence is small or large. Let us be an example. Lord.

We each have a “Haman” in our lives, but we know that You are in control.  A roll of the dice does not determine our future, nor does it determine the future of those around us…You do. Thank You Lord for being the example of self-control.  Thank You for being the model of how we should live and love.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

 

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Esther – Chapter 2:7-11

September 10, 2013 by

HolySpirit_Ellison_Wk2

Esther 2:7-11

And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it. And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.

One of the characteristics about the story of Esther that will always stand out to me, and that makes this one of my favorite stories, is the amount of detail used to relay the message.  I love reading the words and seeing the story play out in my mind.  Here is this young girl who was orphaned at a young age, adopted by a family member, taken from her home to possibly become the wife of the king, and through all of this she was strong, faithful, and obedient.  I love reading and learning about the favor that was shown to her, and about how the hand of God was on her life.

Darlene talks about Esther being helped along the way, being taken care of.  Mordecai, Hegai,  and the seven maids that were given to assist her, were all placed in her life to help her along her journey.  She was never alone.  God was always there helping her—always sending someone into her life to offer her assistance.

That’s what the Holy Spirit does in our life; He is in place to remind us that we are never alone. He is our Comforter and He is our Guide.  I’m sure we can all say that we’ve felt like Esther at some time in our lives.  We have been faced with tasks and responsibilities that take us out of our element, out of our comfort zone; we may have felt alone, we may have not known what to do, what step to take next.  We could only operate on our faith.

But like Esther, we were given people to help us along the way.  People were strategically placed in our path to offer us aid.  Our Comforter and Guide is always there, reminding us that we are never alone. 

John 14:26 

But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name,  
he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance  
whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 16:13

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself;  but whatsoever he shall hear,  that shall he speak:  and he will shew you things to come.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You, Lord, for Your love.  Thank You for the guidance and comfort that is shown to us each day.  We go through our days facing various tasks and it is so easy to forget to realize that You are always there.  You send people to help us along the way.  Lord, I pray that we exhibit the strength, obedience, and faith that Esther had.  I pray that we recognize those who You place in our path to assist us, and that we fully embrace Your hand on our life.  Open our eyes and our hearts, Father, so that we can accomplish what You ask of us.  In Jesus’ name I pray.

Amen.

 


 

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Esther – Chapter 2:1-6

September 9, 2013 by

AmazingMercy_CHayden_Wk2

Mercy and Grace!  His indisputable, undeniable, unfathomable, irreplaceable, sovereign, humbling, unmerited, necessary, unmeasureable, never-ending, overwhelming, amazing mercy and grace!

In Chapter 2 of Esther, the Beauty of Courageous Submission, Mrs. Schacht helps us to understand the symbolism in comparing Vashti/Esther to the children of Israel/the Gentiles (you and me) who are saved by grace.

What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; just as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes to see not and ears to hear not, down to this very day.”  And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, and a stumbling block and a retribution to them.  Let their eyes be darkened to see not, and bend their backs forever.”  I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they?  May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be!
Verses 7-12

So incredible!  The Amplified Bible  translates verse 12: “Now if their stumbling (their lapse, their transgression) has so enriched the world [at large], and if [Israel’s] failure means such riches for the Gentiles, think what an enrichment and greater advantage will follow their full reinstatement!”  Such proof of God’s mercy and grace!

I would like to look further into Chapter 11 of the Book of Romans to see more of the mercy and grace of our God.

Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith.  Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.  Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.
For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy.  For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all.
Verses 20-22, 30-32

From the beginning, God’s heart has always been for His people, Israel.  We know from reading through the Old Testament of His covenant relationship with the Israelites accompanied by His patience and long-suffering.  But a time came when enough was enough!  The Israelites/Jews/Hebrews rejected His Son, the Redeemer.

In John 1:10 and 11, it says about Jesus that “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.  He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.”

There is a record of Jesus interacting with the Jews in John chapter 10 where they were seemingly taunting Him…at the end of this exchange, they picked up stones to stone Him—and not for the first time either!

The Jews then gathered around Him…saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”  Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me.  But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep” (verses 24-26).

And Jesus was not only rejected…they demanded His execution.  Remember the scene in the courtyard when Pilate was determining Jesus’ fate? link  The crowd called out to ‘Crucify him!’  Standing in the balance was the choice between Barrabas (an insurgent charged with robbery and murder) and Jesus—they chose to set Barrabas free.  And Jesus was taken to be crucified.

Of course we know that all of this was the plot of satan thinking that he could bring an end to God’s plan.  But the Jews were instrumental and played right into satan’s hand.

The Apostle Paul wrote quite a bit about the Israelites.

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.  For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.  Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.  Christ is the culmination of the Law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
Romans 10:1-4

Amazing mercy that God would choose to alter His original plan and bring us in along with His chosen ones!  Because, you see, He still desires for Israel to repent and make Jesus their Lord!  Listen to this expression of God’s love for those He selected to be His chosen ones:

  Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God
have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience,
so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too
may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you.
Romans 11:30 and 31

Perhaps we are tempted to wonder why Almighty God would choose to do this…why would He make a change to His plan?  But let’s not…instead may we be thankful for His plan.  May we humbly acknowledge and praise Him for how AWEsome He is!

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! 
How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!  
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. 
To Him be the glory forever.  Amen. 
Romans 11:33, 36

* * * * *

Almighty God, we humbly acknowledge Your sovereign wisdom, Your unsearchable judgments, Your unfathomable ways!  We stand in awe and gratitude of Your grace…Your mercy towards all mankind!  And we thank You for applying that mercy and grace to us—who were grafted in—by Your plan.  We love You, Father!

Amen!

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“Esther” Chapter 1:1-9

September 3, 2013 by

Great Things_Ellison_Ch1

 

Esther 1:1-9

Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)

 That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,

In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:

When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.

And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace;

Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.

And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.

And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure

Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.

The story of Esther is one of the shorter books in the Bible, but it is also one of the most beautiful. This book  has always touched my heart because of the details…the historical imagery that the words are able to paint in my mind.  In these first few verses we meet two people. Queen Vashti, (although briefly) and King Ahasuerus the ruler of Susa.  Now this gentleman knows how to throw a party. Not just a party but an after party also, both which lasted 187 days. The king was a powerful man who ruled over many people and places. There were a lot of people to impress at this party and he did what he needed to do to make that impression.

Look at these details:

“white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.

And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance.”

Can you imagine the sight of these gardens? Can you picture how beautiful they must have been? And it didn’t stop with the king and his people; it says that the Queen was feasting as well!  I can only imagine what that feast looked like; I would like to think equally as beautiful.

God always has a message to His story, often times more than one.   Darlene touched on a point that I had never thought of before.  How the story of the feast was a foreshadow to the feast with The King. Looking past the drunkenness and desire to impress others, we can have a peace that our King is going to care for us.

Revelation 19:7-10

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

I often like to look for the flaws in those who God has chosen to do His work. I need to be reminded that sometimes it takes a drunken king; sometimes it takes the niece of a lower palace employee to start something as beautiful as the story we are going to be reading over the next several weeks.  “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  We need to remember this about King Ahasuerus, and remember this about ourselves. Everyone can do great things for the kingdom of God.

Every story, every lesson, and every message has a beginning.  The story of Esther begins here, with a feast.

*****

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for using stories like this to teach us.  Thank You for reminding us that every story has a beginning and that it doesn’t take perfect people to help create those stories. Thank You for creating lessons within Your lessons. Lord, through this study, please open our hearts and minds; there is so much to learn from these women and from Your Word.  In Jesus’ Name.

Amen

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