Scripture
By Minister Charlene Brown
Scripture Lesson Text: Esther 4:6-5:2Related Scriptures: Esther 2:8-20, 3:1-4:5, 5:3-7:10, Proverbs 21:1
The book of Esther reveals God as a protector and deliverer of those who belong to Him. Esther was willing to be used by God and because of it God chose her to save His people. Esther 2:8-20 tells us how God caused Esther to find favor with Hegai, the king’s commander, which would set the stage for her to become the Queen. “Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance. Then seven choice maid servants were provided for her from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of women” (Esther 2:9).
In Esther 3:1-4:5, we see the conspiracy to destroy the Jews by a man named Haman. Haman required that all bow and pay homage to him, but Mordecai a relative to Esther refused to do so. He chose to honor God’s commandment against bowing in worship to anyone but God. We see in Esther 5:3-7:10, the second banquet has begun and Esther finally makes her request, to spare her life. Esther identifies Haman as the wicked adversary, and he is executed on the gallows that were meant for Mordecai.
Proverbs 21:1 reminds us that it is God who chooses whom He places in positions such as kings, queens and leaders. Whatever position or title that is required to serve His will, God will appoint the person of His choice to fill it. God often uses ordinary people like Esther, a willing servant with a obedient heart, to accomplish His will on earth. We also can be used by God as long as we maintain a willing and obedient heart. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.”
Synopsis
By Elder Janice Hall
Today’s lesson opens with the scene of Mordecai, clad with typical mourning clothes in the city square. Here enters Hatach, Esther’s attendant where Mordecai begins to report all of the details of Haman’s plot with a copy of the decree in hand. Haman had a deep hatred for the Jews and devised a plot to get rid of them with King Ahasuerus approval. We see at this point, Esther had kept her identity as a Jewish woman hidden as Mordecai had advised .
Mordecai challenged Esther to intercede on behalf of her people before the king. Esther explained she was only allowed to come to the king when he called. She could be executed if approaching the king without an invitation. When Esther learns how grave the situation is, she knows she must make a choice. Esther was determined to be obedient and was willing to risk her own life to save others.
Mordecai’s trust was in the faithfulness of God, as was the fate of God’s people. Mordecai’s suggestion makes Esther realize her position of privilege is also a position of responsibility. Esther requested the Jews in Shusan to support her with fasting and prayer. King Ahasuerus responds favorably and the Jewish people are saved. In a time of crisis and uncertainty, Esther found her inner strength and rose to the challenge.
Practical Application
By Sister Raufu Spagnoletta
Joseph was God's choice to save his family in the famine (Genesis 50:20) and in our lesson today Queen Esther is God's choice to save the Jews from annihilation (Esther 4:6-5:2). What does the LORD look at in His choice for kingdom assignment? According to 1 Samuel 16:7, "...the LORD looketh at the heart ." Is your heart pliable? Will you make the neccessary adjustments to conform to His revealed will? In the text, the Jews are under a death decree and Mordecai gives Esther a charge to go before the king and plead for their lives (vs. 8). Esther fears death if she enters the inner court without first being called by the king (vs. 11). Mordecai commands Esther not to keep silent because for this time and purpose she had been called, "...and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom, for such a time as this? “(vs. 14) In response, we see Esther move from fear (vs. 11), to faith (vs. 16), to courage. "...and if I perish, I perish." (vs.16) Who has God assigned to speak purpose into your life? Queen Esther gathers the Jews together in a three day fast to fortify her faith and shift their focus from death to life! On the third day, Queen Esther puts on her royal attire and stands in the inner court of the king's house. She obtains favor in his sight and
The king extends the golden scepter and she touches the top of it. Under Queen Esther's leadership the Jews experience God's providential care as He counteracts the death decree. Are you standing in the outer court when God is calling you into His inner court?
