Tag: Esther

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Bowing Down

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based on the LGG Study, For Such A Time As This, w2d4

Read: Esther 3:1-4 and SOAP: Psalm 95:6

Come, let us bow down and worship.
Let us kneel before the Lord, our Creator.

Psalm 95:6

This first portion of this Psalm is a reminder of who God is and what He has done but also who we, as God’s people, are in connection to Him. It is equally a beautiful invitation to not only consider who He is but to respond to Him in worship. The psalmist calls the people of God not necessarily to a particular physical posture but foremost to a posture of the mind and heart. For surely if God’s people recall that He has protected and delivered them, if they remember His greatness – His superiority to all other gods, and the fact that the earth and the seas are His – surely then – they will be moved to worship Him with every part of their being.

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord.
Let us shout out praises to our Protector who delivers us.
2 Let us enter his presence with thanksgiving.
Let us shout out to him in celebration.
3 For the Lord is a great God,
a great king who is superior to all gods.
4 The depths of the earth are in his hand,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it.
His hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down and worship.
Let us kneel before the Lord, our Creator.
7 For he is our God;
we are the people of his pasture,
the sheep he owns.
Today, if only you would obey him.

Psalm 95:1-7a

In today’s journey through Esther, we find Mordecai still among the servants in the king’s gates. This position has proven helpful thus far, but now he finds himself in a place where he is called to bow down and pay homage (a show of great respect and honor) to Haman, the king’s highest official. I am always delighted to read that Mordecai not only refused to bow or pay homage, but he also let it be known to the other servants of the king that he was a Jew, which was the reason he would not bow. While his revelation of his lineage stood in contrast to his instructions that Esther stay silent about hers, there was a time and purpose for both, which, as we will see in the story, God uses and honors both.

Friends, living in the twenty-first century, we may not find ourselves sitting in a king’s gates or living with rulers who make us bow down to them or “pay homage.” However, I think we would be careless to miss the things and/or people who, in many ways, whether by coercion or following the cultural norms we do often “bow down to” or give more homage to than we do our God. Like Mordecai, as children of the one true living God, we are neither to worship nor bow down to any other (man or god). In light of the warning/reminder found in Psalm 95:7b-11, may we be careful and faithful to “bow down” (whether physically or in our attitude) and worship only before the Lord, our Creator. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep He owns. Today, let us commit to living obediently with hearts and attitudes of honor and worship before Him.

Prayer

Father, there is no one like You, no other god, and no other man who compares to You. You are the true and living God who has loved us with an unfathomable love. You have lavished that love on us. We were prisoners on death row, and You offered us freedom through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. You have washed us white as snow and filled us with Your Spirit, empowering us to live and love like Jesus and to know You as a child knows his/her father. I am mesmerized by You and truly stand with hands raised and head bowed in awe of You. – Thank You for the example of Mordecai and for the reminder to bend our knees to no one and nothing else besides You. In the name of Jesus – for Your eternal glory, Amen!

You are Lord of creation
And Lord of my life
Lord of the land and the sea
You were Lord of the heavens
Before there was time
Lord of all lords You will be
… We bow down
And we worship You Lord
We bow down
And we worship You Lord
We bow down
And we worship You Lord
Lord of all Lords You will be

We Bow Down
The More We Know

Commentary on Psalm 95:6

The second portion of Psalm 95:6 is in part an invitation to remember what happens when we turn away from God; yet it is also a warning of sorts. The people had seen what God could do and would do on their behalf, and yet they challenged His authority and tried His patience with their disobedience and refusal to return to Him. They chose other gods and the ways of the people around them, and roused God’s anger against them. May we remember this warning from the Psalmist: not to be stubborn but obedient. May we not challenge His authority and try His patience, but remember the work of His hands and heart for His people. May we not disgust Him as that generation did, but instead bring Him honor by obeying His commands. Let us be careful not to rouse His anger but faithfully press on to the high calling and one day dwell with Him forever.

Today, if only you would obey him.
8 He says, “Do not be stubborn like they were at Meribah,
like they were that day at Massah in the wilderness,
9 where your ancestors challenged my authority,
and tried my patience, even though they had seen my work.
10 For forty years I was continually disgusted with that generation,
and I said, ‘These people desire to go astray;
they do not obey my commands.’
11 So I made a vow in my anger,
‘They will never enter into the resting place I had set aside for them.’”

Psalm 95:7b-11

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Esther’s Willing Heart

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Based on For Such A Time As This, A Love God Greatly Study – w2d3

Read: Esther 2:19-23 and SOAP: Proverbs 19:20

Listen to advice and receive discipline,
that you may become wise by the end of your life.

Proverbs 19:20

When we read today’s passage from Esther, we may be tempted to think that a lot of what happens is by coincidence. However, while we may not read God’s name on the page, rest assured, none of what we read happens by coincidence or accident. Everything, from the timing of the exile to Mordecai raising Esther, to Esther learning to listen to and follow his advice, to Esther becoming queen, and the fact that Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate, where he learned of the assassination plot, happened with a purpose. Look at the list – marvel and count the ways that God worked to accomplish His purpose. Some reveal how God’s hand has already moved, while the full picture of others will be seen later in the story.

  • Esther and Mordecai had been taken into exile.
  • Esther had been orphaned and raised by Mordecai, her relative.
  • Mordecai had instructed Esther not to divulge her lineage, and she willingly obeyed.
  • Esther, a young Jewish woman, was now queen of Persia.
  • Mordecai could check on Esther daily.
  • Mordecai was sitting in the king’s court and overheard an assassination plot against the king.
  • Mordecai was able to tell Esther, and she was willing and able to tell the king.
  • When Esther told the king, she used Mordecai’s name.
  • The king’s life was spared, and he not only hanged the conspirators, but he also had everything recorded.

Just as none of these events happened by accident, our lives will not reflect Christ to those around us by accident or happenstance. As today’s journal entry points out, if we desire to run the race well, we must be purposeful in seeking out godly wisdom and walking close to God, so that when we finish the race, we will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

As for the SOAP passage from Proverbs 19:20, today’s journal entry points out that “it is a reminder that true wisdom often comes through listening to advice and accepting instruction. This can be challenging, especially when we think we’ve already figured things out. But a heart that’s willing to learn is a heart that grows. Like Esther, who listened to Mordecai’s counsel, we, too, are called to seek guidance from wise, godly people who can help us navigate life’s decisions.”

Excerpt from For Such A Time As This, p75
Prayer

Father, Your sovereignty inspires me and never ceases to amaze me. Thank You for the blessing of Your acts seen on the pages of Your Word, even where Your name does not appear. Thank you for the courage and the boldness of Mordecai and Esther, and for the teaching of this Proverb to seek and listen to Godly counsel so that we may become wise by the end of our lives. Help us to seek Your counsel above all others, but to heed the words of wisdom from those godly saints You have placed in our lives. I am also reminded by today’s events in the king’s gates that often You allow us to hear things so that we might be a help to others – make me a better listener, Father, not so distracted by self and the world, so that I might be a faithful servant in Your hands. – In the sweet and powerful name of Jesus – amen!

Note: Remember, the goal I mentioned earlier in our journey is to listen and watch for God. For while we do not see/read His name on the pages of the book of Esther, God was working all things together for the good of His people. Keep your eyes open and jot down glimpses you catch of Him throughout the journey. Training ourselves to do this can make such a difference in our own lives when we are struggling to see or sense His presence. – How have you seen Him working in your life? Do you see Him today?

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Victory Belongs to Our God

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Based on the study, For Such A Time As This, by Love God Greatly

Read: Esther 2:12-18 and SOAP verse 17/w2d2

 And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she met with his loving approval more than all the other young women. So he placed the royal high turban on her head and appointed her queen in place of Vashti.

Esther 2:17

“And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she met with his loving approval more than all the other young women.” Regardless of how often I have read this story, this line gets me every time. I think it’s because, for me, seeing God work behind the scenes is the real beauty of Esther’s story. As I read it today, I could not help but think of David and Goliath. Weird, right? Yet somehow, the odds that a young shepherd boy and his sling would take down the mighty giant with one stone seem very comparable to a Jewish girl named Esther, being chosen as one of “many attractive young women,” paraded before the king, and being chosen queen of Persia. There was something different about Esther that stood out, something that caused her to not only find favor in the king’s eyes but to be loved more than any of the other women. I believe that, as surely as God was with David, providing all that he needed to defeat the Giant, He was also with Esther, giving her all that she needed to capture the king’s heart.

Seeing God work behind the scenes is the real beauty of Esther’s story.

Friends, in the daily battles to slay the giants and come out on top of the demands of the day-to-day to-do list and challenges life throws at us, may we find God at work within us. May we trust Him to give us victory even when the way seems or looks impossible. May we remember that the battle, whatever it is, belongs to the Lord our God. May we never doubt that nothing, absolutely nothing, is impossible with God!

From Such A Time As This, journal entry p71

Prayer

Father God, I am so grateful for all the ways I have seen You work in my life. I look back to my childhood and I see Your hand, through my teen years, my married years, childbirth, hardships, joys, and sorrows. Even in the days that I ignored You or fled from You – I look back and see how in love You pursued me. As a child, when I was hit by the car – you spared me. When I had the tubal pregnancy – it was You who brought me through the emergency surgery. When I struggled with overwhelming anxiety – You came to my rescue and delivered me from captivity to fear. Father the list is endless and each memory strengthens me for the battles of today – for I look on them with confidence that You my God are with me – You have gone before me and come behind me and have filled me a hope that pierces through the darkness and guards me from the pits that seek to engulf. Your purposes are trustworthy and and good. Blessed be Your holy name, O Lord God Almighty! The battles and the victories belong to You! – Amen and amen!

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Way to True Joy

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Based on the study, For Such A Time As This, by Love God Greatly,w2d1

Read: Esther 2:5-11 and SOAP: Psalm 112:1

How blessed is the one who obeys (fears) the Lord,
who takes great delight in keeping his commands.

Psalm 112:1

Have you ever found yourself chasing after the things of the world, believing or even hoping they would bring the happiness/contentment you were looking for? Let me clarify—I’m not necessarily referring to the ‘bad’ things of the world, though that would be a valid question as well. However, let’s just assess the ‘good’ things we might chase after, like family, friends, a dream-sized body, dream jobs, dream homes, even dream churches, or how about the dream ‘happiness’ that everyone else seems to have. I’ll be the first to say that I have, and I’m guessing the largest percentage of those reading this would answer yes.

Being the first to say yes to the question, I certainly haven’t asked it to cast guilt or shame, but rather to offer encouragement to stop and reflect on today’s verse from Psalm 112:1. How blessed is the one who obeys (fears) the Lord, who takes great delight in keeping his commands. This is one of the many verses throughout the Bible that point us to the only true and lasting source of a blessed (contented, happy, joy-filled…) life. Speaking from experience, there is nothing more frustrating and often heartbreaking than chasing after something or someone that we believe will fulfill our joy/happiness, only to find disappointment as the happiness soon disappears or leaves us wanting more. “The truth is, we can never fill the deepest desires of our hearts with the things of this world. Yet, there is a different kind of joy, a lasting joy, that can only be found in the fear of the Lord and delighting in His ways.” As believers, we must realize this truth, teach it well to our children or others around us, and make the necessary changes in our hearts, minds, and lifestyles.

The truth is, we can never fill the deepest desires of our hearts with the things of this world. Yet, there is a different kind of joy, a lasting joy, that can only be found in the fear of the Lord and delighting in His ways.

For Such A Time As This, p67

Because it is vitally important to grasp this truth and let it take root within us, I am sharing portions of today’s journal entry with the hope that you will understand what it is to “fear the Lord,” and the importance of delighting in His commands/ways. When this becomes our lifestyle, happiness may still seem elusive, but we will most assuredly know the blessings and joy of the Lord.

“Psalm 112:1 gives us a beautiful reminder of where true joy and blessing are found – in fearing the Lord and delighting in His ways. To ‘fear’ the Lord means to stand in awe of His greatness and to live with a deep reverence for who He is. When we hold God in His proper place of honor, everything changes. Our hearts begin to delight in His Word. The emptiness of our hearts goes away as He fills that void, and we find the lasting joy we’ve been searching for. This fear of the Lord is not a fear of punishment but a life-changing reverence that brings us closer to Him.”

For Such A Time As This, p67

Friends, like Esther and Mordecai, we are people living in a foreign land. It is a land full of uncertainties, temptations, and demands, and we are warned that though we live in the world, we must not copy the behavior and customs of the world. Instead, as our journey through Esther will reveal about her, we must choose — “to walk in obedience to God and His calling on our lives. “She found her strength and purpose in seeking and honoring Him, and God’s protection followed. In the same way, when we live in awe of God, trusting Him in every situation, we will experience the kind of joy that isn’t dependent on our circumstances.”

True happiness isn’t about what we have or where we are; it’s about who we know — God Himself. When we turn to Him and seek His ways, He fills our lives with a joy that can’t be shaken.

For Such A Time As This, p67
Prayer

Father, while Your name is not on the pages of Esther’s story, Your presence is clearly seen. I see Your protection and Your provision in Esther finding favor with Hegai and being placed in the best quarters and in a place where Mordecai could daily see how she was doing. I see Your wisdom and sovereignty through Mordecai’s instructions that Esther not divulge that she was a Jew. Father, in a world and time when we sometimes can’t see You in our struggles, this passage brings hope and encouragement. It brings instruction and admonishment to live as people who fear/obey You and take delight in keeping Your commands. Help us to remember that happiness isn’t about what we have or where we are, but about knowing You. Let us keep our eyes on You and faithfully follow Your ways – that we might know the blessings of Your joy and peace and not be shaken. – In the name of Jesus – Amen.

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Wisdom

How We Live …

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Read: Esther 2:1-4 and SOAP: Ephesians 5:15

Therefore, consider carefully how you live – not as unwise but as wise – Ephesians 5:15

Read: Esther 2:1-4 and SOAP: Ephesians 5:15

“For Such A Time As This,” as we will see throughout our journey, applies to Esther in her day and—as we have seen this week—we can learn much from the truths that surround her story. Of course, not in the sense that we live in palaces filled with riches to display or have week-long ‘banquets’ celebrating our wealth and power—but surely we live in a world filled with distractions of other varieties, wrong responses, demanding our own way, and the temptation to follow the world’s ways rather than God’s. Which is why today’s SOAP passage points us to the words of Paul in Ephesians 5:15.

We must carefully consider how we live. Specifically, we are to live as wise and not unwise. This lesson is important and one that will play out throughout the rest of our journey. The question is, how do we do live as wise and not unwise? Today’s journal entry1 has a wonderful answer … May we take it to heart and daily seek God’s help to walk wisely in such a time as this.

  1. LGG Journal, For Such A ime As This, p57 ↩︎
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Love & Respect

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based on the LGG Study: For Such A Time As This, w1d4

Read: Esther 1:19-22 and SOAP: Ephesians 5:33

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Ephesians 5:33

As we saw yesterday, the king’s counsel was not from “godly” men. Yet, when we observe the story of Esther carefully, we will see that God was working behind the scenes, setting the stage for Esther, a Jew, to become queen to the King of Persia.

Today’s study of Esther focuses on verses nineteen through twenty-two, which detail the advice given to the King by his counselors. Counsel that basically banished Queen Vashti and allowed for the King to choose a new queen. However, the passage also emphasizes the importance of making this known throughout the kingdom so that all the women will give honor to their husbands. Friends, whether we are married or unmarried, we must remember that  “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

I realize that if we are not married, we may want to say Ephesians 5:33 doesn’t speak to us. However, as that thought came to my own mind, I was reminded that it is the call of God on every believer to love and respect Him (Deut 6:5; Mark 12:29-30). Likewise, regardless of our marital status, Jesus made it clear that we are to love others as He has loved us, (John 13:34); There is no qualifying statement indicating that we only have to do this “If he respects us;” nor do I find a qualifier for the words of Christ – commanding that we love just as He has loved us. Yet, I did find it good and helpful to read these words from today’s journal posting. I pray they are a blessing to you as well.

Marriage is a beautiful reflection of God’s love when both husband and wife seek to honor Him. In Ephesians 5:33, we’re reminded of the delicate balance in marriage. A husband is called to love his wife as Christ loves the church, and a wife is called to respect her husband. Both love and respect are essential for a thriving marriage. Just as a wife longs to feel loved, a husband desires to feel valued and respected.

But what happens when this balance is broken? In the story of King Ahasuerus and Queen Vashti, we see the consequences of love and respect missing from their relationship. The king’s request put Queen Vashti in a difficult position, asking her to do something she wasn’t comfortable with. Instead of protecting her, he unlovingly placed her in a situation that ultimately cost her the crown. This is not the way God intended marriage to be.

For those of us who are married, respecting our husbands is one way we show them love and appreciation. It’s how they feel cherished for the ways they lead and serve our families. But above all, we must first respect and honor God with our actions. When we choose to obey God, even when it’s hard, we trust that He sees us and will care for us, no matter the outcome.

Sweet sister, if you find yourself in a situation where standing up for what is right could come at a cost, be encouraged. God sees your heart, and He will always honor your obedience to Him.”

For Such A Time As This/journal p53
Prayer

Father, I pray for courage for every woman who belongs to you to courageously stand for what is right. For those who are married, help them, even when it is difficult, to honor You in their marriage by showing love and respect to their husbands. Whether we are married or unmarried, Father, help us honor You in all areas of our lives, trusting You to protect us and provide for every situation. Yes and Amen in Jesus’ name!

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study

Distractions and Pride

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based on the study, For Such A Time As This, by Love God Greatly: w1d2
Scripture Road Map: Read: Esther 1:9-12 and SOAP: Proverbs 12:16

A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

Prov 12:16

Perhaps because I have heard and seen firsthand how alcohol can alter or even obliterate one’s thoughts and decisions, as I read today’s portion of Esther, it was easy to jump to the conclusion that the king’s request and subsequent reactions were due to the effects of the wine. However, I was quickly reminded of how easy it is for any of us to let the distractions of this world alter our thoughts and choices. This reminder made me think of some words from the Apostle Peter, who warned his readers to be sober-minded (self-controlled) and alert. He told them, “Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”1 Life is full of distractions … our jobs, our health, our families, schedules, tiredness, and emotions; there are also our needs and wants, finances, and obligations. Add to this list gadgets like phones that we carry and often scroll endlessly and mindlessly through, and it’s safe to say we are easy prey. These distractions often leave us vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes. While wine may have played a part in the king’s reaction, clearly, delight and pride in his possessions seemed to play a great part in the week-long celebration.

Prudent is an adjective that means to act with or show care and thought for the future.

Definitions from Oxford Languages2

Today’s journey picks up where we left off – with the added knowledge that Queen Vashti was also hosting her own banquet for the women in the palace of the King. We find the King still entertaining and celebrating with his guests, and Scripture says, “feeling the effects of the wine.” Whether this was the cause of the events that transpired from that point or whether it was simply the nature of the King, his decisions and actions were certainly not those of a wise and prudent king. Instead, he acted rashly, as one showing no care or thought for the future. Being caught up in his celebrations and wanting to show off his beautiful queen was likely not uncommon for the day. However, the unexpected refusal of the queen would have humiliated the King and wounded his pride, which is obvious in what followed. Though, before we get too judgmental of the King, consider these words from today’s LGG Journal entry:

“I read this and sit here judging King Ahasuerus, yet how many times have I been there, too? I request my children to do something, but they defiantly refuse while out in public. A friend I’ve known for years suddenly doesn’t seem to value our friendship and make time for me. Or when I’m in a rush to get to an appointment and a distracted driver cuts me off as they enter my lane. In all these situations, my heart begins to race, and I’m tempted to get angry and lash out. And in those moments, I realize I’m not as different from King Ahasuerus as I’d like to think.”3

I don’t know about you, but I can definitely relate to the above scenarios, which makes the journal’s closing comments on the Proverbs portion of today’s journey not only helpful but also encouraging. Take a moment to soak it in, and let’s make it a truth we live out.

“In Proverbs 12:16, we read that a prudent person ignores the insult. Wait, what? God wants me to overlook insults instead of fighting back? Webster’s dictionary says that “Prudent” means to act or show care and thought for the future. Instead of immediately responding to a negative situation and acting like a fool. God wants me to pause and think about the future, contemplate the situation, and, if possible, ignore the offense. When we contemplate the future, it gives us time to calm down and better evaluate the situation. And when possible, ignore the insult.”4

A Prayer of Response

Father, help us be women who are wise and not fools who are easily angered when we are offended or upset. Help us to consider the future and the impact our reactions can have on it and those around us. Strengthen us to stay alert and to represent you well – In the name of Jesus – Amen!

The More We Know

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

You Made Me Bold

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w2d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Esther 4; and SOAP: Psalm 138:3

When I cried out for help, you answered me.
You made me bold and energized me.

Psalm 138:3 NLT

Who doesn’t love the story of Esther?1 A Jewish maiden who became queen of Persia and rescued her people from a murderous plot to annihilate them. If you read chapter four or know the story, you understand that the rescue almost didn’t happen. Whether it was respect for the law, which required an invitation from the king to enter the inner courts, or whether it was out of fear of the outcome – which was death, Esther’s first response to Mordecai’s message to appeal to the king for her people was a hard pass.

However, when Mordecai confronted Esther with a message of truth, “Don’t imagine that because you are part of the king’s household you will be the one Jew who will escape. If you keep quiet at this time, liberation and protection for the Jews will appear from another source, while you and your father’s household perish. It may very well be that you have achieved royal status for such a time as this!” – Esther 4:13-14 – Esther understood, and she surrendered to the truth of who she was as a Jewish maiden who had been chosen queen. She proceeded with wisdom, inciting fasting2 from her people and even her female attendants – with the hope that God might use her to save her people from annihilation.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Esther had to be reminded that she was more than a queen; she was also a Jew. We, too, must remember who we are in Christ. Regardless of our place in this world, we must not forget that we are in a relationship with a wonderful and loving God who has invited us to call out to Him – to cast our cares and anxieties on Him because He cares for us and has promised that He will answer. We must courageously surrender to Him regardless of the outcome and trust that He will give us the boldness and strength we need to act on our commitment.

Afterward I will go to the king, even though it violates the law. If I perish, I perish.”

Esther 4:16b NET
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, standing for You when we know it may subject us to danger or ridicule isn’t always easy. Like Esther, our first response may be a hard pass; please help us surround ourselves with those who will speak the truth. Help us be so immersed in Your Word that we know the truth and surrender to it with the boldness of Esther.

THE MORE WE KNOW

1 Who was Esther in the Bible?

2 “-the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God.” – read the rest 

Be sure and visit LoveGodGreatly.com for more insight from today’s blog

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Reflections of Week 4, Beautifully Surrendered

Beautifully Surrendered, God’s Heart for His Daughters is a Love God Greatly Study

The women we’ve studied this week revealed stories and lives of surrender in the face of many different situations. Mary, a virgin, surrendered to the unexpected and unbelievable news that she was pregnant. Abigail and Esther both faced incredible danger and possible death and yet with eyes on God they showed us both courage and humility in the way they responded to their specific challenges. While Moses’ mother and the poor widow shared vastly different stories they both revealed not only courage but great faith in God and selfless love. There is much that can be learned from these beautiful stories. They are worthy of reading to ourselves, our children, or our grandchildren many times throughout the year. Lest we forget how God works miracles and blesses those who, by faith, follow Him even though it may mean danger or sacrificing their desires for His.

Trusting God isn’t always easy. He allows things in and around us that don’t make sense and that often cause us to wonder where He is. However, as we see through each of these women and those we have studied before them – He is faithful, loving, protective, kind, compassionate, understanding, and purposeful in His care for us.

Consider these stories and their truths often so that you do not grow weary and lose heart. Fix your eyes on Him and not the circumstances of Your life and surrender, even as Christ did in the garden, saying, “Not my will but yours be done”, or as Mary said to Gabriel, “Yes, I am a servant of the Lord. Let this happen to me according to your word”.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own understanding;

6 think about Him in all your ways,

and He will guide you on the right paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 HCSB

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 

Romans 8:28 NLT

If you missed any of this week’s devotions from me you’ll find them at this link

If you missed any of the Love God Greatly Blogs for week 4 you’ll find them at these links:

https://lovegodgreatly.com/fully-surrendered/

https://lovegodgreatly.com/faith-in-the-face-of-death/

https://lovegodgreatly.com/giving-our-all/

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Esther: Faith in the Face of Death

Day 3, Week 4 of Beautifully Surrendered, a Love God Greatly Bible Study

Today’s Reading: Esther 4 (SOAP/Focus: verse 16)

“Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.”

Esther 4:16 NLT
Observations:
Esther’s Background

To quote the commentary on Esther from Gotquestions.org, “Esther is the Jewish maiden who became queen of Persia and rescued her people from a murderous plot to annihilate them.” Esther’s full story, filled with drama, intrigue, and more, is found in the Book of Esther. It is a story worth reading at least once a year, as a reminder of God’s mercy and grace to His people and how He positions and uses the least expected people in the unfolding of His plan. If you aren’t familiar with Esther’s story, or if it’s been a while since you’ve read it, I suggest reading at least the first three chapters prior to chapter 4 so that you can fully appreciate and learn from Esther’s faith and surrender in today’s lesson.

Esther’s family was from the Tribe of Benjamin, one of the 12 sons of Jacob. According to verse six of Esther, chapter 2  her family had been among those who had been exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar.  It’s in that same chapter that we read, “When her father and mother died, Mordecai {Esther’s older cousin] adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter.”

Following a somewhat scandalous event at the palace the King gave the order that the current Queen, Vashti, be forever banished from the presence of King Xerxes, and that the king should choose another queen more worthy than she.

As a result of the King’s decree, Esther (who is described in chapter 2 as both beautiful and lovely), along with many other young women, was brought to the king’s harem at the fortress of Susa and placed in Hegai’s care. Verse 9 of chapter 2 says that Hegai, [the king’s eunuch in charge of the harem], was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her and provided her with beauty treatments. He also assigned her seven maids specially chosen from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem.

Important to note is that no one in the palace knew about Esther’s nationality and family background because Mordecai had directed her not to tell anyone.  While some may question Mordecai’s instructions, it is easy to see how God used Esther’s silence about the matter.

Today’s Story

While no one in the palace knew Esther’s true identity, she knew and outside the place walls Mordecai knew and thus our story today. God used them both as examples of faith and heroes of His people.

Mordecai, heartbroken and distraught over the pending destruction of the Jews. I’m telling you – you have to read the story to know how Mordecai even knew what was happening. But, what we see here is that he did know and he makes it known to Esther, and instructs her not just to help – but to do so at the risk of her own life. She resists at first, making Mordecai aware that on penalty of death she could not go uninvited into the presence of the King. Mordecai responds with perhaps one of my favorite passage in the book of Esther:

Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. 14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” 15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.”

Esther 4:13-16

Mordecai didn’t walk away throwing up his hands – with an ‘I’ve done everything I can do’ attitude; nor did he say he understood Esther’s concern, instead he painted the whole picture for Esther, which, by Esther’s responses, was exactly what she needed to hear. She surrendered to the instructions with one condition or stipulation that she would first fast, in this case, according to gotquestions.org commentary, the fast would be associated with seeking God in conjunction with passionate prayer1. She also charged Mordecai and the rest of the Jews to join her in the fast for three nights and days. “Afterward”, she said, “I will go to the king, even though it violates the law.” Surely this is a picture of being beautifully surrendered.

1https://www.gotquestions.org/types-of-fasting.html

How Then Should We Live?

Esther was living outside of her element. She was taken away from her people to a palace, put on display for the King, given a regimen and diet that were not customary for her. We may think – wow! if only someone would pick me up and place me in a palace, give me maids, and spa treatments – what’s not to love about that- right? Well, obviously whether she was enjoying it or not isn’t the question – perhaps she was – there’s certainly nothing wrong with enjoying where God has placed us. However, we must not lose focus of who we are and what we are meant for. In the middle of it all she was reminded by Mordecai of who and whose she was, where she came from, and made to see or at least consider that perhaps her royal status was meant for more than her enjoyment … perhaps it was meant for the salvation of her people. Which is exactly what we know from Scripture – this side of the story.

Mordecai’s faith was evident in that he knew that should Esther pass up the opportunity to speak for her people, God would send freedom and protection for the Jews by some other means. Esther’s faith was evident in not only being willing to “face death” should that be the case but also in putting God first through fasting and prayer and engaging her people to do the same, undoubtedly meaning for all of them to use the time calling out to Him on her behalf.

We would be wise, like Mordecai, to be one who encourages others with the truth rather than encourage or uphold their fears. We would be wise, if like Esther, we pray for and strive for such mindsets of faith that lead us to surrender.

It may very well be that you have achieved royal status for such a time as this!

Esther 4:14b NET
Prayer Response:

Father, how beautiful and challenging is the story of Esther. Beautiful in the fact that regardless of who we are or where we are You can pick us up and place us where You want us to be, so that we are positioned for Your work. The story is equally daunting though, knowing that where you place us may come with greater responsibility than we could have ever imagined or wanted. Help us live as Esther did, turning to You in our fears and willing to surrender – even in the face of death. Help us to stay focused like Mordecai did – keeping You always as our perspective and willing to encourage others with the truth – for Your glory and the salvation of Your people.

Your Turn:

What’s your take away from Esther’s story?

Reflection Questions:

Esther was faced with a hard decision, risk her life or the lives of her people.

  • How do her actions in Esther 4 reveal her strength?
  • What can you learn from her example?
Want More Insight?

Read today’s Love God Greatly Blog Post