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,
Proverbs 19:20
that you may become wise by the end of your life.
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?
Me From the Inside Out 