Esther: A Testament to God's Protective Power

 

Summary

In the exploration of the character of God through the lens of biblical narratives, the story of Esther provides a profound understanding of God as a protector. The narrative of Esther unfolds during a period when the people of Israel were in exile, living under the rule of King Xerxes. The tale begins with the king seeking a new queen after his previous queen defies him. Esther, a Jewish girl, finds favor with the king and becomes the queen of a foreign land, a position that places her in a pivotal role for her people.

Esther's story reaches a critical juncture when a royal advisor, Haman, convinces the king to issue a decree that would lead to the annihilation of the Jewish people. Faced with the potential extermination of her people, Esther is compelled to act, despite the personal risk it entails. Approaching the king without an invitation could result in her death, but Esther's courage and faith in God's protection lead her to intervene.

Esther's actions demonstrate the importance of recognizing God's will and protection in one's life. Her willingness to risk her life for the deliverance of her people highlights the belief that when individuals align themselves with God's will, they not only place themselves under divine protection but also become instruments through which others may experience freedom and protection.

The narrative emphasizes the need for individuals to trust in God's protection, to seek refuge in God rather than worldly solutions, and to understand that God's protection is constant and unwavering. It is a reminder that God's plan for deliverance is already in place, and it is up to individuals to courageously step into that plan.

The story of Esther also serves as a call to action, urging individuals to take courageous steps in alignment with God's plan. It is not by accident that Esther found herself in a position to save her people; it was part of a divine arrangement. This understanding extends to the belief that God is aware of the needs for deliverance even before individuals are, and that sometimes, reaching a low point can be a necessary step toward seeking and recognizing God's protection and salvation.

The narrative further encourages the support of a faith community in navigating life's challenges. It underscores the importance of seeking guidance and advice from fellow believers who can offer a godly perspective and share testimonies of God's protection in their own lives. This communal aspect of faith is seen as essential for staying on the path of God's protection.

In summary, the story of Esther is a powerful testament to God's role as a protector. It illustrates that through faith, courage, and action, individuals can experience God's protection and become conduits for the protection and deliverance of others. It is a narrative that calls for trust in God's plan, the courage to act within that plan, and the value of a supportive faith community.

Key Takeaways:

- The story of Esther exemplifies the concept that God's protection is not only personal but also extends to others when one acts within God's will. Esther's bravery in risking her life for her people demonstrates that through faith and action, individuals can become vessels for the deliverance and protection of others. [01:02:53]

- Trusting in God's protection requires a conscious decision to seek refuge in God and not in the temporary solutions the world offers. This trust is based on the understanding that God's protection is steadfast and that individuals must actively choose to walk under it. [01:05:02]

- Recognizing that God is the architect of deliverance is crucial in times of trouble. Believers are encouraged to step back and see that God has already prepared a way out, a plan for deliverance that is waiting to be embraced. [01:00:44]

- Courageous action is often necessary to fulfill God's plan. Just as Esther had to make the difficult decision to approach the king, believers today are called to take bold steps of faith, trusting that God has already laid out the path for them. [01:07:53]

- The importance of community and seeking godly counsel is highlighted in the narrative. Believers are reminded that they do not have to face life's challenges alone but can draw strength and guidance from the body of Christ. [47:49]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Story of Esther and God's Protection

#### Bible Reading
1. Esther 4:12-17 - "When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: 'Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?' Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 'Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.' So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions."

2. Matthew 10:29-31 - "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

3. Ephesians 6:10-11 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the decree that Haman convinced King Xerxes to issue, and how did it affect the Jewish people? [30:39]
2. What risks did Esther face by approaching the king without an invitation? [33:03]
3. How did Esther prepare herself and her community before taking action? [31:24]
4. What does Matthew 10:29-31 say about God's care for His creation, and how does this relate to the theme of protection in Esther's story?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Esther was willing to risk her life for her people? What does this say about her faith and courage? [33:50]
2. How does the story of Esther illustrate the concept of God's protection being constant and unwavering? [01:04:41]
3. In what ways does the narrative of Esther emphasize the importance of community and seeking godly counsel? [47:08]
4. How does Ephesians 6:10-11 relate to the actions Esther took in her story? What does it mean to "put on the full armor of God"?

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision that required courage and faith. How did you see God's protection in that situation? [33:50]
2. Esther sought the support of her community through fasting and prayer. How can you involve your faith community when facing a challenging situation? [31:24]
3. Trusting in God's protection requires a conscious decision to seek refuge in Him. What are some practical steps you can take to trust in God's protection more fully in your daily life? [01:05:00]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of seeking godly advice rather than worldly advice. Can you identify a situation where you need to seek godly counsel? How will you go about doing that? [47:08]
5. Esther's story is a call to courageous action. What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a bold step of faith? How can you prepare for this step? [01:06:46]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of recognizing God's plan for deliverance. How can you remind yourself of God's deliverance in times of trouble? [01:00:37]
7. Think of someone in your life who might be in need of God's protection and deliverance. How can you be an instrument of God's protection for them, similar to how Esther was for her people? [01:02:39]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Protection Through Faithful Action
Esther's bravery in risking her life for her people exemplifies the profound truth that divine protection accompanies faithful action. When one steps out in faith, aligning with God's will, they become a vessel through which God can work to deliver and protect not just themselves but others as well. This divine protection is not a passive state but an active engagement with God's plan. [01:02:53]

Psalm 91:14-15 - "Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him."
Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you need to take a step of faith, trusting in God's protection as you do so?

Day 2: Steadfast Trust in Divine Refuge
Choosing to trust in God's protection requires a deliberate turning away from the temporary fixes the world offers and seeking refuge in the steadfastness of God's care. This trust is not naive; it is rooted in the understanding that God's protection is unwavering and that one must consciously choose to walk under it. [01:05:02]

Psalm 62:7-8 - "My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."
Reflection: What worldly solutions have you been tempted to rely on, and how can you shift your trust to God's protection instead?

Day 3: Embracing God's Plan for Deliverance
Recognizing that God is the architect of deliverance is crucial, especially in times of distress. Believers are encouraged to understand that God has already prepared a way out, a plan for deliverance that is waiting to be embraced. This recognition allows individuals to step into the role God has designed for them in the unfolding of His deliverance. [01:00:44]

Isaiah 43:19 - "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
Reflection: Reflect on a time of trouble in your life. How can you look for the new thing God is doing or the way He is making for your deliverance?

Day 4: Bold Steps of Faith Within God's Plan
Courageous action is often a necessary component of fulfilling God's plan. Like Esther, who approached the king at great personal risk, believers today are called to take bold steps of faith, trusting that God has already laid out the path for them. This requires courage to act even when the outcome is uncertain. [01:07:53]

Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What is one bold step of faith you feel called to take, and how can you muster the courage to take it?

Day 5: Strength and Guidance in Community
The narrative of Esther underscores the importance of community and seeking godly counsel. Believers are reminded that they do not have to face life's challenges alone but can draw strength and guidance from the body of Christ. This communal aspect of faith is essential for staying on the path of God's protection. [47:49]

Proverbs 11:14 - "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers."
Reflection: Who in your faith community can you reach out to for guidance, and how can you support others in their walk with God?

Quotes

1) "You want God as your protector, then you got to follow God's path because he's going to protect you on that path. When you step off the path, problems happen." [47:14] (Download)

2) "Other believers are here because they probably went through that already. Share your testimony because there's others that are probably going through what you went through." [48:29] (Download)

3) "You have to have that courageous step of faith that God has a plan for them and God wants to protect them. You just need to step out of the way." [01:09:40] (Download)

4) "Esther's story isn't just about God's protection, but it's about Esther taking a step courageously into the plan that God had already set out for her." [01:06:39] (Download)

5) "Esther had to trust that when she went before the king without being called that she was protected by God. She had to trust in God." [59:44] (Download)

6) "God has already built the plan for your deliverance. It's this, you're going to step under it. And that leads us to the last thing. Call to courageous action in God's plan." [01:06:39] (Download)

7) "Esther's decision to approach the king, despite the risk of dying, demonstrates that she understood that God had care over her." [54:32] (Download)

8) "When you step into where God wants you to go, other people are going to be freed. When you follow God's path of protection, other people, you're intervening for them." [01:02:53] (Download)

9) "All you need to do is seek refuge in God. Don't seek refuge in the world and what they provide. You need to fall under God's protection." [01:05:02] (Download)

10) "God's my protector. The government's not my protector. Religion isn't my protector. You just got to remember that God has already built the plan for your deliverance." [01:05:53] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?