Esther: Courage, Influence, and Divine Purpose
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the powerful and inspiring story of Esther from the Old Testament. Esther, a Jewish woman who became queen of Persia, displayed immense courage and wisdom in a time of great peril for her people. The narrative begins with King Ahasuerus, who, after a prolonged celebration, seeks to display his queen, Vashti, to his guests. Vashti's refusal leads to her removal, and a search for a new queen begins, ultimately leading to Esther's selection.
Esther's cousin, Mordecai, who raised her, uncovers a plot to assassinate the king and informs Esther, who then saves the king's life. However, Haman, a high-ranking official, harbors a deep hatred for Mordecai and the Jewish people, leading him to plot their annihilation. Mordecai urges Esther to use her position to intervene, reminding her that she may have been placed in her royal position "for such a time as this."
Despite the risk to her own life, Esther approaches the king and invites him and Haman to a banquet. At the second banquet, she reveals Haman's plot, leading to Haman's downfall and the salvation of the Jewish people. The story of Esther teaches us about courage, the power of influence, the importance of humility, and the strength found in community support.
### Key Takeaways
1. Courage in the Face of Fear:
Esther's bravery in approaching the king without being summoned exemplifies true courage. She risked her life to save her people, showing that sometimes we must face our fears to do what is right. Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act despite it. [47:01]
2. The Power of Influence and Leadership:
Esther's strategic approach in revealing Haman's plot highlights the importance of using one's influence wisely. She didn't rush; instead, she carefully planned her actions, demonstrating that effective leadership often involves patience and discernment. Each of us has a sphere of influence, and we must use it thoughtfully to bring about positive change. [50:00]
3. Humility and Accountability:
Haman's downfall was due to his arrogance and lack of accountability. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of remaining humble and accountable to others. True leadership is marked by humility and a willingness to be held accountable. [01:17:24]
4. Community Support and Unity:
Before taking action, Esther called for a fast among her people, seeking their support through prayer and fasting. This underscores the power of community and the importance of seeking collective support in times of crisis. We are stronger together, and communal support can provide the strength needed to face daunting challenges. [01:18:21]
5. Divine Timing and Purpose:
Mordecai's reminder to Esther that she might have been placed in her position "for such a time as this" speaks to the belief in divine timing and purpose. Each of us has a unique role to play in God's plan, and recognizing our purpose can empower us to act with conviction and faith. [01:04:41]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[13:44] - Upcoming Events and Announcements
[15:12] - Charge Conference Details
[16:38] - Dinner Church and Homeless Ministry
[18:18] - Blanket Drive and Giving Instructions
[30:07] - Worship and Praise
[37:14] - In-Person Giving
[47:01] - Introduction to the Story of Esther
[48:35] - King Ahasuerus and Queen Vashti
[50:00] - Esther Becomes Queen
[51:31] - Mordecai's Loyalty and Haman's Plot
[52:56] - Haman's Decree and Mordecai's Mourning
[57:18] - Esther's Dilemma and Decision
[01:04:41] - Esther's Courageous Act
[01:08:02] - The Banquets and Haman's Downfall
[01:17:24] - Lessons from Esther's Story
[01:20:28] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Esther 4:14 - "For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
2. Esther 4:16 - "Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish."
3. Esther 7:3-4 - "Then Queen Esther answered, 'If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request. For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What was the initial reason for Queen Vashti's removal from her position? ([51:31])
2. How did Mordecai uncover the plot to assassinate the king, and what was the outcome of his discovery? ([57:18])
3. What was Esther's response when Mordecai urged her to intervene on behalf of the Jewish people? ([01:04:41])
4. How did Haman react when he saw Mordecai not bowing down to him, and what plan did he devise as a result? ([01:00:09])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Esther's willingness to risk her life to approach the king reveal about her character and faith? ([01:06:26])
2. How does the story of Haman's downfall illustrate the dangers of pride and arrogance? ([01:17:24])
3. In what ways did Esther demonstrate strategic leadership and the wise use of her influence? ([01:16:27])
4. How does the communal support through fasting and prayer play a crucial role in Esther's plan to save her people? ([01:18:21])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to show courage in the face of fear. How did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome? ([01:15:28])
2. Think about your own sphere of influence. How can you use your position or resources to bring about positive change in your community or workplace? ([01:16:27])
3. Have you ever experienced a situation where pride or lack of accountability led to negative consequences? How did you address it, and what did you learn from it? ([01:17:24])
4. How can you foster a sense of community support in your own life, especially during challenging times? What steps can you take to seek or offer support through prayer and collective action? ([01:18:21])
5. Mordecai believed that Esther was placed in her position "for such a time as this." Reflect on your current circumstances. Do you feel you have a specific purpose or calling in this season of your life? How can you act on it with conviction and faith? ([01:04:41])
6. Esther called for a fast before taking action. How can you incorporate spiritual disciplines like fasting and prayer into your decision-making process? ([01:18:21])
7. Consider a situation where you need to speak truth to power or take a stand for what is right. What steps can you take to prepare yourself, and how can you seek support from your community? ([01:15:28])
Devotional
### Day 1: Courage in the Face of Fear
Esther's bravery in approaching King Ahasuerus without being summoned is a profound example of true courage. Despite the law that anyone who approached the king without being called could be put to death, Esther chose to risk her life to save her people. This act of courage was not the absence of fear but the willingness to act despite it. Esther's story reminds us that sometimes we must face our fears head-on to do what is right, even when the stakes are high. Her courage was rooted in her faith and her commitment to her people, showing us that true bravery often involves self-sacrifice and a deep sense of purpose.
In our own lives, we may face situations that require us to step out in faith and courage. Whether it's standing up for what is right, speaking out against injustice, or making a difficult decision, we can draw strength from Esther's example. Courage is not about being fearless; it's about being willing to act in the face of fear, trusting that God is with us and will guide us through.
Esther 4:16 (ESV): "Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need to act courageously. What steps can you take today to face this challenge with faith and bravery? [47:01]
### Day 2: The Power of Influence and Leadership
Esther's strategic approach in revealing Haman's plot against the Jewish people highlights the importance of using one's influence wisely. She didn't rush into action but carefully planned her steps, inviting the king and Haman to a series of banquets before revealing the truth. This demonstrates that effective leadership often involves patience, discernment, and a thoughtful approach. Esther used her position and influence to bring about positive change, showing that each of us has a sphere of influence that we can use for good.
In our own lives, we may find ourselves in positions where we can influence others, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities. It's important to use this influence thoughtfully and responsibly, seeking to bring about positive change and justice. Esther's story encourages us to be patient and discerning in our actions, recognizing the power we have to make a difference.
Proverbs 16:21 (ESV): "The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you have influence. How can you use your position to bring about positive change and justice in this situation? [50:00]
### Day 3: Humility and Accountability
Haman's downfall in the story of Esther serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of humility and accountability. Haman's arrogance and lack of accountability led to his ultimate demise. In contrast, true leadership is marked by humility and a willingness to be held accountable. Esther's story reminds us that pride can lead to destruction, while humility and accountability are essential for effective and righteous leadership.
In our own lives, we must strive to remain humble and open to accountability. This means being willing to listen to others, admit our mistakes, and seek guidance and correction when needed. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and lead with integrity and wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2 (ESV): "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom."
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you may be struggling with pride. How can you practice humility and seek accountability in this area today? [01:17:24]
### Day 4: Community Support and Unity
Before taking action to save her people, Esther called for a fast among the Jewish community, seeking their support through prayer and fasting. This underscores the power of community and the importance of seeking collective support in times of crisis. Esther's story shows that we are stronger together and that communal support can provide the strength needed to face daunting challenges. The unity and solidarity of the Jewish people played a crucial role in their salvation.
In our own lives, we can draw strength from our communities, whether it's our church, family, or friends. Seeking support and unity in times of difficulty can help us navigate challenges and find the courage to act. Esther's example encourages us to lean on our communities and to support one another in times of need.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Think of a challenge you are currently facing. How can you seek support from your community to help you navigate this challenge? [01:18:21]
### Day 5: Divine Timing and Purpose
Mordecai's reminder to Esther that she might have been placed in her position "for such a time as this" speaks to the belief in divine timing and purpose. Each of us has a unique role to play in God's plan, and recognizing our purpose can empower us to act with conviction and faith. Esther's story shows that God places us in specific situations for a reason, and understanding this can give us the courage to fulfill our calling.
In our own lives, we may sometimes wonder about our purpose and the timing of events. Esther's story encourages us to trust in God's plan and to seek His guidance in understanding our role. By recognizing that we are placed in certain situations for a reason, we can act with confidence and faith, knowing that we are part of a greater plan.
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation in your life where you feel uncertain about your purpose. How can you seek God's guidance to understand your role and act with conviction and faith? [01:04:41]
Quotes
1. "So this morning, we are going to be looking at one of my favorite stories in the whole Bible. It's from the book of Esther, which is a book in the Old Testament. It's a short little book. It's only, I think, six chapters long, but it is a wonderful, wonderful story of a courageous woman who stood up and spoke truth to power, and there's so much from that to just the story itself." [37:14] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In some ways, this story is one that on the surface looks like it could be like a Disney princess story, but really when you dig down into it, it's not. This is not a fairy tale. This is a real story, and it has real implications, and I think there are some teachable things out of this story that we can use in our everyday life." [37:14] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Who knows perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this. You know, perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this. You were put in this place at this time for such a time as this." [01:04:41] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Esther showed tremendous courage in going to him and sometimes there are things in our life there are people and conversations that we need to have there are stances that we need to take and it takes courage you know and we can learn from Esther to have strength in the face of fear and to stand up and to do the right thing and to do the right thing even if it means speaking truth to power." [01:15:28] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Each one of us we have influence too wherever you are wherever you may be in your family dynamic if you work where you are in your workplace where you sit in the church we all have power and influence and leadership that we can take and one thing I think we can learn from Esther is how clever she was she spoke just at the right time." [01:16:27] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The importance of humility and accountability we see in this character of Haman someone who has none of that he doesn't have humility and he is accountable to no one but himself and that ends up being his downfall someone who is so arrogant someone who is so thin skinned someone who is more interested in himself and the power that he has than he is about greater good." [01:17:24] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We don't have to go alone we have big decisions to make when we have courageous things that we have to do we're going to have to step out and do something that is outside of our comfort zone we don't have to do it alone we have friends we have community we have church around us they can pray for us fast if necessary and be there as a support." [01:18:56] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "This is the story of Esther in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit thanks be to God God we're thankful for you for your love and your grace and we're thankful for your word Lord and these stories that are that are there in the scripture Lord that you know they happened so long ago and there's a lot of contextual things that are different than our time for sure but there is so much Lord that is timeless there's so many lessons to be learned that speak to us right where we are in our day and age." [01:19:24] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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