It's hard to believe, but in the Book of Esther, God is not mentioned even one time. But as you might guess, that fact does not make God absent from this story. This morning, we opened the Book of Esther to find a story of God's saving and redeeming his people through a brave and faithful woman, willing to risk her life to save her people. The story of Esther takes place after many Jews have returned to Judah, where the temple was rebuilt. She, however, remained in the place where they were held captive. The King of Persia, Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes), found Esther to be beautiful, and he didn't know she was Jewish. And King Ahasuerus married Esther.
(Now for a brief speed up of the action)
- Mordecai, Esther's cousin, refused to bow to Haman, an official for the King
- Haman got really mad.
- Haman wanted to kill Mordecai.
- Haman was really mad so he also wanted to kill all of Mordecai's people - the Jews.
- Mordecai asked Esther to speak to the King on behalf of the Jews.
The difficulty was not in Esther being unwilling to speak for her people, as much as it was in speaking to the King without being called by him. See, the King had it in his power to kill anyone who approached him without permission. If upon appearing before him, King Ahasuerus/Xerxes didn't hold out his scepter, it was not going to end well. Risking her life, Esther did approach the King, and he held out his scepter. Over a couple of feasts and offers from the King for whatever she wanted, Queen Esther explained that she was a Jew, and one of his own men was trying to kill all of the Jews. The King punished Haman instead of Mordecai and the Jews, and Esther's boldness and sacrifice saved many. Her willingness to lay her life on the line for others is a fantastic foreshadowing of Jesus, who did just that for each one of us.
Here are some questions to consider as you talk this week:
Elementary
- What do you think compelled Haman to be so vindictive? Have you ever found yourself getting upset with more people than you were actually frustrated with? How did that work out for you?
- How would you describe Esther's actions on behalf of her people? Have you seen similar characteristics in other people you admire? Where can you find the ability to grow in that same character?
- What do you think would have happened if Esther didn't approach the King?
Preschool
- Is it always easy to do the right thing? Is it always easy to fight for others? Is it always easy to follow God?
- What were Esther's brave actions? Did Esther know the King would not hurt her?
Don't forget Pastor Barry's message this morning as well reminding all of us that "We Serve". To take the next step in serving in IBC, go to www.irvingbible.org/serve and join those who serve.