YN246: Faith Influencers

YN246 #3 Queen Esther & Prophet Daniel

Title: Queen Esther: A Godly Influence for High Schoolers

Introduction:

In today's world, we often face overwhelming pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. However, biblical figures like Queen Esther can provide inspiring examples of courage, faith, and godly influence. we will explore how the story of Esther can inspire us to stand up for our beliefs and make a positive impact on the world. There are four main characters in the story: Esther, Mordecai (Esther’s cousin turned Guardian), King Xerses, and Haman (the kings right hand man and main advisor). 

1. Understanding the Story of Esther:

The story of Esther takes place during the time of the Persian Empire, where a Jewish girl named Esther becomes queen by winning the heart of King Xerxes. When a plot to annihilate the Jewish people arises, Esther courageously steps up to save her people from destruction. Through her bold actions, she demonstrates the power of faith, courage, and wisdom.

Xerxes is powerful, and he’s in this culture that clearly doesn’t prioritize righteousness. 

I just think that there are a lot of parallels to our culture—and every culture throughout history. The people in power in this situation . . . we don’t hear the name of God on their lips. We don’t see them making choices aligned with righteousness. And yet, that doesn’t sway the hand of God at all.

2. Faith in God's Plan

Esther 2:7 NKJV

7 And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.

In the beginning, Esther was an orphan, raised by her cousin Mordecai. Despite her humble background, God had a plan for her life. We can learn from Esther's faith in God's plan, even in the midst of uncertainty. When faced with challenges or difficult decisions, trusting in God's guidance can provide direction and peace.

Esther 2:17 NKJV

17 The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Esther obeyed/honored her “parent” Mordecai.

Esther 2:20 NKJV

20 Now Esther had not revealed her family and her people, just as Mordecai had charged her, for Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him.

APPLICATION: Sometimes when our parents tell us to do something that we don’t necessarily agree with or understand what the big deal is, we don’t honor them. But the Bible says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1 NKJV. When we honor our parents we are directly honoring The Lord. We are trusting that God put our parents in our lives to protect and direct us. 

APPLICATION: Take time to pray and seek God's guidance in your daily life. Recognize that your current situation is part of a bigger plan and trust that God is working in your life.

3. Courage to Stand Up for What's Right

Esther 2:21–22 NKJV

21 In those days, while Mordecai sat within the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 22 So the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name.

Esther did what was right and warned the king as well as giving credit to Mordecai. 

Esther 3:4–5 NKJV

4 Now it happened, when they spoke to him daily and he would not listen to them, that they told it to Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s words would stand; for Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew. 5 When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath.

Esther 3:6 NKJV

6 But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus—the people of Mordecai.

Esther 3:9 NKJV

9 If it pleases the king, let a decree be written that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who do the work, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.”

When Esther learned of the plan to annihilate the Jewish people, she faced a choice: remain silent and preserve her own safety or risk her life to save her people.

Esther sends a message to Mordecai...

Esther 4:11 NKJV

11 “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days.”

Mordecai responds to Esther...

Esther 4:13–14 NKJV

13 And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

So we see that Mordecai is giving Esther advice on what to do in this situation. When she shows hesitancy and fear, Mordecai gives her a different perspective. She responds to him with:

Esther 4:16 NKJV

16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”

In the midst of uncertainty and fear, We see that Esther turns to her faith by fasting for 3 days and telling her people to also fast. 

Haman’s anger for Mordecai continued to grow. 

Esther 5:14 NKJV

14 Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows be made, fifty cubits high, and in the morning suggest to the king that Mordecai be hanged on it; then go merrily with the king to the banquet.” And the thing pleased Haman; so he had the gallows made.

Esther chose to stand up for what was right, despite the potential consequences. We can learn from her courage, especially when it comes to standing up against injustice or defending our faith. She did so but honoring Mordecai and by turning to her faith by fasting. 

APPLICATION: In your own life, be courageous and stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular. Encourage your friends and classmates to do the same.

4. The Power of Wisdom and Prayer

After the third day of fasting, she does just as she said she would do and approaches the king. She tells the king that she wants to make a banquet for him and Haman. 

Esther 5:2 NKJV

2 So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter.

Before approaching King Xerxes, Esther sought wisdom from her cousin Mordecai and turned to fasting for guidance. By doing so, she demonstrated the importance of seeking wisdom and relying on God's strength. We can learn from Esther's example by praying for wisdom and guidance in our own lives, as well as seeking advice from trusted mentors or spiritual leaders.

APPLICATION: Develop a habit of praying for wisdom in your decisions and actions. Seek guidance from trusted mentors or spiritual leaders when faced with challenges.

5. Influence Through Godly Character

God uses insomnia to guide king xerses. He reminds the king of Mordecai’s help in protecting the king a few chapters back. This gives Mordecai favor in the kings sight. Then we see that Haman’s plan backfires and the king makes him give honor to Mordecai instead. The best day, At Esther’s banquet for Haman and the king, Esther reveals to the King that the enemy Haman has plans to kill her and her people. The king becomes angry and has Haman hanged on the pole that was made by Haman to kill Mordecai. 

Then we see the tables turn when the king gives Mordecai all of Haman’s treasures and Esther also appoints him into Haman’s place. But the plot to kill the Jews did not end there. So we see Esther plead with the king again:

Esther 8:3 NKJV

3 Now Esther spoke again to the king, fell down at his feet, and implored him with tears to counteract the evil of Haman the Agagite, and the scheme which he had devised against the Jews.

Esther 8:5–6 NKJV

5 and said, “If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight and the thing seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to annihilate the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces. 6 For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my countrymen?”

Because of how the edicts worked back then, the king was unable to revoke the killing of the Jews. However he was able to make a new one and the new one gave the Jews permission to fight back and protect themselves from the enemies. 

Esther 8:13 NKJV

13 A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province and published for all people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

The non Jews knew how powerful the Jews were and so the new edict deflected them from attacking them.

Esther 8:15-17 “So Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, with a great crown of gold and a garment of fine linen and purple; and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor. And in every province and city, wherever the king’s command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them.”

Esther 8:15–17 NKJV

15 So Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, with a great crown of gold and a garment of fine linen and purple; and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. 16 The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor. 17 And in every province and city, wherever the king’s command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them.

Esther's godly character and wisdom won the favor of King Xerxes and ultimately led to the salvation of her people. Her story teaches us that we too can be a godly influence on those around us by demonstrating Christ-like character in our words and actions.

APPLICATION: Strive to cultivate godly character traits such as kindness, patience, humility, and integrity. Show love and compassion to those around you, and be a positive influence in your school and community.

Conclusion:

The story of Queen Esther serves as a powerful reminder that God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. By placing their faith in God, displaying courage in the face of adversity, seeking wisdom through prayer, and cultivating godly character, high schoolers can make a lasting impact on their world. Let the story of Esther inspire you to be a godly influence in your own life and in the lives of others.

--------------------------------------------------------

Introduction:

Daniel is a shining example of unwavering faith, steadfastness in prayer, and wisdom – qualities that every believer should aspire to have.

I. Daniel’s Influence as it Pertains to His Character

A. Steadfast in Faith

One of the most striking qualities of Daniel was his steadfast faith in God. Despite being a young man taken captive from Jerusalem to Babylon, he never wavered in his devotion to the Lord. In the face of adversity, Daniel chose to trust in God, even when it meant going against the norms and expectations of the society he lived in.

Daniel 1:8 NKJV

8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Daniel's unwavering faith is a testament to his close relationship with God, which allowed him to remain faithful even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. His faith was not only an inspiration to his friends and contemporaries, but it has continued to inspire believers for generations.

B. Consistent in Prayer

Daniel was a man of prayer, consistently seeking God's guidance and wisdom in every situation. In fact, it was his commitment to prayer that led to one of the most well-known stories in the Bible – Daniel in the lions' den.

Daniel 6:10 NKJV

10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.

Daniel's dedication to prayer demonstrates his deep understanding of the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God. His example is a reminder to all believers that consistent prayer is essential for spiritual growth and resilience in the face of adversity.

C. Wise and Discerning

The wisdom and discernment of Daniel are evident throughout his life. He was known for his ability to interpret dreams and solve difficult problems, which brought him to the attention of Babylonian kings and allowed him to rise to prominence.

In Daniel 2:20-21

Daniel 2:20–21 NKJV

20 Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. 21 And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.

Daniel’s wisdom and discernment were gifts from God, and he recognized that it was not his own abilities but rather God's grace that enabled him to serve as a godly influence in a foreign land.

II. Lessons from Daniel’s Life

A. Trusting in God

One of the key lessons we can learn from Daniel's life is the importance of trusting in God, no matter the circumstances. Like Daniel, we may face situations that challenge our faith and require us to make difficult choices. In these moments, we must remember to trust in God's plan and provision, knowing that He is always with us and will never abandon us.

B. Staying Committed to Prayer

Daniel's commitment to prayer is an example for all believers. Prayer is our direct line of communication with God, allowing us to seek His guidance, wisdom, and strength in every situation. We must strive to be consistent in our prayer life, just as Daniel was, to cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with our Creator.

C. Embracing God’s Wisdom

Daniel's wisdom and discernment were hallmarks of his godly influence. As believers, we must recognize that true wisdom comes from God, and we should actively seek it in our own lives. By embracing God's wisdom, we can navigate the complexities of life with confidence and grace, making godly decisions that positively impact those around us.

James 1:5 NKJV

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Like Daniel, let us be humble enough to acknowledge our need for God's wisdom and seek it through prayer, studying His Word, and being open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we too can become godly influences in our families, communities, and the world.

Conclusion:

The life of the Prophet Daniel serves as an inspiring example of unwavering faith, steadfastness in prayer, and God-given wisdom. As we reflect on his story and the impact he had on those around him, let us strive to follow in his footsteps, trusting in God's plan, staying committed to prayer, and embracing God's wisdom in our daily lives.

May the Lord help us to be godly influences, shining as bright lights in a dark world and drawing others closer to Him. Let us pray.

ENDING.....