Thrive: Ester

Background Info

Only book of the bible where God is not explicitly mentioned

103 years after the exile and 54 after the first return. 25 until the second return

Ester is a young Jewish women

Faithlife Study Bible Introduction to Esther

The book of Esther shows us that God is present even when He seems distant

most of story here

Old queen is cast out

Mordecai and ester related he works as palace guard

ester becomes queen

mordecai saves kings life

haman hates mord

plots to kill all jews

decree goes out and mord and ester find out

Ester is scared

Danger is real

Esther 4:11 ““All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.””

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Fear is not wrong. but it cannot rule us. If we always live in fear of people or situations we can never overcome them or do what the Lord has for us.

For such a time as this

Esther 4:14 “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?””

God is not haphazard

You are in your life, your situation for a reason. God does not place people haphazardly. There is intention and purpose. He has called you to be strong and courageous here and now.

we do not know why you have been placed as you are but have you thought it could be for the exact situation you are in now. To bring light where there is darkness. In your home, in your school, in your locker room, in your friend group, in your relationships.

What if God has something so amazing he intends to do and is inviting you to be apart of it. His will will be done, but will you be an agent of it?

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Power of Haman or Ester

Haman uses his power to destroy people

Ester will use her power to save people.

Power to destroy

Power to save

In life we will be given power big or small. How will we use it?

really it is the power of Jesus.

What was Jesus’ most powerful moment

the cross