Eshter Week 2: Choices

Divine Decisions: The Choices That Change Everything

Application: This sermon can inspire Christians to recognize the weight and impact of their choices, encouraging them to act with courage and to trust in God’s providence in decision-making, particularly in challenging situations.

Teaching: Through the choices of key characters, this sermon illustrates the theme of divine providence at work in human decisions, emphasizing the importance of making choices aligned with God’s will and purpose.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the choices made by Esther, we see a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate obedience and willingness to stand in the gap for His people. Just as Esther was placed in a position for such a time as this, Christ came into the world to redeem humanity at the appointed time.

Big Idea: The choices we make have the power to influence our lives and the lives of others; therefore, we must seek God’s guidance and have the courage to act in faith.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the cultural context of the Persian empire and its impact on the decisions made by characters in Esther. Look into the significance of choosing between personal risk and communal responsibility, particularly in relation to Esther's Jewish identity. Using Logos, examine different translations of key Hebrew words that convey agency and consequence to enrich your understanding of the text.

1. Vashti's Valor: Defying Dishonor

Esther 1:10-12

Perhaps you could explore the courage shown by Queen Vashti in this episode. Her refusal to appear before the king when summoned demonstrates the kind of integrity that risks personal cost for the sake of principle. In this context, your sermon could encourage the congregation to consider how integrity and courage in their own decisions might reflect more than momentary choices but eternal truths, reminiscent of Christ's willingness to face the cross for a greater purpose.

2. Royal Recruitment: God's Hidden Hand

Esther 2:1-4

These verses detail the decree for a new queen and the king’s search through beautiful young virgins. You could highlight how God’s providence was orchestrating events even through seemingly mundane decisions. The choice to seek a new queen among many points to how divine purpose can work behind human processes. This sermon point might challenge your listeners to trust in God’s unseen hand in their own lives, reminding them of Christ who enters human history to bring about redemption.

3. Esther's Entrance: Identity in Disguise

Esther 2:5-11

Here we meet Esther and Mordecai for the first time. Perhaps you could discuss Mordecai's decision to bring Esther into the competition and Esther's subsequent choices about her identity. This section suggests an opportunity to contemplate choices about identity and destiny. You might emphasize how Esther's decision to conceal her Jewishness initially was tactical, setting the stage for her later boldness, akin to Christ's timing in revealing His messianic mission.

4. Magnificent Moment: Seizing Favor

Esther 2:12-18

Esther’s careful preparation and her finding favor with the king can be seen as exemplary of strategic and faithful living. You could suggest that Esther’s choices in preparation and presentation offer a model of readiness to seize divine appointments. This sermon point can encourage believers to prepare themselves diligently for God’s purposes in their lives, paralleling how Christ prepared through His life and ministry for His ultimate mission.

5. Mordecai's Maneuver: Courageous Conspiracy

Esther 2:19-23

This passage reveals Mordecai’s role in uncovering a plot against the king. You might draw parallels to Christ’s protective and intercessory roles, suggesting that God places us strategically to speak and act for the redemption and safety of others. Encourage your audience to consider how they, like Mordecai, might be called to act courageously in defense of righteousness, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of such divine decisions.