The Story 2024

He Who Shall Not Be Mentioned
May 26, 2024
Chris Seidman, Lead Minister, The Branch

Esther 4:12-14 (The Story, p. 282)
When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 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?”

Esther 6:10 (The Story, p. 284)
“Go at once,” the king commanded Haman. “Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended.”

Esther 9:20-22 (The Story, p. 288)
Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration.

He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

Esther’s Story Reminds Us …

• Just because God is unmentioned, doesn’t mean He’s not there.

• To consider what might be God’s purpose for our “opportunity.”

Esther 4:14 (NIV)
“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Acts 13:36 (NIV)
“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep … .”

• To realize our need for others, so that they will help us stay focused on doing the right thing.