Esther
- The name of God isn’t mentioned in the book at all.
- The story is dicey.
Chapter 1 - King Ahasureus
Esther 1:8 By the king’s command each guest was allowed to drink with no restrictions, for the king instructed all the wine stewards to serve each man what he wished.
Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Karkas—
Esther 1:18 Before this day is out, the wives of all the king’s nobles throughout Persia and Media will hear what the queen did and will start treating their husbands the same way. There will be no end to their contempt and anger.
- Chapter 2
Esther 2:7 Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.
Esther’s story is messy
Mordecai
Chapter 3
Haman
Hamas makes it his mission to kill him and all the Jews
Chapter 4
Esther 4:14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
Chapter 5&6
Chapter 7
1. God uses Mordecais and Esthers for His work
It doesn’t matter what your history is, it doesn’t matter what your ability is, it matters what your availability is.
It’s never too late to start the journey of faith. Ask God to forgive you and allow Him to start a new beginning in your life.
2. God is working in your story even if you don’t recognize it.
3. Obeying God is risky.
You don’t choose safety or risk, you choose risk with God or risk without Him.
Esther stood at a crossroads of life and death for herself and for all her people and she took a step of faith trusting that God would provide. Would you take a step of faith today?