The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Esther 1-5
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 9: Return: God Delivers His People Again
Background Information: Esther 1-5
Esther gives the historical reason for the Jewish celebration of Purim, an annual one-day celebration that marks the salvation of the Jewish people during the time of the exile. It is a unique Old Testament book, most notably because it is the only one that does not mention God. It is also one of two books (along with Daniel) where the storyline takes place completely outside the land of Israel. Though Esther does not mention God directly, God’s presence is everywhere in the book. The story takes place in Persia where the Jews are a persecuted minority, and so it gives special insight into the difficult struggle to be faithful when freedom of faith is suppressed. It also gives us courage to see God’s sovereign hand at work using the ordinary, sacrificial choices of his people to bring about his larger purposes.
Mordecai and Esther are the human protagonists of the storyline. Their family had been taken captive by the Babylonians a century earlier, and they had not been one of those families who returned to the land. Mordecai was raising his young cousin Hadassah, known by her Persian name, Esther. The storyline is built as Esther is selected above all the other beautiful women in the land, and her uncle uncovers a plot against the king. The antagonist in the story is arrogant Haman. His success goes to his head, and he demands that all bow before him. When Mordecai will not bow, Haman’s hatred becomes so great that he seeks to wipe out the entire Jewish race. The Persian empire was so large that the king’s edict would have opened the door for a worldwide holocaust. Lots are cast (like throwing dice) to superstitiously select a day to destroy the Jews. These items are called “pur” or in their plural form, “purim.” The date selected just “happens” to be the very time of the Passover when God delivered his people from Egypt. Now the narrative asks us, “will God save his people again?” The tension builds as Esther realizes that her intervention on behalf of her people could cost her life. She struggles, but ultimately declares “If I perish, I perish.” This is not fatalistic resignation, but courageous faith in action. You will not read God’s name in this story, but you will see his sovereign power in it. God may very well seem to be absent in your story, especially when times are hard, but he is not. Determine to obey him even when you do not see him, and you will surely experience him.
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Pray for the women group leaders at River. Ask God to encourage them as they gather today for a time of fellowship and prayer.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.