Youth Bible Study
Bible Verse : The Book of Esther
Intro
Today’s focus is on a pivotal moment in the story of Esther, recounted in the biblical Book of Esther, when her uncle Mordecai imparts crucial advice as the Jews face annihilation in the Persian Kingdom. Esther, though her true heritage concealed, ascends to the role of queen. However, a sinister plot orchestrated by Haman threatens the entire Jewish population. With a decree in hand and a set date for their demise, the situation appears dire.
Mordecai urged Esther to leverage her position as queen to plead for the Jews before the king. In response, Esther conveyed her concerns to Mordecai via letter, explaining that approaching the king without an invitation carried the risk of instant death, as per palace protocol. She highlighted the slim chance of clemency, only granted if the king extended his golden scepter, a rare occurrence.
For Such A Time As This
Then Mordecai replied to her via letter saying “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 4.14) Esther wept bitterly after reading that. Long story cut short, Esther would later embark on 3 days fasting seeking the face of God, and later met the king. The king showed mercy and gave a decree for the Jews to defend themselves. Hamman and his family were later killed and the people of God prevailed. What seemed to be tragedy turned out to be glory because of the wisdom of Esther to seek the face of God
God Is Faithful
God manifested his glory and saved his people through the wisdom of Esther. Was it a coincidence that Esther and her Uncle were in a Persian Kingdom? No – Our God knows beginning from the end and such a time as that Esther became a useful instrument in the hand of God to save God’s people. The book of Esther in the bible is the only place God intervened or saved his people without using prophet, king or any form of clergy.
Is It A Coincidence?
The family we were born into, is it a coincidence? The friend(s) in our lives, is it a coincidence? At the offices we find ourselves every day, is it a coincidence?? Going by what we know about Esther, it is not a coincidence you find yourself where you are and the person(s) you are with at the moment. God is counting on you to be an instrument through which He will show his wonders. The Psalmist & songwriter said – what a friend we have in Jesus, What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. What a peace we often forfeit, what a needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Take It To The Lord In Prayer
Esther sought divine guidance through prayer, ultimately leading to the salvation of her people from a perilous plot. Although an exile in the Persian kingdom, Esther held no formal citizenship. Despite this outsider status, she wielded significant influence, favored by all who encountered her.
The Bible emphasizes that Esther’s favor was not merely of earthly origin. It stemmed from her deep connection with God, a cultivated intimacy and friendship with the divine. Faced with the imminent annihilation of her people, Esther’s courage shone brightly. Risking her own life, she approached the king, her prayers paving the way for deliverance (Esther 7:1-6).
And For you My Dear.
Consider if Esther had pursued a reckless lifestyle, she would never have been chosen in the first place, risking her purity. Similarly, had Esther adopted a carefree attitude towards her faith, her people faced certain annihilation. As Mordecai warned, her Jewish heritage would have been discovered, leading to her demise. Yet, Esther’s wisdom prevailed as she remained devoted to her relationship with God. In due time, she relied on her intimacy with God to secure favor from the King, ultimately saving both her people and her position as queen.
The story of Esther reminds us that helping others can also benefit ourselves. Just as Esther’s prayers saved her people, our prayers for others can strengthen our own faith and connection with God.
Proverbs 24:10 (NIV) tells us, “If you falter in times of trouble—your strength will be small.” This verse can be interpreted as saying that neglecting prayer and our relationship with God weakens us when challenges arise.
By actively praying for others, we stay engaged in our faith and focused on God’s will. This focus and dedication ultimately benefit not just those we pray for, but also ourselves, leading us closer to salvation.
Following Esther’s example, let’s commit to a life of prayer, both for ourselves and for those around us. Who knows what incredible things God might accomplish through our prayers and actions?
Overcoming Addiction
I write to you, young men and women, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one (ESV 1 John 2.14)
Remain Blesses Always