Today's lesson comes from Esther 4: 1-17. The book of Esther is unique in that it does not actually mention prayer or the name of God. Yet, throughout the book God's Providential care is evident. He is the silent Participant in what takes place. Today's lesson includes the subject of fasting. Fasting was generally accompanied by prayer. Mordecai's sackcloth and ashes are also typical of Jewish behavior in seeking the face of God.
The Bible instructs us that God is Sovereign in the affairs of men and nations. God is in charge of what occurs in our lives. There are no "maverick molecules" that operate independent of His control. Yet, God accomplishes His will in a way that does not remove our responsibility for the choices we make. God knows the end from the beginning and He will set in motion what needs to be done to bring about His perfect plan. As we study Esther, we will see how God's Providence brings about His perfect plan.
The first section is "Mordecai's Mournful Cry." vv. 1-4 As a result of the king's decree to kill the Jews, Mordecai tears his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes. This was a Jewish sign of mourning. He goes to the king's gate but doesn't go in. You were not allowed to enter with sackcloth on. There was to be no sadness inside the gates. Throughout the province Jews were in great distress but most likely Esther was unaware of the decree. Esther's maids and chamberlains inform her of what is occurring. She sends clothes to Mordecai at the gate but he refused to put them on. This is a time of extreme sadness for the Jews. The stakes are high. If every Jew is killed, there would not be a line of David from which the Messiah would be born. If Satan can succeed and kill all the Jews, he believes he can ultimately prevail. Without a Savior, all will be lost and end up in hell with him.
In verse 8, Mordecai gave an order to Esther, "that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people." For Esther to do this, would place her at a great risk.
The summary points of this section:
1. Sometimes those that seek the Lord may have to ignore the crowd who would try to silence you.
2. You should be humble in seeking the Lord.
3. Never be afraid to be an example for Christ.
The next section is "God's Providential Care." vv. 9-14 Esther had a choice to make. If she did nothing, she and the Jewish people would perish, but if she went to see the king without being summoned, it could mean death. The law was that anyone who came before the king without being called would die. Mordecai's response to the situation was full of faith. He believed that if Esther remained silent, then deliverance would "arise to the Jews from another place." Mordecai's response to Esther also contained a warning, "Esther, God will deliver His people, but if you fail to get involved, you will perish." Mordecai believed that God had placed Esther in her position "for such a time as this," and that His Providence would meet the need of the present hour. God in His Providence had put Esther in the palace prior to Haman's plot. God as very much in total control of the situation.
The summary points of this section:
1. Real faith acts.
2. God will accomplish His purposes regardless of individual human choices.
3. Our lives are divinely orchestrated.
The third section is "Esther's Sacrificial Choice." vv. 15-17 Esther knows that to enter the king's presence without being requested could mean the end of her life. She requests all the Jews in Shushan fast and pray for her. This is known as asking for "prayer cover." The Scriptures tell us that "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." (Pro. 21:1) After the three day fast, Esther said she would "go in unto the king, which is not according to the law." She said, "if I perish, I perish." Esther displayed great faith. She believed and put actions with her faith. Esther was so yielded over to the will of God that she considered herself dead to anything else.
The summary points of this section:
1. When working for the LORD we should request prayer covering from fellow believers.
2. The best place of safety is in total abandonment to God's will.
3. We should learn to recognize God in all of life's situations.
The Golden Text is: "And so will I go...and if I perish, I perish." (Esther 4: 16) Do you get the sense that Esther may have been a bit apprehensive? Mordecai seems to be bold and decisive, while Esther appears to be reserved and willing to defer to the desires of others. The point is that Esther, no matter how reserved, put action with her faith. We should always be willing to step out confidently in our faith. God will supply the needed grace. God can use us just as we are (assuming we are in the family of believers, blood washed and sanctified), and He will help us live beyond our capabilities.
Next week, "A Decree of Deliverance." (Esther: 7-17)
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