People of the Bible: Esther
Book of the Bible: Esther
The book of Esther is about the Jewish people coming under persecution and the story of how a few significant people allowed God to use them to save the lives of many others! The book of Esther is different because it’s the only book in the Bible that doesn’t mention God by name. Throughout history, that has caused some controversy. However, even though He isn’t mentioned by name, it’s clear that He is in the story.
Who was Esther?
Esther is the star of this story. She lived during the time that Israel was in exile away from their homeland. Her parents died when she was young so she was raised by her godly cousin Mordecai.
The King at that time was vastly wealthy and ruled over a great region. He threw a banquet and requested that his wife come but she refused. The King became infuriated and set up a plan for someone else to become Queen. Esther was a beautiful young woman and she had a great character. After the search was complete, the King chose Esther to be his new Queen. Esther, following the instructions of Mordecai, kept her Jewish descent a secret.
After she became Queen, Mordecai overheard people planning an assassination of the King. Mordecai told Esther about it and she was able to prevent the attempt from taking place! She won Mordecai and herself the King's favor.
But more trouble followed. Haman, a high official in the land, began to point out the Jewish people were a problem. He pointed out that they kept themselves apart from everything and that they were disobeying the King. Haman suggested these people be destroyed to preserve the Kingdom. The King agreed to this plan and put Haman in charge of executing it.
An order was given out to destroy all the Jews.
The Jews began to mourn this news. Esther was their only hope. However, it was against the law to approach the King, even for the Queen. Approaching the King unsolicited was punishable by death, but Esther stepped out in boldness, put her trust in God, and did what she felt was right! She approached the King to save her people.
The King showed favor to her and asked her what she wanted. Esther put a masterful plan into motion that only God could have constructed. By the end of the situation, the Jews were saved, Haman was executed, and Mordecai was honored. Esther’s boldness and trust in God saved the Jewish people from destruction.
In the same way, Jesus has paved the way for all people to escape destruction. Jesus is the savior of the world and anyone who believes in Him will be saved and escape the oncoming destruction.
Like Esther, as parents, we need to demonstrate how to be bold in our faith, how to trust God in every situation we face, and stand up for what we believe in as Christians. Our children learn from our example.
Key Takeaway:
Be Bold
Trust God
Stand up for what you believe in
Parents, 3treesKIDS will also be learning about the life of Esther this Sunday, both in-person and online.
Be sure to check out their lesson at www.3trees.com/kids.
To find service times and locations, visit https://www.3trees.com/planyourvisit.