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Series: Classics
Esther

Inspired by the Courage of Others
     The Fourth of July is such a wonderful time to be reminded of our country’s heritage. Seeing the red, white and blue decorations at homes and businesses and the American flag flying proudly is always a joy to see. Getting together and having time with family and friends to celebrate the freedoms that we have in America is time honored traditions. Does anyone else have a mother who makes red, white and blue Jell-O every year for the 4th of July? This holiday should always be a time of reflection because of the many sacrifices that have been made in order for us to enjoy all the things that we as Americans get to enjoy today.
     A few weeks ago Tom Belkofer died while serving our country in Afghanistan. Our church learned about Tom’s courage while serving our country from his wife Margo. Many in the congregation who have never served in the military were stunned by the courage of this soldier. It was absolutely amazing. It is hard to imagine the courage that was required of him and other soldiers. Our church also witnessed the courage of Margo Belkofer that same weekend, as we saw a woman who has the courage to move forward in the middle of her grief, and honor her husband’s memory.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

     Barb talked about Esther this weekend. Her story is about the beauty of courage, God’s sovereignty and the love she had for her nation. How fitting for us to hear about these things on the Fourth of July! God used Esther to save the Jewish nation in a very incredible way, but in order for God to use her, Esther had to have remarkable courage. Esther was in a terrible position. She was an orphan and forced into the harem of a godless king. In spite of her situation, Esther had the courage to be used by God to help save her nation.
     If you ever had the privilege of being able to visit the John F. Kennedy presidential library, you would discover that President Kennedy was enamored with studying acts of courage. Here is a quote from his book, Profiles in Courage.
     “In whatever arena of life one may meet the challenge of courage, whatever may be the sacrifices he faces if he follows his conscience – the loss of his friends, his fortune, his contentment, even the esteem of his fellow men – each man must decide for himself the course he will follow. The stories of past courage can define that ingredient – they can teach, they can offer hope, they can provide inspiration. But they cannot supply courage itself. For this each man must look into his own soul.”
     You will have the chance to be inspired by the courage of Esther this week. Have a wonderful holiday. Remember to celebrate freedom and honor the sacrifices of those who have fought for it on our behalf. Have a great Fourth of July!

IN THIS WEEK’S STUDY WE ARE GOING TO EXPLORE THE CLASSIC OLD TESTAMENT STORY OF ESTHER.

MONDAY — God’s name is not in the book of Esther…but God’s hand is all over it.
Today’s Big Point: Courage doesn’t magically appear, but God presents us with many opportunities to act courageously. We can draw on our past and remember how God provided in fearful moments and helped us to be courageous.

Esther’s story really begins with the story of the Persian King Xerxes. King Xerxes was a rich and powerful man with a beautiful queen. When Queen Vashti refused his commands, his counsel advised him to dispose of her. Later he came to regret this decision, one that the law forbid him to reverse. His counsel then decided to hold an all-Persia beauty contest. Unknown to King Xerxes, the next queen of Persia was to be a young Jewess named Esther. Through a series of events, Haman, a sinister official in King Xerxes’s court, hatched a plan that resulted in a decree to execute all of the Jews in the Persian Empire. In God’s providence, only one person could gain an audience with the king to dissuade him from this tragic slaughter…Esther.

Esther was willing to accept sound advice and act upon it.

READ…What does the Bible say?
Esther 2:10 (New International Version)
10 Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so.

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

THINK…Find the answers
Esther, chapter 2, tells the background of Queen Esther – her parents had passed away, she was raised by a cousin (Mordecai), she was Jewish, and eventually she went to the palace as a prospect bride for King Xerxes.

Read Esther 2:10. Why do you think Esther’s cousin instructed her to keep her Jewish nationality a secret at the palace?

God orchestrated all the events leading up to Esther becoming the Queen of Persia. He had her in place almost five years before members of the rule court conspired against the Jews; evidence again that we serve a providential God.

What does Jeremiah 29:11 say about God’s plans for our lives?

What are some ways that God prepared Esther to be of help to her people?

LIVE…What will you do now?
What do you believe about the plans God has for you? Do you believe He wants you to prosper?

Looking back on your life, what are some ways that God has prepared you to deal with possible future situations that might require courage?

Godly people understand the truth that God is in control of our circumstances and that he is committed to the best interests of His people. The book of Esther points to God’s providential (God as the power sustainer and guide of our human destiny) hand in protecting and preserving His people.

PRAY…God, What do You want me to know & do?
Dear God, thank you for the story of Queen Esther. Thank You for giving us examples of how You have been faithful to Your people and how we can draw courage from that. Help me to draw on Your strength and be courageous in the situations I face this week. Amen.

DAILY BIBLE READING COMMENTARY: Luke 5
Luke 5:4-11 Throughout the Bible, we read of stories where God asks His people to do things that seem unlikely to be successful through natural eyes. He tells Moses to raise his staff over the Red Sea to part the waters in order to escape the Egyptian army (see Exodus 14; He tells the Israelites to march around Jericho for seven days in order to make the walls of Jericho fall down so that they can overtake the city (see Joshua 6); Jesus tells the servants at the wedding at Cana to fill six stone water jars with water because they had run out of wine and Jesus turns the water into fine wine (see John 2). God is asking His people to have faith even when things look dismal in the natural world. Our God is powerful, with all of the resources of the universe at His disposal to use for the good of those who love Him.
Luke 5:12 “The term ‘leprosy’ was used broadly in the ancient world. It included psoriasis, lupus, and ringworm. Lepers were isolated from the rest of society (Leviticus 13:45, 46), but could be restored to the community when they recovered (Leviticus 14). Leprosy is no longer a threat today but a similar equivalent in our culture to such ostracism may be AIDS” (Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary 1259).