NEW SERIES BEGINS APRIL 29, 2018

God chooses to work through ordinary people. 

We live in a world of injustice. 

• Over twenty million people are victims of human trafficking. 
• One in nine people in the world suffer from chronic malnourishment. 
• Racism abounds on all fronts. 

We’ve seen great injustice played out on the world stage, but we also know injustice on a personal level. It’s easy to ask: “Where is God in the midst of the injustice I see?” 

We may even desire to do something about what we see, but other questions threaten to shut down our best intentions: “Who am I? What could I possibly do to make a difference?” 

The Book of Esther gives us insight into these questions. In a time of great injustice against their own Jewish people, Mordecai and Esther rose to the occasion and took a stand. It was potentially a costly stand, but it was the right one. As we look at their lives, we see a model for how we can live for Christ as we stand up for others. 

Perhaps you feel the tug on your heart toward the work of justice, but you don’t know how you can make a difference. This study will prepare us to first get on our knees in prayer, and then, trusting the hand of God, we can roll up our sleeves and get involved. The same God who worked through Mordecai and Esther is working in the world today, calling ordinary people to an extraordinary mission—His mission. 

Let’s discover how God is calling us to stand up and work for justice.

Stand Up: How to Fight Injustice 

1. Be Ready to Stand Esther 2:5-10,15-17 
2. Stand with Conviction Esther 2:21–3:6 
3. Stand Down Esther 4:1-3,10-16 
4. Stand with Humility Esther 5:1-14 
5. Stand Up and Speak Esther 7:1-10 
6. Keep Standing Esther 8:1-8; 9:20-22

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE 

History often turns on seemingly small events. 

• What if Richard Nixon had listened to advisors and rested before his televised debate with John Kennedy in 1960? 

• What if Gerald Ford had not accidentally misstated his response to a foreign policy question in his final debate with Jimmy Carter in 1976? 

Our lives also often turn on seemingly small events. A lot of people chalk up these moments to “coincidence,” but could it be more than that? Christians often can look back at certain moments in their lives and see that, although they may not have been aware of it at the time, God had His hand on them and their circumstances. 

Esther could attest to that. Esther was a young Jewish girl in a strange land, and God was at work in her life, putting her in the right place at the right time. She may not have been aware of it at the time, but God was working behind the scenes to put her in a place of power and significance.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? 

Esther 2:5-7 

5 In the fortress of Susa, there was a Jewish man named Mordecai son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite. 6 He had been taken into exile from Jerusalem with the other captives when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took King Jeconiah of Judah into exile. 7 Mordecai was the legal guardian of his cousin Hadassah (that is, Esther), because she had no father or mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was extremely good-looking. When her father and mother died, Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. 

Esther was a Jewish girl who had been adopted by her cousin Mordecai. Living in a strange land under a despot, King Ahasuerus, she was forced to participate in the king’s unseemly beauty pageant. She had few choices and few options. Yet, as her story unfolds, we witness her dramatic rise to power. 

How did a Jewish girl end up in this foreign place? In 586 BC, the Babylonians had conquered Jerusalem, just as the prophets had predicted. God was fulfilling His promised judgment on the rebellious nation of Judah. Then, in 539, the Persians defeated the Babylonians and allowed the Jewish exiles to return home. (See Ezra 1:1-4.) Many Jewish exiles made the return trip, but others like Mordecai and Esther chose to stay in Persia. 

Before we go any further with the events in Esther’s and Mordecai’s lives, note that God was active in what was happening. For some, that statement may seem surprising because, unlike any other Bible book, nothing about God is mentioned in the Book of Esther. Neither His law nor His covenant is mentioned—not even His name! However, the lack of any theological language does not mean God was distant or inactive. God was working to keep His promises to save His people and He was using the unlikeliest of people in the process. 

What about Esther’s circumstances 

catches your attention?

So, as we move through the Book of Esther and see the challenges both Esther and Mordecai faced, we’ll be reminded that while it is easy to believe God in the abstract, it can be far more difficult to see His hand in the struggles of life. But God has placed each of us where we are in this moment in history to speak up and speak out, to spread the good news of His deliverance, and to stand for Him wherever possible.

Esther 2:8-10 

8 When the king’s command and edict became public knowledge and when many young women were gathered at the fortress of Susa under Hegai’s supervision, Esther was taken to the palace, into the supervision of Hegai, keeper of the women. 9 The young woman pleased him and gained his favor so that he accelerated the process of the beauty treatments and the special diet that she received. He assigned seven hand-picked female servants to her from the palace and transferred her and her servants to the harem’s best quarters.10 Esther did not reveal her ethnicity or her family background, because Mordecai had ordered her not to make them known. 

The Book of Esther begins with the account of Queen Vashti’s treatment of the king and her subsequent loss of position. (See 1:1-22.) But now the king was without a queen, and he set out to change that by choosing from a large number of eligible young women. Hundreds of women were uprooted from their families and communities to live in relative isolation in the king’s harem—and that included Esther. 

When have you found yourself 

completely outside your comfort zone?

Esther gained the favor of Hegai, the overseer of the king’s harem. Out of hundreds of young women, why did Esther get noticed? Verse 7 tells us she was physically attractive, but surely other aspects of her character also caused Hegai to be pleased with her. 

Let’s not overlook the “silent” hand of God at work. The whole theme of Esther is the invisible hand of God in using flawed men and women at just the right moment to save His people. It was God who endowed Esther with her attractive character and physical traits, and it was God who allowed Esther to gain extraordinary favor in that moment for purposes she didn’t yet fully understand. 

Have you ever found yourself in a place you didn’t expect to be? It happens to all of us in one way or another. 

• A job transfer to another state. 

• A “surprise” pregnancy and birth of child number three. 

• A middle school Bible study group has a new leader—you. 

We’ve all been there, but we shouldn’t see these simply as unexpected circumstances; these are unexpected opportunities! Nothing that happens in life is a surprise to God. We can either be caught off guard by new challenges, or we can see them as God’s divine appointments—opportunities He has given us. At first, we may not know where this new “adventure” will lead, but we certainly can trust the One who is with us the whole time. 

When we seek to please God—no matter where we find ourselves— He will open doors we could never imagine. The opportunity is there to honor Him in our circumstances and do great things for Him. 

Esther 2:15-17 

15 Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai who had adopted her as his own daughter. When her turn came to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s eunuch, keeper of the women, suggested. Esther gained favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her. 16 She was taken to King Ahasuerus in the palace in the tenth month, the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 17 The king loved Esther more than all the other women. She won more favor and approval from him than did any of the other virgins. He placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. 

How do we navigate the tension between 

the messiness of Esther’s story thus far and God’s sovereign plan? 

Where has God positioned you 

right now to be a person of influence?

Four years transpired between the time Ahasuerus dethroned Vashti and he made Esther his new queen. During a portion of that time, hundreds of women waited with uncertainty. When will my turn come? Will I please the king? Will I become the queen? Esther perhaps felt that same uncertainty, moving along the track from an orphaned Jewish slave to participant in Ahasuerus’s harem to queen of Persia. Yet, of all the young women in Persia, Esther was perhaps the least likely to end up in the palace. She was Jewish with no family name or connections that might propel her to power. And yet she was now the queen—placed in a position of influence and given the resources to serve God’s people in ways she was not yet aware. God was at work, moving to fulfill His many promises to preserve His people. 

God even works in less than ideal situations. We can’t deny that King Ahasuerus used sinful practices in seeking a new queen. Esther participated in a process that didn’t honor God’s design for sexuality and marriage. It is important to remember that the Bible records many historical events while not endorsing the obvious sinful behavior in those events. Yet, God always works—even in a fallen, sinful world. 

Esther surely didn’t realize its full impact, but God was behind her story, putting her in a place of influence. Her position would not just benefit her; it would benefit her own people, the Jews. And ultimately, we would all benefit, for Jesus’ family linage came from the very people she helped to save. 

LIVE IT OUT

God is at work—even behind the scenes. What will you do with that truth? Choose one of the following applications. 

• Look back. Reflect on your walk with Christ. What events has God used in your past to bring you to Him—or bring you closer to Him? Consider those events that may have even seemed minor or inconsequential at the time. Thank God for His faithful work in your life. 

• Make a list. List the gifts, skills, or attributes God has given you. Ask God to show you how you can use those to honor Him, even in unfavorable situations. 

• Encourage others. You may know someone facing circumstances beyond his or her control. Offer your support and encouragement. Help the person see that God is present—and He is at work even if it is not yet evident. 

Your personal history is no doubt filled with many forks in the road where things could have been otherwise. But it’s good to know that we have a God who works things out for our good—and His glory!

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Teacher's Notes

Video: Esther 

Have you ever found yourself in a place you didn’t expect to be? 

It happens to all of us in one way or another. A job transfer to another state. A “surprise” pregnancy and birth of child number three. A middle school Bible study group has a new leader—you. We’ve all been there, but we shouldn’t see these simply as unexpected circumstances; these are unexpected opportunities! Nothing that happens in life is a surprise to God. We can either be caught off guard by new challenges, or we can see them as God’s divine appointments—opportunities He has given us. At first, we may not know where this new “adventure” will lead, but we certainly can trust the One who is with us the whole time. When we seek to please God—no matter where we find ourselves— He will open doors we could never imagine. The opportunity is there to honor Him in our circumstances and do great things for Him. 

Coincidence  -  Chance Encounter  -  Providence

Providence means foresight or to see the affairs of life before they happen. While humans have limited vision, God, on the other hand, foresees all things and can act because of that foreknowledge. Here are a few ways to think of God’s providence. 

• God’s hand is in the glove of human events. 
• God is the coach on the sidelines calling the plays. 
• God is the unseen rudder on the ship of human affairs. 
• God is the pilot of the boat guiding it safely through the shoal.

Our lives also often turn on seemingly small events. A lot of people chalk up these moments to “coincidence,” but could it be more than that? Christians often can look back at certain moments in their lives and see that, although they may not have been aware of it at the time, God had His hand on them and their circumstances. 

I. Esther 2:5-7 

5 In the fortress of Susa, there was a Jewish man named Mordecai son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite. 6 He had been taken into exile from Jerusalem with the other captives when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took King Jeconiah of Judah into exile. 7 Mordecai was the legal guardian of his cousin Hadassah (that is, Esther), because she had no father or mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was extremely good-looking. When her father and mother died, Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. 

How did a Jewish girl end up in this foreign place? 

In 586 BC, the Babylonians had conquered Jerusalem, just as the prophets had predicted. God was fulfilling His promised judgment on the rebellious nation of Judah. Then, in 539, the Persians defeated the Babylonians and allowed the Jewish exiles to return home. (See Ezra 1:1-4.) Many Jewish exiles made the return trip, but others like Mordecai and Esther chose to stay in Persia.

Chance encounters. History is full of them. And so is your life.

• Ever made a left turn when you should’ve gone right?
• Ever knocked on the wrong door?
• Ever stood in a long line only to discover 30 minutes later you were in the wrong line?

We don’t usually see these as life-changing encounters. But they could be. We may miss them for what they could be because we’re too busy complaining that we took a wrong turn … knocked on the wrong door … stood in the wrong line. I’m not saying that every mistake or wrong turn is divinely ordained by God. But since you’re there, look around. God may want to use you in that situation.

• Does He want to teach you something in the place you find yourself?
• Does He want you to talk to, pray with, or encourage someone you encounter?
• Does He want you to help or serve someone else?

Maybe. Maybe not. Just don’t assume your mistake is just that: a mistake. That mistake could be an opportunity.

Esther was a young Jewish woman in the Persian city of Susa. It was not her choice, but she was taken by force into the king’s harem. She was an unwilling participant in a royal beauty contest. It’s not where she wanted to be, but God used her in those circumstances. As I read the Book of Esther, it is clear to me that God was at work behind the scenes.

When have you been able to recognize God at work in your own background?

 

Point: Recognize that God is at work even in tumultuous circumstances.

• Even God’s people face life situations that are difficult and undesirable.
• Even when we have doubts or concerns, we may be sure God is at work in tumultuous times.
• God does not always work overtly to accomplish His plans.
• God can work through unlikely people and events to achieve His purpose for His people and bring glory to Himself.

II. Esther 2:8-10 

8 When the king’s command and edict became public knowledge and when many young women were gathered at the fortress of Susa under Hegai’s supervision, Esther was taken to the palace, into the supervision of Hegai, keeper of the women. 9 The young woman pleased him and gained his favor so that he accelerated the process of the beauty treatments and the special diet that she received. He assigned seven hand-picked female servants to her from the palace and transferred her and her servants to the harem’s best quarters.10 Esther did not reveal her ethnicity or her family background, because Mordecai had ordered her not to make them known. 

What’s your typical response to new or unexpected situations?

Do unexpected situations drive you closer to God or further from Him? Explain.

Point: Take advantage of new opportunities.

• Sometimes life’s circumstances place us in positions we would have preferred to avoid. 
• While we may not be in control of our circumstances, we can control how we respond to them.
• Acting kindly to people even in dark circumstances has potential to open new opportunities and increase our influence with others.

III. Esther 2:15-17 

15 Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai who had adopted her as his own daughter. When her turn came to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s eunuch, keeper of the women, suggested. Esther gained favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her. 16 She was taken to King Ahasuerus in the palace in the tenth month, the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 17 The king loved Esther more than all the other women. She won more favor and approval from him than did any of the other virgins. He placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. 

How do we navigate the tension between the messiness of Esther’s story thus far and God’s sovereign plan?

When have you seen God work “behind the scenes” in someone’s life?

Point: Step boldly into new roles and look for opportunities to further God’s kingdom.

• God can use the ungodly to accomplish His purpose.
• Even an unknown person from an unimportant people can be used of God to make life better for others.
• Quiet submission can lead to admiration and support from others.
• Our lives are in God’s hands in ways not immediately clear to us.

So, whether you end up in an unexpected place by accident or by force, let God use you. The following verse pops into my head every morning when I first wake up. Seriously. Every morning. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps. 118:24). The truth of that verse really sets my mood. But let me modify it. “This is the moment the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” See those wrong turns and “chance encounters” with a random person as opportunities. Seize the moment.

The Book of Esther records a slice of life out of the exile period of the Jews that illustrates God’s providence. God used Esther at a crucial moment in Israel’s history. Other characters are in this story as well. Let’s take a look at their role in this compelling drama, showing how God’s providence worked.

1. Vashti, The Former Queen

Vashti only has a single reference in this text, but she set into motion the events in this story. During a drunken party, Vashti, King Ahasuerus’ queen, refused to entertain him and his guests. The king was infuriated. After consulting with his officials, she was banished from his presence. Hers was a bold and daring move. Her life was on the line. The king could have easily had her killed for her disobedience and disloyalty. She demonstrated remarkable courage. Perhaps she got tired of being treated as an object of desire.

2. Ahasuerus, The Ruling King

Because of Vashti’s action, King Ahasuerus now sought a new queen. Ahasuerus, known in secular history as Xerxes I, ruled the Persian Empire from 486-465 BC. He was one of the greatest kings of the ancient world, and his palace in Susa covered two and one-half acres. His father was Darius I. His grandfather was Cyrus. He came from an illustrious background. He inherited an extensive empire, “from India to Ethiopia” (1:1) but did not expand its borders during his reign despite repeated attempts. He was easily manipulated and influenced by others, and prone to fits of rage. He, like a lot of leaders today, got to the top and was ill-equipped for the job, though he enjoyed the perks. He desired a new queen, and, as was the custom, a “beauty contest” would be held to discover the virgin that would become his new queen.

3. Mordecai, The Foster Father

Mordecai, a Jewish man with a Persian name, descended from leading citizens of Jerusalem, perhaps from nobility. Upon the deaths of her parents, he raised Esther like his daughter. Though she was his cousin, Mordecai took on the responsibility for her as her foster father. He was doting on and protective of Esther. Unlike Daniel who distinguished himself from the Babylonians and the Persians by keeping Mosaic law, not Mordecai. Mordecai encouraged Esther to cooperate with the king, becoming a part of his harem with the hope of standing out so she would be chosen as queen. 

Was this his desire alone or part of God’s providence? 

His encouragement of Esther to pursue this relationship with the king is a bit troubling. It meant that she would disobey God’s laws. God had told his people not to intermarry with the heathen. If she did not win the beauty contest, she would be forced to become a concubine. She would be exposed to a terrible life, but Mordecai was willing to take that risk. 

Where are his convictions? His faith? His obedience?

4. Hegai, The Harem Keeper

Hegai was in charge of Ahasuerus’ harem. His job was to see that the women were most beautiful for the king. He made sure that were fed, bathed, clothed, and most attractive when the king came calling. The king evidently had sexual relations with a different virgin every night whenever he pleased. In addition to keeping the women beautiful, Hegai watched the girls closely to make sure they did not have some disease that would infect the king. At this moment in time, Hegai was overseeing the virgins for a beauty contest. He pampered and indulged the girls so that one would become a woman of greater physical beauty than the rest. Jewelry, clothing, perfumes, cosmetics, whatever she wished, from coiffure to pedicure, were hers. The only thing on everyone's mind was to win this contest—to please the king and gain his favor. Hegai played a crucial role in this process. Hegai's job reminds me of the oft-quoted statement: "It’s a rough job, but someone's got to do it.” Of all the girls he cared for, Esther charmed him the most. As a result, he granted her favor and special treatment. His reaction to her may give a clue to Esther’s beauty inside and out.

5. Esther, The Beauty Queen

Esther's Jewish name was "Hadassah" which means myrtle, a beautiful fragrant tree. The Jews still sometimes carry myrtle branches, which signify peace and thanksgiving, in procession during the Feast of Tabernacles. Her Persian name Esther means “star.” It derives from the same root as “Ishtar,” the Babylonian goddess of love. The “star” in view was Venus, which was considered to be a symbol of beauty and good fortune. Esther’s Persian name enabled her to keep secret her Jewish identity. Esther embodied her name. Esther had natural beauty and charm that required no unique adornments to make her more attractive. She was a “head turner,” a perfect “10.” Jewish tradition says that she was one of the four most beautiful women in history along with Sarah, Rahab, and Abigail. The Jewish historian, Josephus maintained that Esther “surpassed all women in beauty” in the entire habitable world. Esther got noticed because of her beauty, her personality, and her character. Though in her story it becomes apparent that she does not try to glorify herself because she trusted God to work out His will for her.

6. God, The Hiding Deity

A unique feature of Esther’s book is that God is not mentioned. It’s almost as if He is hiding behind the scenes. He’s acting with foresight. God was involved in this historical event. As the story develops, God worked behind the scenes to put Esther in a place of power and significance. In His providence, He was working to keep His promises to save His people. This story reminds us that God works best in less than ideal situations. The invisible hand of God used flawed men and women at the right moment to save His people.

7. You, The Other Character

Which reminds us that we are flawed, but God works in our lives to accomplish His purpose. And, just because He is silent does not mean He is not active. Wherever you find yourself may be the right place God wants you. Will you stand for Him?

Hope to see you on Sunday! 

In His Love, 

David & Susan