Hi.
Welcome to the fe2 Women’s Mentoring Network.
Welcome to the fe2 Women’s Mentoring Network.
Godʼs power and presence may seem to be subliminal or seemingly not palpable but God is always present. We will explore the truth of God and His character by looking at some excerpts from the book of Esther. The name of God is not mentioned in the book of Esther but God is clearly involved in the events and with the people He chooses to use in the deliverance of the Jews. God is a relational and an intentional God even when His name is neither mentioned nor acknowledged.
The setting of Esther is during the reign of King Xerxes of the Medo-Persian Empire after the Jews had been released from 70 years of captivity in Babylon. Esther and Mordecai were Jews who chose to remain in Persia. The queen had been deposed by the king when she refused to appear before him and others to display her beauty.
Esther 2:1-11, 17 Esther was one of many young women in a harem that was being prepared to appear before the king. Upon what basis was the next queen to be chosen? (See 2:4) What do we learn about Mordecai and Esther and how is Esther described? How did Mordecai know what was going on with Esther, verse 11? Read Daniel 2:21 and ponder how it was that Mordecai was accessible and that Esther found favor with the king.
Esther 2:20-23 What did Mordecai command Esther not to do? Why do you think Mordecai was able to sit at the kingʼs gate and have knowledge of the plot to kill the king? Read Romans 13:1 and describe where you see the sovereignty of God even when His name is not mentioned “...for such a time as this”?
Esther 3:1-6 Haman, an Agagite, became second in command and was angered that Mordecai, a Jew, would not bow down to him. Haman wanted to destroy Mordecai and all of the Jews scattered throughout the Persian Empire. His disdain for the Jews stemmed from their annihilation of Hamanʼs ancestors, the Amalekites. Ponder Godʼs authority and control of the rivalry and confrontation between Haman and Mordecai.
In Esther 4:11-17 Although Esther would risk her life to go uninvited before the king what did Mordecai suggest to Esther about her position, her significance and her opportunity to plead before the king for the deliverance of her people? Read Esther 7 and note how and through whom the sovereignty of God is demonstrated to preserve the Jews as God had promised to Abraham many years ago.
We have considered Godʼs sovereignty throughout the book of Esther regarding the Jews deliverance. Do you believe God would choose to use you to accomplish His purpose? Describe the possibility. One of Godʼs names is El Roi, a God who sees. Does God see, know and care about you and where you are? Explain your thoughts.
Although the book of Esther is a great storyline in the history of the Jews how does the sovereignty of God personally apply or relate to you in your current season of life? Do you feel like you have a “Haman” in your life that creates conflict, fear or to cause doubt that God sees and cares about you or could use you?
Acts 4:24 “...Sovereign, Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them”. Is God, Creator of all things, able to show you His love and purpose? According to Esther 4:16, Esther fasted for 3 days and requested all the Jews to do the same before she boldly went before the king. Although prayer is not mentioned in Esther have you considered fasting and praying as a means to prepare yourself? God is relational and desires our worship. How can you be intentional to share His love and encourage others as you fulfil Godʼs purpose “...for such a time as this”?