Esther 2, 3, & 4

In Chapter 2, we are not only introduced to Esther, but also to her cousin Mordecai who raised her.  We see how Mordecai advises and tries to watch over Esther; but, we also see Esther's obedience and humility.   God's Hand at work is evident in causing Esther to be able to win "the favor of everyone who saw her", even the King.   And so, it was God who enabled an orphaned Jew in exile to become the Queen of Persia.

We further see God's Hand at work in the last part of the chapter where Mordecai is able to overhear and stop a plot against the King.  His name being recorded in the annals will be used by God later, at just the right time.

This passage shows that some of the ways God can work in our lives is that:

• He can sometimes use someone we may consider unlikely
• He can use our godly characteristic, like obedience and humility, for His purposes
• Be ready for the possibility of God changing our lives drastically, even in situations we may not want to be in 
• We should always strive to do what is right, even if it involves "enemies" in power, and even if we are not "rewarded" for it right away

30-Jun:  Then in Chapter 3, we are introduced to Haman.  We are told that he is an Agagite, a descendent of Agag the Amelekite.  King Saul lost his crown because he didn't destroy all the Amalekites, and Samuel had to be the one to kill Agag.  And during Moses's time, God waged war against the Amalekites because they attacked the Israelites right after they left Egypt.   It is interesting that here in the Book of Esther, the conflict continues between the relative of King Saul, Mordecai and the relative of Agag, Haman; when Mordecai refuses to bow down and give honor to Haman.  And instead of just taking out his anger on Moredecai, Haman decides to destroy, kill, and annihilate the Jews, and he deceived the King into agreeing to issue the decree for the destruction of the Jews.  The fact that the people of Susa were "bewildered" shows that the King should have been less oblivious to the horrific edict.

In this passage, it may be a little more difficult to see God's Hand at work.  Yet, it is God who gave Mordecai strength to stand firm in not bowing to Haman.  And even though it may seem that things turned out badly at this time not only for Mordecai but also for all the Jews, yet, God still has a plan.   It is a reminder to trust God and to continue to do what is right, even when circumstances may cause us to doubt.

5-Jul:  Chapter 4 begins with Mordecai and the Jewish people mourning, fasting, weeping, wailing, and in sackcloth and ashes.  In the isolation and shelter of the palace, Esther does not know of the decree to annihilate the Jews; but, Mordecai informs her with details and facts, and then urges her to go to the King to plead for her people.  Esther's challenge is that no one is allowed to enter the King's presence without being summoned, and she hasn't been asked to see the king for a month.

Yet, Mordecai gives the following advice and cousel:

• Don't think this won't affect you, just because you are Queen
• If you don't do it, God will use someone else to Deliver His People
• This may be God's calling and purpose for you being Queen

The "for such a time as this" verse (4:14b) may be the most well-known and often reference verse in the Book; and in response to the sound advice from Mordecai, we see that Esther gains resolve and is willing to risk even her life in order to try to be the one God uses to save His People.

The advice Mordecai gave to Esther can apply to us as well - it is best that we be ready for opportunities for God to use us.  In preparing for this study, one of my Study Bibles had this insight and encouraged me to pray for it in my life, "to do a new work in [me] today, to lift [my] sights above the expected, to develop in [me] the qualities that make for excellence."

In this passage, we see God's handiwork in calling Esther to help deliver His People in "such a time as this".  Each person had a part in God's Plan - Esther, Mordecai, even the eunuch who helped deliver the  messages.  It just shows us to we should seek to be used by God in whatever position we are.  And, it is a blessing that God, unlike King Xerxes, is a King that allows us to enter into His Presence always.