Discussion #12 ~ Esther 5

1. What title would you give to Esther 5:1-8?

2. What title would you give to Esther 5:9-14

3. With the tension and fear from chapter4, 5:2 seems to happen quickly. Obviously, Esther was not solely focused on whether or not the King extended the sceptor to her. 5:5 shows us that she already had a plan in place. Note the verb connected with the banquet. What is it and what does it imply? There is also one adverb in the verse that shows time. What is it? (Don't read the next sentence yet!)

If Haman is quickly brought and the banquet was already prepared (completed action), then Esther has already acted in faith that God would hear their prayers and help. Amazing! As a human we don't know for certain how God will act on our behalf in each situation, but we can trust in His character and make our best decisions.

4. Esther plans to go face-to-face with her adversary in the presence of the King. Haman and the King are both invited to her banquet, but she acts confidently. Since we do not have the name of God mentioned in the book of Esther, what evidence can we find in the text that shows us the source of her confidence?


5. One day, we will stand before King Jesus. And our adversary, the Devil, has acted as our accuser (Job 1:8-12; Luke 22:31-34). We may or may not be face to face with him, but his accusations against us may be true, in that we are sinners. What confidence can you have to stand before King Jesus? Cite from the Bible in support of your answer.

6. Write down as many obervations as you can about Haman's character in 5:9-14.

7. Can you relate to any of his sins? How is it a contradiction to God's desired character for us as Christians? Do you have one Bible verse to help show this?

8. Any silly or serious personal story in mind (that you/I would be willing to share) that is a modern day example from our own life?

A Broken Heart (Ezra 1 & Psalm 126)

One night a couple weeks ago as I was praying, I began to remember my life as a kid. I had this specific instance where I was randomly using Jesus' name in vain and yelling it like it was a dirty word. I wasn't even angry, just playing at the lake. My aunt took me aside and gently explained that that wasn't a name to be used that way. 

As I lay there remembering my childhood, the Lord came close to my heart. I saw myself living, playing, being alive - completely content with life. . . and having absolutely no knowledge of Him. I began crying because there was a time in my life that I didn't know Him. And I had no desire for him. No pursuit of him in my mind. I was a lost sheep. 

Later I was talking to Ann (the woman I live with). In staff prayer they had been asking God to have broken hearts for the lost, and she gave me some verses they had been looking at.

Ezra 1:1-5  Cyrus was king before Ahasuerus. Actually Cyrus was the king who triumphed over Babylon. He brought about the official end of the Babylonian captivity of Israel and the beginning of the Persian empire. As you can see in the text, he opened the door for people to return and rebuild the Temple. Zarubbabel brought the first group of Israelites back, and then Ezra the second (book of Ezra). Then Nehemiah later returns and rebuilds the protective walls of the city (book of Nehemiah). 

God had prophesied 70 years of captivity for Israel. And then indicated that only a remnant would return to Jerusalem. A remnant!!! Only a small portion of those who were scattered would give up their lives in the world to return and worship at the place God chose to make a name for Himself in the old covenant - the Temple in the city of Jerusalem.

Psalm 126 is a song thanking God for the return from captivity. It pictures the remnant celebrating - like it was a dream for such a blessed thing to occur after being in exile. The end talks about sowing in tears and reaping in joy. Ezra and the remnant sowed in tears -- because not everyone returned to restore the precious Temple. They had to face the destroyed city with only a few of them present. Yet they would sow and build. . . and hope for the continued promise of God.

Please do look at some other sources for the interpretation of Psalm 126. I wasn't there to hear the staff teaching. I spent my time this weekend on Ezra. 

Esther is in Susa with Mordecai after Cyrus' initial invitation for the Jews to return to Jerusalem. Some people say this is disobedience. I honestly am not drawing conclusions at this time. What I do see, though, is that their presence in Susa is what aggravated Haman's evil hatred of the Jews, but what also enabled a great deliverance. 

Sowing in tears for the lost. Sowing in tears for the amazing God and Lord that they are missing out on. That's where my heart was that night as I remembered being lost. I was without Him. 

We've got a life full of ministry ahead of us, sister. I'm so grateful that you are faithful to Him. The face of Germany will be changed as the Lord uses you. It may feel like a remnant is there with you, but you will reap in joy!