Bible Chapter: Esther 1 & 2

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    This book shows the fact that God really knows what He is doing.  He knows what the future holds and can set in motion the necessary actions to make His plan come in to being.  While many of the details of the book are not how I would have worked things out, God knew how to direct even heathen people to save His chosen people.  The setting of the book is in the midst of the Jews being in exile.  Some have already returned to their homeland.  God used Esther to preserve the people in exile and fulfill His ultimate plan for the salvation of the world.  Because of her disobedience to King Ahasuerus, Queen Vashti was removed from her position.  Through a long process, Esther was made the queen.
    Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, raised her when she became an orphan.  He guided her through the process of becoming queen.  He also learned of a plot to kill the king and let the king know.  This saved the life of the king and would become an important part of the story in later chapters.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Trust God and don’t worry about knowing all the details.  Much of this story is foundation for the important things that will happen later.  God put Esther and Mordecai in the right place at the right time to accomplish His purpose.  Learning to trust and obey God is a critical part of growing up in life.  I want to be able to trust God all through life, even when I don’t see the whole picture.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Learn to trust God.  Learn that He really knows what He is doing.  This short book of Esther is a good example of that.