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Esther becomes queen

12/6/2014

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Esther 2:1-23 click here for the reading
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King Xerxes was enamored with Esther.  He loved her more than any other woman.  She was special to him.  Thus her uncle Mordecai became placed into the role of palace official.  It is not yet clear but things are quickly coming to a head when the King makes this decision.  when Esther is named as queen, and Mordecai promoted to palace official, the allegiance of these two faithful God followers will come into question.

Where is God at work in all of this?

If God was at work in chapter one though the inept leadership of the king, then certainly God is at work in the decision making here in chapter 2.  God has placed Esther as Queen for a particular reason (one already discussed in chapter 4).  Mordecai too, is placed in a position of power and powerlessness to bring about God's saving activity.

Have you ever felt like God was at work in the decision making of others? Ever felt like God was at work in the promotions you or others have received?

When I was promoted to be a restaurant manager (which ultimately brought me into a time of leaving the church), I recognize now that God was using me to spend times in the lives of people working side by side who never experienced God in their lives.  It also gave me an opportunity to feel far from God (Because I did) and brought new perspective on my relationship when I came back to the church.  This is far too simple an examination of these events but one I feel drawn to tell as part of how God has placed me into the position I now serve as pastor to a wide range of God's people.

Lord, bring wisdom into the decision making process of the people you promote in various ways so that your will be done, through your servants hands and feet.
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Kings and Queens

12/4/2014

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Esther 1:1-22 click here for the reading
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But queen Vashti refused to do as the king commanded.

The queens disobedience is one of consequence that would bring about Esther's (as queen) faithful risk taking to approach this same King, without invitation, to save her people.

The king responds to this disobedience by dismissing Vashti as queen (saving face for himself & his officials). This was the advice given him. This advice pleased the king. But what we shall learn from this book is that not all that pleases the king (& Haman) is wise or good.

One thing that stands out is that God will work through inept leadership of kings & officials to present an opportunity for God to act in saving ways thru the choosing of an unlikely queen.

Lord, for ways we might miss you at work,, open our eyes.

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Esther

12/3/2014

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Esther 4:1-17 click here for the reading


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"Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for such a time as this!" Esther 4:14

"For such a time as this!" Those words are familiar because faithful people have used them to describe times when it feels as though God has placed them in a particular situation, among particular people, for a particular purpose.

Esther, a powerful witness of faith, even as God is working in the background of this story, shares with us a very human aspect of not wanting responsibility to act on God's behalf.  Who me? Esther fits that very profile of a faithful person asking 'Who me?'

And really, What power does any one of us really have to make a difference?

Yet, at the urging of her uncle, Esther takes a stand that she is fears will elicit a wrathful reply. Esther was made Queen because the previous queen didn't know her role and was dismissed.  With courage, Esther takes a stand to defend her people.  Because "Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for such a time as this!"  This story is about God's timing versus our own timing.  As you make preparations for advent and Xmas, when does your timing and God's timing appear to oppose each other? When do they line up?
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