Description
Esther, along with the Old Testament books Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, and Ecclesiastes, are five scrolls that are read on various Jewish holidays. Esther provides us with the history of the Jewish holiday Purim, or "lots," named because Haman, an evil ruler, cast lots to determine the day of the Jews' annihilation. Esther is the Jewish heroine who, along with her adoptive father, Mordecai, reversed Haman's plan by influencing the king of the Persian Empire, Xerxes. Esther also has a lot to teach us about how to find and fulfill our life's mission.
Study One
We Flounder Without a Mission
We need to live for more than entertaining ourselves.
Esther 1
Esther provides us with the history of the Jewish holiday Purim, or "lots," named because Haman, an evil ruler, cast lots to determine the day of the Jews' annihilation. Esther is the Jewish heroine who, along with Mordecai, reversed Haman's plan by influencing the King of the Persian Empire, Xerxes.
Study Two
We Are Tempted to Settle for a Shadow Mission
Unless we face the shallowness of our shadow mission, we'll never move beyond it.
Esther 2-3
Even Esther is tempted to settle for her shadow mission—winning the title of queen. But Mordecai won't let her get stuck there.
Study Three
We Need Courage to Fulfill Our Mission
Any mission we are given will include obstacles to overcome.
Esther 4-8
Esther realizes that the fate of a whole nation, the dream of the people of God, is in her hands. She understands that she has not been brought to this point in her life for the sake of accumulating an exquisite wardrobe, precious gems, and exotic fragrances. She's part of what God is doing on this earth, part of God's plan to redeem the world.
Study Four
With Jesus, We Can Fulfill Our Mission
Jesus also faced a shadow mission and realize show tough it is for us.
Esther 9-10
Esther was victorious. Now, it's our day. It's your day. You may not know why, but you have been blessed with what you have been given and you are where you are for a reason. In our own strength, we'll always give in to our shadow mission. But with Jesus we can fulfill our mission.
Total number of pages—34
This Study Through the Bible Course is based on www.PreachingToday.com sermons by W. Frank Harrington, Lee Eclov, and Lee Strobel.