The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Esther

  • Stand and Learn to Trust

    “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”
    Proverbs 29:25

    Esther is an amazing book in the Bible. One cannot read the name of God in the book (except in hidden places). Yet, God moves in unobvious ways in the affairs of men to bring about the salvation of His people. As you read the events, one can recognize a few noticeable things.

    Mordecai is the cousin of the young woman who became the Persian King Ahasuerus’s queen. Her name was Esther. Mordecai had raised her after her parents died. Mordecai had not revealed that he was a Jew in Shushan, and had told Esther not to reveal that she was a Jew. However, there was a day when Mordecai was told he must bow to Haman, the enemy of the Jews (see Esther 3:10). “Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew” (Esther 3:4). It was then that Mordecai chose to stand. He would not bow to Haman, the enemy of God’s people.

    Shortly after this, Haman lied to the king about the Jewish people and convinced him to make a law to kill all of the Jewish people. When Mordecai heard, he cried and fasted. When Queen Esther heard of Mordecai’s condition, she sent clothes asking why he was crying and fasting. He sent a copy of the law to Queen Esther. He told her she needed to go to the king and ask for the lives of her people, the Jews. Esther understood the Persian law – if she went to the king without first being called, he could have her put to death. Mordecai encouraged her that she could not keep her peace at this time saying, “… and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b). What was Esther’s reply to Mordecai? “… And so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16b). Esther then fasted for three days (most likely asking for God’s wisdom and mercy).  

    For those who have read the events, you know that Esther went to the king and he did not kill her. Esther risked her life, willing to die, and was able to save her people from death. Reading the timing of the events that took place, one cannot help but recognize God moving in the events of these people at this time and place in history, bringing about the salvation of his people from certain death.

    What does this have to do with a Christian who lives in the world today?

    There is a point in each Christian’s life that they must stand. They are to stand for the Lord and His people, against the enemy of God’s people. “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Christians are to watch, stand fast in the faith, and be strong. How is a Christian to stand for Biblical principles? “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5). It is then that we are to remember some amazing things.

    In each of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), Jesus said some very important things that we should recognize and implement into our lives.

    • “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:25).
    • “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it” (Mark 8:35).
    • “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it” (Luke 9:24).
    • “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal” (John 12:25).

    What is a Christian to do with this information? Recognize the following: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). A Christian’s life is no longer their own, it belongs to Christ who died for that life.

    Christians are not to live in fear of man, but place their trust in the Lord. “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25). Esther trusted God, and she was able to save her people.

    Have you learned to stand, not saving your own life, but losing your life for Jesus’ sake?

  • Lesson 6: Twelve Historical Books: Joshua – Esther

    Key Verse

    “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent…”  Revelation 3:3a

     Can you remember anything about what we have been studying so far?  The whole point of this study is to help us to remember the events in the Bible.  Remember is the key word.  If we don’t remember and hold fast to what we learn from God’s Word, we will never grow in Christ.  The more we learn about God’s Word, the more we want to be like Him.

    In this lesson we will generally overview the 12 Historical Books.  We have already discussed the importance of learning the history in the Bible.  By learning it, we begin to understand the significance of why things happened.  God had a plan.  It is hard to understand unless you learn the Old Testament history.  While it was happening, men didn’t fully understand what that plan was, but through faith they believed.  The more we learn about the Bible, the more pieces of the puzzle we can fit together.  Each piece helps us become better students of God’s Words, helping us become better Christians.

    This study ends the time frame of the Old Testament.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 6 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet

    Lesson 6 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

    Ideas for children:

    In any lesson, you may want to work on your coloring timeline – especially when it relates to the lesson.

    Display the poster of the books of the Old Testament (may be downloaded from lesson 4 blog).  Review the books of History (showing them on the poster).

    Reemphasize the importance of remembering this history we are studying (have them recall a few events you discussed).  You may have them draw a picture of their favorite story from the History.  Obviously all of the history is too much to grasp all at once.  These first few lessons are only to whet one’s appetite to want to learn more about God’s Word.  For now, we want to focus on the basics of the order of the Bible and understanding how it fits together. Review the 3×5 cards if you made them, practicing the divisions.  Focus on putting the books of History in order for today’s lesson.

    Or, make a crown by adding peel and stick jewels to crown; staple to fit each child’s head (remind them that the people rejected God at this time and wanted a king like the nations around).  Also you could find a coloring sheet of one of the events you discussed.

    Mural Idea for today:

    Today, have them remember a specific time they disobeyed God’s commands.  Was there any punishment?  Did they recognize the break in fellowship with God?  Ask:  What happened when the Israelites disobeyed and turned from God?  (They were taken from their land.)

    Have them make a “Wanted” poster:  “Wanted, someone who will commit to obey God’s commands.”  Have them include some qualities desired, i.e.:  honesty, kindness, loving, forgiving, committed to God and His Word, faithful in attendance to church, read their Bible faithfully, pray faithfully, tell others about Jesus … Give them a couple of examples if they have trouble.  Encourage them to come up with some of their own.

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