Am I encouraged to know God uses ordinary, imperfect people for His perfect work?
Week 2 DAY 6
Today
As we come to the end of our journey in Esther, wrapping it all up –
My heart for you all is that you have seen this book in a brand new light.
That this deep discovery has indeed given you the instruction, encouragement, and hope that I talked about when we started on this ride. As you move forward in your daily lives I am praying to see and understand that God is Sovereign and in Control, will give you courage and power, and bring a change to your lives.
We will:
- LOOK at Esther Chapter 10.
- LEARN ‘how‘ to incorporate GODcha’s tools along the way.
- LISTEN to God speak to us as we focus on GODcha’s LEARN/LIVE question –
Today, we will finish Chapter 10!
Then Wrap it ALL Up!
- Summarize the entire Book of Esther.
- LIVE it out! Apply it to our lives.
Open GODcha to the Book of Esther
You Can Open GODcha and GODchats together
NOTE:
If you don’t have GODcha Get It>
Or, use your hardbound Bibles and follow along.
You can print off this week’s posts and put them in a notebook!
Do you remember. . .
Why Was Esther Written? 
To Find the Purpose of Esther
Scan the Overview in GODcha to refresh your memory!
Let’s Begin With Prayer
And Continue With an Attitude of Prayer
Perhaps. . .
Oh Lord, thank you for this wonderful book of Esther. Thank you for helping us learn how to LOOK at your Word and hear You speak to us. One last time on this journey we do ask that You gather our thoughts today, and help us to focus on You and what You are saying. We are ready to learn, hungry to hear, and ready to respond to You. Thank you!
If you get STUCK at any point in your discovery, stop, and pray!
GOD, your Creator, loves you and desires to reveal much to you.
Context
Context Tutorial >
We left off with the Jews in Susa and the rural towns celebrating their salvation from their enemies.
Mordecai and Esther, established the days of Purim to remember the Jew’s victory over their enemies.
And Mordecai spoke words of peace and truth.
As we come to the end of our journey, let’s not miss how God ends this drama.
LOOK
At Verse 1-3
READ Esther 10:1-3 asking the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions.
Remember to:
Reflect on the events that demonstrate God’s hidden hand.
What’s Key?
The king is Key.
And so is Mordecai.
READ Esther 10:1
What does the king do?
What does tribute mean?
TRIBUTE, mas or smi, mis, mees; a burden, i.e. a tax in the form of forced labor or service, tribute. It refers to labor forced on someone or service demanded, usually by the state (Gen. 49:15; Deut. 20:11; 1 Kgs. 5:14[28]; Isa. 31:8); usually overseen by a foreman or task-master (Ex. 1:11; 1 Kgs. 4:6, 12:18).
THINK and REASON
Had the king changed? Did he get saved?
The Jews are in Persia celebrating. They are alive! They didn’t die.
And life goes on!
So the king, the same pagan king, the one who is all about his glory, drinking, women, and sex, still rules, and he taxes the people. Taxes didn’t go down, they went up.
But
READ Esther 10:2-3.
The Jews did have Mordecai.
What was written in the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? Why?
Do you remember LOOKING at the greatness of Mordecai in Chapter 9? If not go back and do a quick review.
What is God showing us about being 2nd to the king?
Who else has a similar story?
Gen 41:37-45
Dan 2:46-49; 5:29
Dan 6:28
LISTEN to the Spirit
Do I have an unbelieving boss? How is God using me?
What can I learn from Mordecai?
Why does Mordecai have the favor of the people?
What do you learn about ‘seeking the good of his people‘?
Pro 3:27
1Co 10:24
Phil 2:4
LISTEN to the Spirit
What is my concern in the place God has me? What am I seeking after?
Am I seeking my own good? Or the good of others?
What do you understand about ‘speaking for the welfare of the whole nation’?
Jer 29:7, 11
LISTEN to the Spirit
What am I doing for the welfare (the peace) of my nation? My city? My community?
THINK and REASON
When someone speaks peace and truth, seeks the good of the people and the welfare of the nation like Mordecai did, what is the result?
THINK and REASON a bit more.
How does Mordecai lead in comparison to the king?
Consider our leaders today. Reflect on those who lead from a forceful hand of fear and control versus those who lead from a loving hand of care and compassion.
LISTEN to the Spirit
We all are leading someone, how do I lead?
Am I like this king? Or like Mordecai?
What Did You LEARN 
Check out GODcha’s #14 LEARN Question(s).
#14. Ch 10, How does this story of Mordecai and Esther end? (v1-3)
Sum It Up!
We LEARN:
Now King Ahasuerus laid a tribute on the land and the coastlands of the sea, v1.
We Discover:
A tribute on the land meant a tax.
The pagan king was not saved, had not changed. He was the same and raised taxes on the people.
We LEARN:
The king’ accomplishments and Mordecai’s greatness were written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia, v2
Because Mordecai the Jew was 2nd to King Ahasuerus,v3.
We Discover:
Like Mordecai –
Joseph was 2nd to Pharoah, ruled over the land of Egypt, Gen 41:37-45.
Daniel, was successful under King Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, and Darius, ruling over Babylon Dan 2:46-49; 5:29; 6:28.
We See: God elevates His people under pagan leadership.
We LEARN:
Not to withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in our power to do it, Pro 3:27
Not to seek our own good, but the good of our neighbor, 1Co 10:24.
Not to look out for our own interests, but for the interests of others, Phil 2:4.
To keep our behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that . . . they may because of our good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation, 1Pe 2:12.
To seek the welfare [peace] of our nation, cities, and community, Jer 29:7, 11.
What Did You LEARN
Check out GODcha’s #15 and #16 LEARN Question(s).
#15. What are your final observations, as you look at God’s unseen hand at work orchestrating the king/his kingdom, ordinary people, and events for His kingdom purposes?
#16. What are your closing observations, as you look at this king/his kingdom; Haman; Esther, an orphan girl; and Mordecai, a Jew?
Pull It All Together!
THINK and REASON as we close the door to Esther.
Let’s THINK about God the Main Character of this Drama.
1. Even though God is never mentioned we have seen His providential hand in every tiny detail of this drama. Perhaps more so in this book than any other.
So just maybe, God never being mentioned was intentional and brilliantly planned so we would truly think deeply about life’s circumstances being orchestrated by the Almighty God who loves us and cares deeply for us.
2. Another observation that has struck me, is what this knowledge of God does for us. Knowing God is in absolute total Control of absolutely Everything should change our thinking and how we live our lives!
a. Let’s highlight a couple of things. For example, consider His Instructions
When God says:
– ‘Do not fear’.
Well then, knowing He is Sovereign and in Control should wipe away fear and anxiety, and bring us comfort.
– ‘Humble yourselves before the Lord.’
Again, knowing He is in Control should wipe away any and all pride and self-righteousness.
b. And when we consider His Encouraging Words such as:
a. He loves us; His lovingkindness is forever.
Well, then knowing He is in control, those words, that Truth, should just make our faith and trust swell within, increasing our hope.
b. He is with us never to leave us or forsake us.
There is such security in those words now knowing the One who is in control and loves us is always there for us, controlling everything. Again such a faith builder, giving us incredible hope.
Do you see how such knowledge now gives us courage, power, and does change our lives?
3. Lastly, in these difficult times, which are just like Esther’s, troubling and chaotic times, as we go through life, what will we remember?
God who knows the end from the beginning, is on His throne, ruling and reigning over it ALL, and He is always, always, always, here with us, working behind the scenes.
We like the Jews in Esther’s day can rest. Rest in His loving arms knowing He’s got this!
Let’s THINK about the Other Characters of this Drama.
1. Kings (Presidents/Rulers) may rule nations, but God rules over them all.
2. Evil Haman’s – will be brought down. We can take that to the bank!
3. Mordecai and Esther
a. Did not start off so great.
– They had assimilated into the Persian culture.
– Double identities.
– Disobeyed the dietary laws.
– Disobeyed God’s law against fornication and marrying a Gentile.
BUT GOD
– God was there.
– God pursues people, Joh 6:44; Luk 15:3-10.
– God is in the business of changing people.
b. Were 2 simple ordinary people.
– They had no degrees, no politics, no ministries.
We See: God uses simple ordinary people to accomplish His perfect plan.
Understand: Where ever God has you, is where He has divinely placed you to join Him and be used for His kingdom purposes.
4. Esther
a. Was a Woman.
She became one of the most famous women in the Bible.
Understand: Women are used mightily by God, married and/or single, moms and/or not moms.
b. Was a Teen
Teens are also used mightily by God.
NOTE: There is no such thing as a teenager in the Bible. Boys became men at the age of 13.
Esther was around 15, a young adult when this drama began.
Joseph was around 17 when God gave him a dream.
David was around 15 when anointed by Samuel.
Daniel was about 15 when taken captive to Babylon.
Jeremiah was around 14-16, at the time of his calling, when under King Josiah who at that time perhaps was in his teens (8 yrs old when he became king).
Mary may have been around 12-15 when she gave birth to Jesus.
And scholars believe many of the disciples were in their teens at the time Jesus called them to follow Him. John perhaps the youngest, and Peter the oldest as he was married.
5. In the midst of the horrible darkness, God won and His people rejoiced.
We are in the midst of darkness today.
Remember in the end God wins, and we will rejoice!
Let’s THINK About How This Drama Points us to Jesus!
As we think of this King,
Jesus is a Better King!
As we think of this empire,
Jesus has a Better Kingdom!
As we think of Esther mediating between the king and her people,
Jesus is a Better Mediator!
As we think of the Jews salvation and deliverance,
Jesus brings salvation and deliverance to us!
As we think of Mordecai bringing peace,
Jesus brings peace to us bridging that gap between God and us.
As we think of Mordecai bringing truth,
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!
That’s it! We are done!
Oh, don’t you just love God’s Word?
Don’t you just want to shout, wrap your arms around God, and thank Him for showing you so so much?
Do you marvel how He has spoken to you?
Thank the Holy Spirit for granting us the understanding that He has given us! May such knowledge be an incredible blessing to us all!
STOP!
LISTEN to God Speak
And LIVE it out!
Check out GODcha’s #15 and #16 LIVE Question(s).
#15. How will I take heart and be strengthened knowing God rules over my leaders and nation, and His unseen hand is working in my life and circumstances?
#16. How encouraged am I to know, that I know, that God uses ordinary imperfect people for His perfect work?
a. Will I choose not to let my sin and past, or circumstances today paralyze me in being used for God’s work?
b. How might God The King be moving me to take a courageous risk for Him?
c. Will I keep pressing forward, and rejoice knowing that in the end, God wins?
Respond to God. . . LIVE it out!
Now We Don’t Just LISTEN,
But, We Speak to God!
Oh, chat with God, your Creator who loves you! He is waiting, desiring this intimate communication with you.
Okay, a couple of things to do
First –
SUMMARIZE
To Wrap Up Chapter 10,
GODcha directs us to 
Summarize the Paragraph, and then the Chapter.
This helps you grasp and process what you have LEARNED, cementing this Chapter down deep into your heart and you will remember it.
Come on, you know how to do this!
1. Read all of Esther, Chapter 10.
To refresh your minds and remember the main topic or what was 
Key.
2. Focus on these 3 verses, the only Paragraph.
Remember: Paragraphs are designated by boldface numbers or letters in your hardbound Bibles.
3. LOOK for the Main Topic of the Paragraph.
What was talked about the most?
Hint: Key Words and/or phrases will help with this.
Jot the main topic of this one Paragraph in the margin of your Bible next to the bolded verses, as well as in your Notes.
When you go through this process, thinking and reasoning God’s Truths, then God is able to seal Truth into your memory!
Try it on your own before you go any further. I will help you after you give it a shot! You can do this! I know you can!
4. Now to Summarize.
Keep the summary to 4-6 Words or less if possible.
Why?
Because it will be easier to remember.
5. DO NOT paraphrase!
Use the Words God uses.
a. Paraphrasing can change the meaning.
b. And, we want to know and bury God’s Word, which has the power, into our heads and hearts.
Go For It!
Okay, let’s see how you did.
Let’s Summarize The Paragraph
v1-3 Mordecai’s Greatness
How Would You Summarize Chapter 10?
What about the Same?
Mordecai’s Greatness
Chapter 10 is a Wrap!
Now, we have completed our journey in Esther, and it is time to say goodbye!
As we close the door
GODcha directs us to
SUMMARIZE The Book
Do you remember why Esther was written?
To explain how the Jews living in exile were protected and delivered from annihilation by God’s power and divine hand.
THINK: What is key?
The Jews being delivered by God.
Now consider how the author accomplished his purpose, bringing it all together.
To do this –
Read Esther’s 10 Chapters again asking the 5Ws and H.
Or
Reflect on your Chapter titles.
As you look at the purpose and your Chapter Titles, how would you like to Title This Book of Esther?
Let me share what happened as I went through this process.
Silly me. As I reflected, seeing the Jews are key to the author’s purpose, the Holy Spirit nudged me to add Jew(s) to my titles.
Jew(s) are key and repeated 51X in Esther. (I did a Word Search and actually counted.)
I redid my Chapter Titles, and now I can better see the author’s purpose pop out!
Ch 1: Gentile King Banishes Queen
Feasts
God’s hand seen
Ch 2: Esther (A Jew) Becomes Queen
Feast to Honor Queen
God’s Hand Seen
Ch 3: Haman’s Edict – Destroy The Jews
Drinking
God’s Hand Seen
Ch 4: Mordecai/Esther (Jews) Changed
Fasting
God’s Hand Seen
Ch 5: Esther (a Jew) Prepares/Plans – Banquet 1
Feast – Banquet 1
God’s Hand Seen
Ch 6: *Mordecai (a Jew) Honored
*God’s Providential Hand Seen
Ch 7: The Jews Enemy Haman Exposed/Hanged – Banquet 2
Feast – Banquet 2
God’s Hand Seen
Ch 8: New Edict – Jews Can Defend
Feasts
God’s Hand Seen
Ch 9: Jews Struck Their Enemies
Feasts
God’s Hand Seen
Ch 10: Mordecai (Jew) 2nd to King
God’s Hand Seen
As I went through the process I was able to see God who is never mentioned, used Esther and Mordecai to deliver His people, the Jews.
So as I think of Esther and the Purpose I titled the book:
God Delivered The Jews
And will remember how God has delivered me!
Awesome, you all!
I am so proud of you, and
I sincerely thank you for staying with us on this journey!
We took it slow purposely to show you how much you can discover if you are willing.
I thank God you have been willing!
Are you amazed at how READING and re-reading helped bury God’s Word into your heads and hearts?
Are you amazed at what you have LEARNED and the intimate encounters you have had with your Lord?
Do you see more and more the importance of knowing God’s Word?
Do you realize, you have been disciplined to show yourselves approved unto God, (2Ti 2:15)?
I pray you will share your discovery with others, as well as the tool GODcha that helped guide you along the way!
The Book of Esther is a WRAP!
Meditate on everything God is teaching you. “For the one who meditates on God’s Word is blessed,” (Psalm 1:1-2).
Put this Review and Summary in Your Notes
If you will take the time to put this Review in your Notes you can return to it anytime and anywhere.
You will be so glad you did.
If short on time, copy and paste into your Notes.
Video Tutorial>Notes Tutorial >
Let’s Pray
FATHER GOD, BLESSED LORD JESUS, and HOLY SPIRIT – GOD in three persons, we praise You! Oh, as we close the door on Esther, may we remember these things were written for our instruction, that through perseverance and encouragement we might have hope. May we remember as You delivered Your people in Esther, You have powerful and divinely delivered each one of us! May we remember that everything that comes our way has been sovereignly ordained and filtered through Your fingers of love, for such a time as this. Oh, bring to our remembrance that You Lord are Infinite and we are finite. You see and know all things, we do not. You see the big picture, we only see bits and pieces. May we trust You with all our being, rest in You, knowing You are always, always, always here with us working to accomplish Your perfect plan.
Oh, may we truly understand how one person can make such an incredible difference for You and Your kingdom. As we look at how You drastically changed Mordecai’s and Esther’s lives, may we consider how our lives have been drastically changed by being with You and hearing Your Words of instruction and encouragement. Help us to make a difference for You and Your kingdom. May many in our lives, in this pagan world, look at our lives and desire You. And may we all be able to give the reason for our hope, so others would joyfully become one of Your children. In Your name sweet Jesus, we pray and ask these things. Amen.
Well done children of God! I hope you enjoyed the journey!
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