Where is God?

Wk 2, “All Things Work Together for Good”

Esther 2

12/17/2023

Justin Scarberry

*****Reminder:  Christmas Eve Service 4:30PM*****

Message Notes for Week 2

King Xerxes I (Greek)= King Ahasuerus (Persian)

Time gap between Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 approx. 4 years.  History tells us that The Medo-Persian empire was at war with Greece during this time.

Context: 

The Jewish people were in the Promised Land since about 1406 BC.  After a split/civil war they split into 10 tribes in the north (Israel) and 2 tribes in the south (Judah).  In 722BC the Northern tribes were conquered and the population was sent into captivity by the Assyrians.  Between 605BC and 586 BC Judah was conquered by the Babylonians and sent into captivity for approximately 70 years.  In 539 the Medo-Persians conquered the Babylonians while the Jewish people were still in captivity. At the time of Esther only a small amount of people had returned to Israel/Judah.

Replacing the Queen

Very stringent regulations around being chosen.

1. A virgin
2. Attractive
3. 12 months of preparation

It’s ok to ask God to be blessed!!!

Psalm 20:4 NIV

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

New key people introduced in Chapter 2:

Esther, young Jewish girl living in Susa (Shushan), the wintertime capital city of the Medo-Persian empire (modern Iran).

Mordecai (Esther’s guardian and first cousin)

God Provides His Children With Good Gifts!

James 1:17

¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Where is God?

When trials hit in our life we can wonder “Where is God?”.   God is always working in the background for the good of the believer.

When God is working, the enemy is also working to subvert God’s plans.

Even in the Church the enemy is working!

Matthew 13:31-32 NKJV

³¹ Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, ³² which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”

Mordecai warned of impending doom for the king.  As Christians we are to warn the world of their impending doom and the solution for their salvation in Jesus Christ!

Christmas

Is Christmas more (mas in Spanish) Christ for you or “mas” (more) of what the world has to offer?

Invitation

Will you consider inviting someone to church on Christmas Eve?

1. Why did king Xerxes/Ahasuerus put queen Vashti away?

     a. Does the bible allow for getting rid of your husband or wife?

     b. Can you point to specific scripture(s)?

2. Why are Esther, Mordecai and other Jewish people in Persia (modern day Iran)?

3. Can you recount any of the events that led up to the Jewish people being in Persia and other parts of the world outside of Israel?

4. Read Esther 2:1-8

     a. It’s not clear whether or not Esther was forced into this position of being considered for Queen or if it was voluntary. Does God have to be fair when dealing with His people?  Why or why not?

Have you ever been in a situation where you thought there was no way possible that God would work a solution for good? If so would you like to share with the group?

5. Read Esther 2:9-14

     a. Why do you think Mordecai does not want Esther to reveal that she is Jewish?

     b. Have you ever felt that you would not want to reveal that you are a Christian?

     c. What are some of the reasons for that feeling?

6. Is it right to judge people by their appearance? Why or why not?

     a. Do we judge people by appearance?

     b. What are some of the ways we judge?

7. When you think of Christmas, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?

     a. Why do you think that was the first thing?

Christmas and Easter often get people wanting to head to church. Maybe because “that’s what we used to do” or maybe they are feeling the tug of God’s Spirit.  Will you consider inviting someone to the Christmas Eve service?  Remember you don’t have to be successful, just invite one person.