God is in Control

 

Bible Passage: Esther 10

Scripture:

All of his powerful and magnificent accomplishments and the detailed account of Mordecai’s great rank with which the king had honored him, have they not been written in the Book of the Historical Events of the Kings of Media and Persia? Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus. He was famous among the Jews and highly esteemed by many of his relatives. He continued to pursue prosperity for his people and to speak for the well-being of all his descendants.  (Esther 10:2‭-‬3 CSB)

Observation:

All the great and wonderful things he did, as well as the whole story of how he promoted Mordecai to high office, are recorded in the official records of the kings of Persia and Media. Mordecai the Jew was second in rank only to King Xerxes himself. He was honored and well-liked by his fellow Jews. He worked for the good of his people and for the security of all their descendants. (Esther 10:2‭-‬3 GNT)



1. The Book of Esther shows how the hand of God can move in a supernaturally-natural way.

a. “It has been well said that the Book of Esther is a record of wonders without a miracle, and therefore, though equally revealing the glory of the Lord, it sets it forth in another fashion from that which is displayed in the overthrow of Pharaoh by miraculous power.” (Spurgeon)

b. Think of all that God arranged in the story of Esther:

· God arranged for the noble Queen Vashti to lose her place.

· God arranged for a competition to replace Queen Vashti.

· God arranged for Esther to enter the competition.

· God arranged special favor for Esther among the other women.

· God arranged for Mordecai to have access to both Esther and the affairs of the kingdom.

· God arranged the lot that was cast to give 11 months warning before the planned massacre (Esther 3:12-13).

· God arranged that the decree command that the Jews be killed by private hands, instead of by the army of Persia – which would have been much more difficult to stop.

· God arranged that Haman restrain his anger and not kill Mordecai immediately (Esther 5:10).

· God arranged for Esther to delay her request; first asking for a banquet with the king and then another banquet.

· God arranged for Haman’s anger to come to a peak on one particular day.

· God arranged for Ahasuerus to have a sleepless night.

· God arranged for Ahasuerus to send for a certain book during his sleepless night.

· God arranged for Ahasuerus to listen to the passage about Mordecai in that particular book.

2. God’s hand in history never rules out our actions. The actions of Esther and Mordecai were critical to the preservation of the people of God.

a. God’s will is accomplished, and yet men are perfectly free agents; Haman did as he pleased, Ahasuerus did what he wanted, so did Mordecai and Esther. We see no interference, no coercion – they all do their will, and bear full responsibility, yet God works out His eternal plan for the ages through it all.

b. “There it is; man is a free agent in what he does, responsible for his actions, and verily guilty when he does wrong, and he will be justly punished too, and if he be lost the blame will rest with himself alone: but yet there is One who ruleth over all, who, without complicity in their sin, makes even the actions of wicked men to subserve his holy and righteous purposes. Believe these two truths and you will see them in practical agreement in daily life, though you will not be able to devise a theory for harmonising them on paper.” (Spurgeon)

Application:

God already orchestrated all things to happen according to His will and plan. Yet, God's sovereignty does not limit people to follow their own will since they still have the freedom to go against the will of God. That's when God's authority be tested in our individual lives if we let Him take the wheel and lead us the way, trusting and believing that God knows the right way.

Personally, time and time again God has proven to me that He is still in control despite the circumstances around me and the struggles within are beyond my control. During these moments, I'm deeply reminded that God has the better way - His ways are higher than my ways. God is smarter than me - His thoughts are greater than my thoughts.



Prayer:

Almighty God, You are mighty, awesome and glorious! There is no one like You. You are good, faithful and loving Father. Your love is constant and lasts until eternity. Help me, O God, to be always reminded of Your truth and Your love, to let not the lies of the enemy deceive my thoughts and to let not fear reigns my heart. I'm weak, O God, but You are strong. My feelings change but Your love remains. Teach me, O Lord, to delight in Your word and show love to others even if it may seem unreciprocated but let Your unconditional love motivate me to not give up on loving others as You do for me. Since I accepted You as My Truth and My Love, then doing Your Will became My Strength and My Joy for the glory of Your Mighty and Precious Name - JESUS CHRIST.

Credits:

Enduring Word Bible Commentary 

SOAP Bible Study Method

YouVersion

Christ is Our Victory

 

Bible Passage: Esther 9

Scripture:

All the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the royal civil administrators aided the Jews because they feared Mordecai. For Mordecai exercised great power in the palace, and his fame spread throughout the provinces as he became more and more powerful. (Esther 9:3‭-‬4 CSB)

Observation:

a. The Jews definitely had their enemies, those who wished to destroy them. Yet they had someone great on their side: the king, with all his resources. With the king for them, it didn’t matter who was against them.

b. We have our own enemies to deal with; but with the King of Kings on our side, we have no reason to fear – What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

Application:

As the Jews' preservation of their lives was due to the help of of Mordecai and Esther with their great influence of the king, there's no need to fear or worry about their life as the victory was already theirs - knowing they have the great advantage and power. Same goes with my God, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, He is my strong defense that no matter how hard the spiritual attacks I encounter, I'm confident that I will overcome because Jesus had overcome. I have nothing to lose because God is on my side. He is my refuge, my strength and my song. God protects His people and His children. He cares even more those who put their trust in Him, dedicating their lives to fulfill God's calling and purpose for their lives. Nothing can shake God's children because the Chief Cornerstone is on their side in the mighty and precious name of their Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Almighty Father, You know all the contents of my heart and the thoughts of my mind. Thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness to me each day of my life. I pray that You empower me to accomplish the vision and mission You entrusted to me for the glory of Your name. Help me, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to not let my fears win but instead, Your love and truth overpowers my mind and heart that compel me to do Your will. I give you all the glory and the praises in whatever I do and whoever I become - as I grow in Your likeness by the help of the Holy Spirit renewing my mind to be in alignment to Your will and refreshing my soul as I grow deeper in love with You - sweeter as the days go by, looking forward to the day, I finally see You face-to face, enjoying Your presence forevermore. Amen.

Credits:
Enduring Bible Commentary
YouVersion

Rejoice in the Lord

 

Bible Passage: Esther 8

Scripture: 

"Then Mordecai departed from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, with a large crown of gold and with a robe of fine linen and purple wool; and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. For [at this time] the Jews had light [a dawn of new hope] and gladness and joy and honor. In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king’s command and his decree arrived, the Jews celebrated with gladness and joy, a feast and a holiday. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the fear of the Jews [and their God] had fallen on them."

(Esther 8:15‭-‬17 AMP)

Observation:

a. So Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel: God’s purpose in all these matters goes farther than the sparing of the Jews from destruction; He also purposed to raise up Mordecai as the prime minister – as a replacement for Haman.

b. The Jews had light and gladness: This joy came before the actual day appointed when the Jews would be attacked, yet able to defend themselves. Nevertheless, because of the decree of the king, they can be assured of victory and rejoice in it ahead of time.

Application: 

In the same way, our course is not yet run; our salvation is not yet complete – yet we can rejoice, because of our confidence in our king – being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I rejoice above all else because You are the King of my life. I can depend on You and I can count on You because You are my strong defense. Whatever trials or challenges that come my way, I rejoice knowing You are with me. You will never leave me nor forsake me. You are my Victory. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. 

Loving Others As Jesus Loves Us

Bible Passage: Esther 6

Scripture:

So Haman came in, and the king asked him, “What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?” Now Haman thought in his heart, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” And Haman answered the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, let a royal robe be brought which the king has worn, and a horse on which the king has ridden, which has a royal crest placed on its head. Then let this robe and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that he may array the man whom the king delights to honor. Then parade him on horseback through the city square, and proclaim before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!’ ” Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry, take the robe and the horse, as you have suggested, and do so for Mordecai the Jew who sits within the king’s gate! Leave nothing undone of all that you have spoken.”

(Esther 6:6‭-‬10 NKJV)


Observation:

a. What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor? God arranged all things, so that not only would all the Jews be ultimately protected, but also so that both Mordecai and Haman would each receive what they deserved.

b. Whom would the king delight to honor more than me? God often allows a proud man to fall into his own trap (Proverbs 26:27). Here God arranged that Haman’s pride and arrogance would be the cause of his ultimate humiliation.

c. Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor: Haman was a tragic man who could only believe he had done well when he heard applause. It is a good and sometimes appropriate thing to have applause here on earth, but it is tragic to live your life seeking for it. We should instead seek and be satisfied with the applause from heaven.


Application:

This part of the passage reminds me of what the Bible verse says, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time," (I Peter 5:6 NKJV)

Humanly speaking, it's hard to be humble but by the grace of God, I will be and I admit that I'm still in the process of learning this path of humility.

In a world where pride is honored, it's hard to thrive and be the person that God wants me to be.

From an earthly perspective, humility is viewed as something people should despise of and if you are humble, then you are a fool.

For instance, most people would encourage us to think more of our needs and desires and even worse, be not concerned of others, at all.

Yes, each one of us should fulfill our roles and obligations in life but the ultimate goal is to glorify God in everything we do by serving others as we serve ourselves.

However, too much concern about our personal welfare may lead us to our great downfall as we become more self-centered, selfish or self-seeking.

Therefore, let's learn to love others as we as Jesus loves us. 

I believe this is what true humility looks like:

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." 

(Philippians 2:1‭-‬4 ESV)

Prayer:

Almighty God and Loving Father, teach me to be humble. Teach me to love others. Help me to think also of their needs and be an instrument of your love, joy and peace. Thank you Lord Jesus that as You gave Your life as an ultimate sacrifice for mankind, you set a great example for me to be willing to sacrifice some of my comfort for others. I believe that despite my needs and wants in life, you will come through for me in Your perfect time that's why I should not focus more on what I want in life but what You want in my life for Your glory. In so doing, I can help others according to the gifts and blessings you give me that go beyond the physical things but more so, the spiritual blessings I receive from You.

I commit to You my life, my every need and want. Use me, fill me, and mold me in Your character so that I can better fulfill the calling, purpose and mission You give me, not just for my own benefit but also for the good of others.

And the bottom line for all this is for the manifestation of Your glory, grace, mercy, love, truth and power and see them as far as my eyes can see, my hands can do, and my feet can walk, so that I can only boast of what You do in me and through me.

In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Credits:

S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method
YouVersion Bible App
Enduring Word Bible Commentary

Blessed is the Beloved

 

Bible Passage: Esther 5

Key Scripture: Esther 5:10‭b-‬13

"...Then he invited his friends to his house and asked his wife Zeresh to join them. He boasted to them about how rich he was, how many sons he had, how the king had promoted him to high office, and how much more important he was than any of the king's other officials. “What is more,” Haman went on, “Queen Esther gave a banquet for no one but the king and me, and we are invited back tomorrow. But none of this means a thing to me as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the entrance of the palace.” (Esther 5:10‭b-‬13 GNT)

"...There he sent for his friends and his wife Zeresh. Then Haman recounted to them the glory of his riches, the large number of his sons, and every instance in which the king had magnified him and how he had promoted him over the officials and servants of the king. Haman also said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the banquet she had prepared; and tomorrow also I am invited by her [together] with the king. Yet all of this does not satisfy me as long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”

(Esther 5:10‭b-‬13 AMP)

Observation:

a. He was filled with indignation against Mordecai: 

Miserable Haman! Honored by both the king and queen of Persia, yet the disapproval of one man makes him feel worthless. This is an accurate description of how empty the rewards of this world are.

i. Haman’s deep-seated insecurities and need to be honored by everybody means that he could never be happy; God meant this hunger for acceptance in each of us to be ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ – because we are accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), accepted before God because of who we are in Jesus.

ii. Haman’s problem wasn’t Mordecai, it was the emptiness in his own heart. Even if he solved the “Mordecai problem,” it would not fill the void in his heart.

iii. “The soul was made for God, and nothing but God can fill it and make it happy.” (Clarke)

Application:

It's better to please God rather than people. As human as I am, I can't help but fail and disappoint people. As a Christian, I should not let it affect me but should humble me to fix my mind and heart more on what satisfies God the most. God's pleasure should be my top priority and how the world and people view me should not be of my great concern.

God's favor is already upon me since I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour, and if Jesus is truly my Lord and Saviour, why should I care more about what people say or think of me?

Well, this doesn't apply to receiving some constructive feedback I get from people who truly care and value my growth as a person especially as a child of God. I should know how to listen and value their opinions as well since I also have some blind spots, things that I'm not aware of that I should improve on and ask the Holy Spirit to help me grow in these areas.

However, not all people truly care about me and what they think or say don't really come out of the place of love but out of jealousy, fear, hatred, or insecurity. This is when I should ask God's help to have a discerning mind and heart who I should listen and believe.

Prayer:

Dear God, you know my inmost thoughts and know in the depths of my heart who I really am.

Search me, O Lord Jesus,  if there's any wicked way in me, evil thoughts and selfish actions.

Forgive me Lord Jesus, every time I displease you and dishonor Your name. 

Sorry for the times I listen to the lies of the Enemy (Satan) than what Your word (the Bible) says. 

Sorry too for the moments I choose to please people and crave for more appreciation from them than from You.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for blessing me with people who remind me about my true identity and my true purpose and calling in my life. 

I thank You Lord Jesus for using them to encourage and rebuke me so I can grow more in Your likeness and do what You are called me to do for the glory of Your name.

May You always remind me Jesus  of my true identity through Your Word and comfort me with Your love through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In Jesus' mighty Name I pray. Amen.

Memory Verse:

Blessed and worthy of praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ,

just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, 

so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven]

and blameless in His sight. 

In love He predestined and lovingly planned for us to be adopted to Himself

 as [His own] children through Jesus Christ,

in accordance with the kind intention and good pleasure of His will— 

to the praise of His glorious grace and favor, 

which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved [His Son, Jesus Christ]. 

(Ephesians 1:3‭-‬6 AMP)

Credits:

Enduring Word Bible Commentary

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Canva

The Ultimate Sacrifice

 

Bible Passage: Esther 7

Scripture:

Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs serving the king said, “Now look, there are gallows fifty cubits (75 ft.) high standing at Haman’s house, which Haman made for Mordecai, whose good warning saved the king.” And the king said, “Hang him on it.” So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s anger subsided.
(Esther 7:9-10 GNT)

Observation:

a. Look! The gallows, fifty cubits high: As in the case of the people executed in Esther 2:23, Haman was probably not hanged with a rope around his neck; he was impaled on a huge stake in an ancient precursor of crucifixion.

b. Which Haman made for Mordecai: Haman found his end on the same instrument he had intended for the death of Mordecai; he was caught in his own trap against Mordecai.

i. God often works this way and we should pray as the Psalmist did: Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity; Yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood. He made a pit and dug it out, and has fallen into the ditch which he made. His trouble shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown (Psalms 7:14-16).

ii. Perhaps the greatest example of this was when Satan thought that he had won by getting the crowd to crucify Jesus, but the cross turned out to be the instrument of Satan’s defeat.

c. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath subsided: The death of a substitute satisfied the wrath of the king. In the case of Mordecai and Haman, it was the guilty dying in the place of the innocent; in the case of Jesus and us, it is a matter of the innocent dying in the place of the guilty.

Application:

Haman deserved the king's wrath as he was proven guilty but in the case of Jesus, how He sacrificed His life for all the sinners to satisfy the Father's wrath; that's true love. I appreciate what these Bible verses say,

"But now, by means of the physical death of his Son, God has made you his friends, in order to bring you, holy, pure, and faultless, into his presence. You must, of course, continue faithful on a firm and sure foundation, and must not allow yourselves to be shaken from the hope you gained when you heard the gospel. It is of this gospel that I, Paul, became a servant—this gospel which has been preached to everybody in the world." (Colossians 1:22‭-‬23 GNT)

As Paul's mission in life is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, this is also my desire that wherever God leads me He will open doors of ministry for people to hear the truth and encounter the love of Christ both in words and deeds.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I pray that you give me wisdom and strength to share the gospel. Help me be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit to whoever You want me to share Your truth and may the hearers accept You as their personal Lord and Saviour. As they acknowledge you as their Lord and Saviour, teach them O Lord Jesus to have that delight to read Your word and willingly apply it to their lives. May you also give them the courage to share the Good News to others, as well.

In Your most precious and mightiest Name, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Credits: 

S.O.A.P Bible Study Method

Enduring Word Bible Commentary

YouVersion App

God with Me

Bible Passage: Esther 4 

Scripture: 

he sent her this warning: “Don't imagine that you are safer than any other Jew just because you are in the royal palace. If you keep quiet at a time like this, help will come from heaven to the Jews, and they will be saved, but you will die and your father's family will come to an end. Yet who knows—maybe it was for a time like this that you were made queen!” (Esther 4:13‭-‬14 GNT) 

Observation: 

a. If you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place: Mordecai’s trust was in the faithfulness of God, not in the faithfulness of Esther. He knows that God will not let His people down, even if individuals let God down. 

b. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Mordecai knew that God had promoted this orphan in exile for a reason – and Esther must have the courage and wisdom to see that reason and fulfill it. 

Application: 

 i. This principle applies to us also. God promotes us or puts us in a place for a reason, and we need the courage and wisdom to see that reason and to walk in it. 

 ii. “You have been wishing for another position where you could do something for Jesus: do not wish anything of the kind, but serve him where you are.” (Spurgeon) 

Personal Takeaway: 

I believe I can serve God wherever I go and whatever I do. Ministry for me comes in different forms and can be accomplished in various fields, places or industries. For instance, my current place of ministry is at home where I work as an employee and helping out my family in providing their needs especially I'm still a single woman, soon-to-be married, Lord willing. I desire to make the most of the season where I am right now for me to be better prepared to what I will face in the next chapter of my life. 

I'm doing my best with God's help to manage the resources God has given me - time, money and abilities- and use them for the expansion of God's kingdom. It's my joy to be of great service for the Lord though I admit that there are times I let my fear take over that paralyzes me to do what God is calling me to do, but I thank the Lord for reminding me through His word that says, "Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 GNT).

It's a reminder for me that my success does not depend solely on my ability to keep God’s word. 

It depends even more on God’s presence with me. 

Prayer: 

O Father, I bless Your Name. You are mighty, awesome, and wonderful! You are worthy of all adoration and praises! Help me to be an instrument of joy, peace, and love wherever You lead me. Teach me to be patient and be persevering to do Your will for the glory of Your Name. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Song: 

 "God With Me" (Vineyard Worship) https://youtu.be/gNN3htT151I 

Credits: 

S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method

Enduring Word Bible Commentary

YouVersion App

Music Meets Heaven (YouTube Channel)

What Pleases Him

S-O-A-P Bible Study Method

Bible Passage: Esther 3

SCRIPTURE: What verse did God highlight to me today?

All the king’s officials would bow down before Haman to show him respect whenever he passed by, for so the king had commanded. But Mordecai refused to bow down or show him respect. When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage. (Esther 3:2‭, ‬5 NLT)

And all the king’s servants who were within the king’s gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage. When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath. (Esther 3:2‭, ‬5 NKJV)

OBSERVATION: What is the author saying? What eternal truth that God is communicating?

a. Mordecai would not bow or pay homage (v.2): 

There does not seem to be a Biblical command against bowing or paying homage to a political leader as a sign of respect (Genesis 18:2; 23:7; 43:26; Exodus 18:7; 2 Samuel 16:4). Rather, Mordecai must have known something about this man Haman, which persuaded him that Haman was unworthy of such honor.

i. “No self-respecting Benjaminite would bow before a descendant of the ancient Amalekite enemy of the Jews.” (Huey)

ii. "Mordecai refused to reverence Haman. The religion of a Jew forbade him to give honours to any mortal man which savoured of idolatry, especially to so wicked a man as Haman." (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary)

b. Haman was filled with wrath (v.5) :

i. His device was inspired by that wicked spirit, who has been a murderer from the beginning; whose enmity to Christ and his church, governs all his children." (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary)

ii. Haman was an extremely proud and insecure man; he could only consider himself a success if everyone else thought he was a success.

APPLICATION: What is God is saying to me through this scripture today? What is going to change in me because of this?

"We can apply this passage to ourselves today by identifying modern day "idols" and refusing to exalt them, refusing to bow our hearts to sin and sinful ways, especially things that tend to vie for our affection and dull our love for God." (ebible.com)

For me, I should be secure of my identity regardless of my social status, educational background, physical appearance, personality and abilities.

My true identity is not based on how people define me because in reality I believe every person has their own biases.

"Personal bias refers to learned beliefs, opinions or attitudes that people are unaware of and often reinforce stereotypes. These personal biases are unintentional, automatic, and inbuilt, leading to incorrect judgments." (getimpactly.com)

As a Christian, I believe that my true identity is I am a child of God. God has redeemed me by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus loves me more than anybody could. He gave His life for me so I can live eternally. He accepts me totally despite my imperfections and weaknesses.

Since Jesus came to my heart, He is always with me guiding me, protecting me, strengthening me, rebuking me, and helping me to grow more in His likeness.

How I define success is hearing God says,

"Well done, my good and faithful servant!" 

and also telling me,

"This is my beloved child, in whom I am well pleased!"

I still have a lot to learn in my Christian walk, and there are still some more things I should apply in my life according to God's word and His will. And it's my great desire to obey God because I want to please Him.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, teach me to trust and obey You, day by day.

I want to make You happy because You are my true joy and I want to share Your joy to others as You also desire.

Your greatness humbles me and your goodness reminds me to not be too hard on myself and others.

I choose to love and obey You all the days of my life through reading Your word with delight and obeying Your commands with eagerness - not because I'm forced to do so but because I love you.

You are always at work in me to make me willing and able to obey your own purpose. (Philippians 2:13 GNT)

Credits: 

S.O.A.P. Method Worksheet

by Melody Alisa

Enduring Word Bible Commentary

Ebible.com

YouVersion 

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