Heroes: Esther – The Fearless Empress

Heroes: Life Lessons from Faith Champions

Part 11 – Esther – The Fearless Empress

Esther

Questions to consider….

• Who deserves my utmost respect and worship?
• How might I react to fear?
• Why am I in this place, with this person, or in this situation at this moment in my life?
• Where can I find encouragement and help when I am in desperate need?

10 On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him—… 11 to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. 12 But when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger. Esther 1:10-12

13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. Romans 13:13-14

18 This very day the Persian and Median women of the nobility who have heard about the queen’s conduct will respond to all the king’s nobles in the same way. There will be no end of disrespect and discord. Esther 1:18

33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33.

17 Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 And the king gave a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his nobles and officials. He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality. Esther 2:17-18

2 All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor. Esther 3:2

Lesson #1 – There may be many who deserve my respect, but there is only One who deserves my .

8 Then Haman said to King Xerxes, “There is a certain people dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom who keep themselves separate. Their customs are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the king’s laws; it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. 9 If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them…” Esther 3:8-9

8 He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people. Esther 4:8-9

Lesson #2 – I can respond to fear with , fully trusting God or with .

12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:12-14

Lesson #3 – God often positions me in His to make an impression and leave a mark for Him!

15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:15-16

Lesson #4 – It is encouraging and helpful to invite others to with me when I am facing a major life challenge!

6 …“What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?” Esther 6:6.

10 “Go at once,” the king commanded Haman. “Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended.” Esther 6:10

3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. 4 For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated… 5 King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, “Who is he? Where is he—the man who has dared to do such a thing?” 6 Esther said, “An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!”

Steps I will take in my life…

• I will reserve my for the only One who deserves it.
• I will respond to fear with , fully trusting God, not with .
• I will recognize that God positions me in His to make an impression and leave a mark for Him and take advantage of those opportunities!
• I will invite others to with and for me when I am in need!