October 4: Esther 5 to 10

Today's passage continues the triumphant story of Esther, who exemplified the Bible's teachings on opportunistically using the gifts that God has given us for His work and glory. Her obedience to and love for Mordecai allow for God's sovereign plan to bring condemnation on Haman, whose prideful exuberance prompted him to create his own gallows.

In yesterday's reading, Mordecai urged Esther: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 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 royal position for such a time as this?" (4:13,14)

The events of our life and our very being are not accidental or coincidental. Rather, God has specially created you so that you would serve and honor Him: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10) Like the ancients commended for their faith, we are mere pilgrims here on earth: "All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." (Hebrews 11:13-16)

The Bible also instructs us to take advantage of the gifts He has given -- for His glory. In Colossians 4:5,6, Paul teaches: "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Our words should build others up and exalt God, not tear others down. In Luke 16:9, Jesus exhorts us to be wise stewards of that to which God has entrusted us: "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings."

Esther's wisdom in dealing with both Haman and the imminent decree show her precise judgment and Mordecai's wise coaching. Although God does not receive mention in the passage, we can see the beautiful interplay of His sovereign will and the faithfulness of His servants. In short, these events, like those in our lives, came together to give Esther and Mordecai the opportunity to bring honor and glory to God and their fellow Jews.
　

QUESTIONS

1. Do you see life as coincidental or part of God's sovereign plan? In light of that question, do your present struggles and challenges appear different in your eyes?

2. What does Haman's fate indicate about the ultimate judgment of all people?

3. In what ways have you, like Eshther, "come to [your] position for such a time as this?" If you are unsure about this, would you like to seek God's wisdom on how to carry out the mission to which He's called you?