Neal looked at one of the books of the bible which has everything! It`s a story of power, drama, betrayal, intrigue, passion, murder , suspense, irony, poetic justice and finally a happy ending! We are talking about the book of Esther. If you have not read the book please read the story first – its only 10 chapters and will bless you so much!
Neal paraphrased the story and we began to understand what a great story this is – God working in a powerful country through two people to bring rescue and salvation to his people! Although God is not actually mentioned anywhere in the book we can see that he is working all through the story and as Matthew Henry says “Though the name of God isn`t found in this book, the finger of God is, directing many minute events for the bringing about of his peoples deliverance”
We looked at three things we learn from this story
1. God`s timing is always perfect – even though it may not seem like that to us! Esther was in place as the Queen for “such a time as this” (4vs 14) and even though everything was done at the 11th hour – God had provided the answers – he just needed Esther and Mordecai to trust him and see salvation come to all. God`s timing is not our timing and we have to learn to trust God even though time may be running out – His hand moves at the right time and this story should encourage us that he know what he is doing! As we seek to tell others about Jesus trust that this is a moment “ for such a time as this”!! You inviting someone to Alpha or telling them about Jesus is a moment that can change someone`s life for eternity!
2. God is in control – but it may not always be obvious! God does not always work in the foreground – often he works unseen in the background – but he in control and asks us to trust him – There are so many coincidences in the book of Esther – I would rather call them God moments – A good friend of mine used to say that a coincidence is when God does a miracle but decides to remain anonymous! God is in control and just look at the following….
The King divorces his wife
Esther is chosen to be Queen
Mordecai saves the Kings Life
The King cannot sleep – Mordecai is saved
Haman`s plot is foiled – the very day he is seeking to hang Mordecai !
3. What God did for his people was amazing and a wonderful story of rescue and salvation – and yet he has done the same for us! Read Ephesians chapter 2 – It tells you where we were and where we are now in Christ – This is our story which we can get excited about every day! What does God promise? “Certe Cruce Salus” – Sure salvation through the cross!!
Questions:
A: We often struggle with God`s timing being perfect as we want answers now! How can we learn to trust God more and know that his timing is always perfect?
B: When we cannot see God working in the foreground in our lives we often feel he is not working at all? Does this story help us to see that he is in control even though we cannot see all the answers? Pray for God Moments and coincidences this week and let`s see what God can do!
C: God works in partnership with people and always has done as its about our relationship with God – he uses us to tell others about Christ – both verbally but also by the lives we lead – Both Esther and Mordecai did what was right in God`s eyes and refused to be bowed down by power, authority and evil – they retained their values and belief no matter what was thrown at them. Is this a challenge for us whatever our situation? This story illustrates what can be done by God when people listen, trust and have faith – I trust this will encourage us all!
Have a great week and please pray for Alpha starting on the 21st September!
