Tuesday, July 28, 2009

For Such A Time As This

We've finally come to what is probably the best known verse in the book of Esther. Esther 4:14 says "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?" For all intents and purposes, Esther had the weight of the Jewish world on her shoulders. I can only imagine what must have been going through her mind. It's tough being a woman thrown a giant-size weight. I'm looking forward to learning more about this challenge placed before Esther as I go through this week's homework.
Watch for answer's to these Principal Questions as you complete your homework this week: 1) Was Mordecai the only one in such a grief-stricken condition? If not, who were the others and exactly what did they do? 2) Why do you think Mordecai refused the change of clothes? 3) Why did Esther think Mordecai was asking too much? 4) What were the consequences of not approaching the king? Which side seems to offer the greatest risk? 5) What special significance did the fast have that you might not have thought about?
Thank you for sticking with this study. I know it takes a good chunk of time to do the homework and view the sessions, but it is so worth it. Keep on keeping on. I'll post again next Tuesday.

3 comments:

  1. Ch 4 starts off so great---why is it that intense strife is what helps the people of this story to finally rally together to return to their God??? Hmmmm---they are so much like us now---when the bottom falls out--it seems that is when we hang on to God and seek Him the most and passionately cry out to him----so if we could just stay close to God when things are going well---hahaha---it could save us some grief---hahaha

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  2. I completely agree with you, Maria. I love what Beth wrote on page 85: If they forgot Him, He would still love them but he would not shield them. Instead, He'd use their enemies to turn His people back to Him.

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  3. Day 4 of this week's homework is so good. There is so much on Page 98, that rather than type it all out, I'll just say make sure you read it. Let it all soak in.

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