A Journey Through The Book of Esther: Part Five

Dear Friend,

Today we move ahead with our journey through the book of Esther. The journey has been amazing don’t you agree? My utmost desire is that you will be blessed by these lessons and most of all be challenged to act on them. I also urge you to read the chapters from your Bible so that you may gain better insight into the story of Esther as we continue this journey together. If you are just joining us on this journey please endeavor to read the last four posts so you don't miss out on anything. 

Esther 5: This chapter talks about the tactic which Queen Esther used to tell the King about Haman’s plan to kill the Jews.

Lessons:

V 2: Prayer causes God to grant us favor. God’s favor breaks all protocol. Esther boldly went into the King’s court and was welcomed and even given a choice to ask for up to half of the kingdom. I must pray earnestly before doing anything. My actions must be backed by prayer. Faith defies fear and trusts God to intervene. Esther knew that going into the King’s court without being summoned could cost her her life but by faith she went in all the same.

V 3-5: God granted Esther a creative way to go about telling the King of Haman’s plot. Esther did not get distracted from her mission. Even when the king offered her half of his kingdom, she did not go ahead and start asking for things. Secondly, she did not address the king rudely or without respect when she requested for his presence at the banquet she prepared. She still asked respectfully and politely. Approach matters.

V 7-8: Sometimes, not every information must be divulged at once. I must be careful to handle certain matters delicately and to follow the Holy Spirit step-by-step. Maybe if Esther had gone ahead and told the king about the matter that same day, the outcome would have been different.

V 9-14: Pride and self-conceit will destroy a man. Pride goes before a fall. My company of friends matter. My choice of a spouse matters. An evil spouse will join his/her partner to do evil. Evil friends will advise one wrongly. In vs 14, Haman’s wife and friends were the ones who suggested the idea of gallows to be built to hang Mordecai. Therefore, as I make choices concerning my companions, I must soak every decision in prayer because my company can make or mar me.

I am challenged by each and every lesson. I hope you are too.

My sincere prayer is that you are blessed.

In Christ,

Ishanpepe. 

A Journey Through The Book of Esther: Part Four

Dear One,

Greetings to you in the precious name of Jesus! Today I continue to share with you the beautiful lessons from my journey through the book of Esther which is packed with amazing and life-changing lessons. As always, my greatest desire is that you will be blessed by these lessons and be challenged to act on them. I also urge you to read the chapters from your Bible so that you may gain better insight into the story of Esther as we continue this journey together.

Esther 4: This is the story of Mordecai’s request to Esther the Queen to plead with the King on behalf of the Jews who were about to be annihilated by Haman.

What can we learn from this chapter?

Vs 16b: Am I willing to die for the cause of others? Esther was already a Queen, free from any harm or consequences of Haman’s decree. After all, no one knew her true identity. However, she did not keep quiet whilst the lives of her people were under threat. She dared to risk her life for her people.

Mordecai himself could have hidden under the shadow of Esther and not bothered much about being killed but instead he mourned for the lives of his people. This mourning was not crying alone. It must have included prayer and supplication as well. Nigeria is going through many challenges as a nation. I may not be affected, but am I on my knees praying for my country?

V 13-14: God places me in a place for a purpose. He doesn’t just place me there to enjoy and just occupy space. He has a special purpose for me. I must never take where God places me for granted. However, when God elevates me and I immediately get there and forget Him/His purpose, He will raise another person who will fulfill purpose and I will no more be His vessel unto honor. I must be careful not to forget God when I become elevated. In fact, without Him I am NOTHING.

V 14: God always places people who will counsel and caution me from making excuses or from shying away from what God wants me to do. In v11 Esther seemed to be afraid of approaching the king because of the consequences involved but Mordecai had to speak sense to her and remind her that God had placed her there to fulfill purpose. And knowing Esther as an obedient woman, she listened and saved her people in the long run.

V15: I must always fortify myself with prayer before doing anything. Here, prayer and fasting is exhibited. Esther fasted and prayed with her maids and asked Mordecai and other Jews to do same as well. She knew she was about to risk her life, but she was prepared to do so and did so in/through prayer. I must always prepare myself for everything in/through personal prayer and collective prayer as well.

This chapter emphasizes prayer a great deal. It is a challenge to rise up and fight our battles in prayer. Where has God placed you? You are there for a purpose. It doesn’t matter if He has placed you in a classroom with your juniors, or a distant place for NYSC, or an environment where darkness abounds. He knows exactly why He has placed you there. Do not be surprised because the survival of many lives may just depend on your courage and obedience to God.  

I hope you are blessed.

In Christ,

Ishanpepe.