For Such A Time As This – Introduction to our study in Esther
The story of Esther is one that spans generations. It speaks to how we can impact our culture for God’s kingdom.
Since my return from China, I have a new awareness of orphans. Esther’s story is so rich in every way, but this new dynamic has given me a new appreciation of this little girl who overcame so much. Esther stepped into her destiny, to be in a place to make difference. Her decision to trust God, saved her people from death.
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You may not be royalty in the eyes of the world, but you are a daughter of the Most High. [Tweet This]
How do I step into my identity as God’s daughter?
When I read the story of Queen Esther, I wonder about questions like that.
King Ahaseurus banishes his wife, Queen Vashti, and after a woeful set of circumstances, he wants a new queen. Esther is taken to the King’s harem to undergo a year of beauty treatments.
The palace officials brought beautiful virgins—that right there tells us how young Esther was. Marriage and betrothal in that culture took place as a young teen. No wonder they needed a year of beauty treatments. They were attempting to turn little girls into women for the king’s pleasure.
The story of Queen Esther reads like a movie. [Tweet This]
The sets, costumes, court intrigue and plot twists captivate me as this story unfolds. An orphan girl is taken, favored, and chosen to be queen. She is taken from her home and the care of her uncle and brought to the palace harem.
I would have been scared to death.
I wonder, how does all this trauma and drama become Esther’s destiny? [Tweet This]
I hope you will join me as I dig into this story. The book of Esther is found in the Old Testament. The story begins at a banquet, but not just any party. This one lasts for 180 days. There are ten chapters, and trust me when I tell you they will hold your attention right through to the end.
Read Esther Chapter One as we begin. The first thing I’d like you to see is everything you discover about King Ahasuerus (also called King Xerxes).
What type of character do you see?
What are his traits?
What potential problems do you think will come of his faults?
Take note of what you discover about the other characters in chapter one also; I suggest a notebook for your findings.
The destiny of Esther’s story begins…
Now it took place in the days of Ahasuerus…
Take note of anything that stands out as you read the first chapter. If you have any questions or observations, join the conversation in the comments below.
The Persian Empire was vast, including 127 provinces. Here is a map to help put this in perspective.
I love the onion-like layers of this book and I can’t wait to share them with you,
What are you most looking forward to as we begin?
Jeanne
For a few more details as we begin, check out my next post called, Digging In. There are so many layers to this book. Themes and contrasts make it multi-dimensional and fun.
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Images courtesy of Morguefile.com unless noted.
