Day 14 – Esther 2:11-23
Opening Prayer: Father, You know my inmost parts. Thank you that I don’t have to hide from You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made!
Read: Esther 2:11-23
In your 4R journal:
- Record: After reading this short story, what verse stood out to you?
- Respond: Write a short prayer of praise in response to what God has shown you.
Mordecai was a concerned dad. In fact, he wore out his sandals pacing in front of the courtyard of the harem! I’m guessing he wasn’t alone.
Reflection:
- Share a time when you’ve been bound up with concern for a loved one.
- How did God reveal himself
Twelve months passed as Mordecai marched and Esther endured a spa-year. Finally, Esther’s time came. There are no details regarding her feelings and no runway banter about what she was wearing. What is described, however, is her character. It seems Esther was as obedient as she was beautiful. In fact, as she accepts the advice about what to bring for her night alone with the King, she appears at peace with the entire, crazy escapade. She was also everyone’s favorite! To say that the King liked Esther is an understatement. Wherever Esther went she found favor and the King bestowed upon her the title of Queen.
My Verse: Esther 2:20, “But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.”
My Response: Obedience is so pleasing to You, Lord! Keep me close to You and teach me to follow You with a submissive, humble heart wherever You may lead.
After reading only two chapters I am amazed at Esther’s faith. She is frequently described as obedient and has a willingness to learn from others. Like Ruth, there is a humility and deference in her approach. It must have been difficult to keep the secret with Mordecai pacing outside, concerned for her well-being. But even this was a divine appointment because without his determination to watch over her at the gate Mordecai would never have heard the plot against the King’s life.
Regardless, Mordecai told the Queen and she told the King because Mordecai asked her to do so. It’s also important to note that this was recorded in the annals of the King. A foreshadowing of things to come…
Father, May I trust and obey You as much as Esther trusted and obeyed her Abba.
The next step:
When the Spirit leads, in the comment section below, chose a response to share:
- Share a time when you’ve been bound up with concern for a loved one.
- How did God reveal himself
Or
- Share your 4R Response
