Highlights:

God prepares His plan to preserve His chosen people. Queen Vashti dismissed and her "royal estate" given to Esther, from an exiled Jewish family (Esth. 1:19; 2:17). Mordecai finds favor with the king (2:21-23). Haman, the king's chief advisor, plots to kill the entire Jewish population in Persia (3:7-15).

Esther was an orphan whose name had been Hadassah. She was taken from Jerusalem to Babylon during the downfall of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. She could have become bitter, but she didn't. Her story is a reminder that God, for His intended purpose, has placed us where we are. If we're unhappy with our circumstances, it's up to us to choose between an attitude of self pity or to allow Christ to use us where we are.

After Esther became queen, Haman had become so influential with the king that all the king's servants . . . bowed, and reverenced (him) (Esth. 3:2). Mordecai could have bowed to Haman, along with the rest of the servants, but he chose to tell them that he was a Jew (3:4). This testimony brought about what appeared would be Mordecai's death. When Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath (angry) (3:5). But Mordecai was willing to die, if necessary, rather than compromise his loyalty to God.

The foreknowledge of God has determined our circumstances even before we were born (Eph. 1:4-11). Esther was brought to the king's house along with other maidens to be either slave or queen. Her consent was not asked. The consent of Mordecai, her adopted father, was not asked. They had no choice. But, our Creator IS in control, regardless of circumstances.

As Christians, we are ambassadors for Christ (II Cor. 5:20) and should maintain a dignity that honors our Lord in our daily conduct and conversation. Are we willing to face rejection, when necessary, in order to remain true to the Lord?

We too may feel like victims of circumstances beyond our control and wish for another situation where we could do something more for our Lord. There is no need to fear you are missing the Lord's best; just serve Him where you are, for He has placed you there for such a time as this (Esth. 4:14). It is His will for you to remain a faithful witness willing to sacrifice all. There is nothing about which to complain or boast in what God has arranged. There is also no one of whom we should be jealous, for other people's talents and abilities have nothing to do with us.

We pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness (II Thess. 1:11-12).

Thought for Today:

We have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:11-12).

Christ Portrayed:

By Mordecai, who adopted Esther (Esth. 2:15). We are adopted into the family of God by Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5; I John 3:1). Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:26).

Word Studies:

1:10 chamberlains officials; 2:16 Tebeth compares with our December/January; 3:8 to suffer them to let them remain; 3:13 Adar compares with our February/March; 3:15 posts special messengers.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA) • Country: Laos (5 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Lao and French • Great suppression of all Christian activities • 58% Buddhist; 33% belief in spirits and ancestor worship; 2% Christian; 1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Bow before the Lord in a godly reverence as you pray and worship (Ex. 34:8).

Optional Reading:

Galatians 1

Memory Verse for the Week:

Acts 2:21