Esther
Today we finish up the book of Esther. It has been an interesting study for me.
Question of the day: Have you ever been in a situation where later you wish you had spoken up in defense of someone? or Can you remember a time when someone came to your defense?
Today we have a short passage to finish up the book of Esther. Chapter 10 is an appendix to the book of Esther. Read and then let's ask some questions and have a short review of Esther.
The Greatness of Mordecai
10 King Xerxes imposed tribute throughout the empire, to its distant shores. 2 And all his acts of power and might, together with a full account of the greatness of Mordecai, whom the king had promoted, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Media and Persia? 3 Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.
Did anyone else find it interesting that the appendix to the book of ESTHER is all about MORDECAI? Esther isn't even mentioned.
I couldn't help but also wonder about the end of Esther's life. I have read several places that King Xerxes, was assassinated about 10 years later. What was Esther's life like after all this. We have this short appendix that tells us of Mordecai, but what about Esther?
It almost feels like Esther is being over looked.
Have you ever been overlooked? Have you ever felt like you deserved recognition and didn't get it?
In the appendix of a book named after you it would seem there would be some mention of you. Wouldn't you think.
Was she overlooked because of cultural practices and beliefs?
Is this a lesson in humility or is this a sad commentary on the culture of the time? Or do we still have this culture to some degree today?
Before you start thinking that I am going down a women's activists path let's move on...
Mordecai:
Second in command
Given tribute to throughout the entire kingdom.
Held in high esteem among the Jews.
Because he "worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews."
Just yesterday a former student from MPA posted on facebook how someone in church had said something very painful to her. Judging her spiritual walk with God. I hurt for her. A young beautiful woman who loves the Lord and is serving him, being smacked around by so called "Christ-followers" what a sad thing. However by the time I saw the post a beautiful thing had happened. There were comment after comment after comment of encouraging words. When I read that Mordecai "spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews", I thought of all those comments.
Do we speak up for "all the Jews?" What does that even mean?
How and when should we speak up?
I am often hesitant to speak up! I admire many friends of my who are seemingly much more bold about speaking up for those who need it.
Why?
I have struggled with this lesson this week because of this one little point. Why don't I speak up for? Well, I guess because I know to speak up for some will cause others to judge me too.... is that why?
Esther was willing to risk her life for the life of her people, Mordecai, was known for speaking up and working for His people, why is it sometimes so hard for me to speak up.
I liked some of the comments in this former students feed.... does that count?
At times I have said that I have to be careful because of my job, what I say and who I defend. It can be misunderstood, after all we have been warned that we can be fired for what we post on social media sites, so would the conference president approve of the "speaking up" I would like to do? Is that a reason or an excuse?
What keeps you from speaking up?
If you have found yourself, like me, unwilling or unable to speak up in defense of someone, I would like you to take a moment and ask yourself some questions.
1. What do you think is holding you back?
2. What is the worst case scenario if you do speak up? (What are you afraid of?)
3. What is the worst case scenario of you don't speak up?
4. Is there biblical support in speaking up in defense of others? In Proverbs it says to "speak up for those who can't speak for themselves." The short answer is yes! We are supposed to be speaking up for those who need it, supporting one another.
5. Would you be willing to for just one week, force yourself to step way outside your comfort zone and speak up for those who need it. If you find someone at work needs support, or the record set right, do it. Or if you need to speak up for someone in your family, or a friend. DO IT! Kindly speak up and do what you can for those who need your help!
Speak up for those who are marginalized.
Speak up for those who are being persecuted!
Speak up for those who just need to hear someone fight for them, or beside them.
Speak up!
Don't be silent!
If you know someone who does speak up often, affirm them!
For those who speak up they need your support too!
Mordecai was affirmed by his people for speaking up! He was honored.
Let those around you know how much you appreciate their ability to stand up for those who need it!
If you have extra time here at the end of class, take a moment and review what you have found helpful about the book of Esther.
What is something new you learned?
What has impacted you personally?
Happy Sabbath!
Go and love well.... by speaking up for those who need it!!!!!!!!!!!
Comments
Post a Comment