DAY 18
QUEEN ESTHER
Then he sent back an answer. He said, “You live in the king’s palace. But don’t think that just because you are there you will be the only Jew who will escape. What if you don’t say anything at this time? Then help for the Jews will come from another place. But you and your family will die. Who knows? It’s possible that you became queen for a time just like this.”
-Esther 4:13-14
REFLECT
Esther found herself in a situation where she had to trust God, even though it was difficult. King Xerxes, the ruler of Persia, was searching for a new wife and had his servants gather the most beautiful women in the land. Esther, a young Jewish woman raised by her cousin Mordecai, was among those chosen. Mordecai, a faithful and godly man who had acted as a father to Esther, advised her to keep her Jewish identity a secret for her protection. Out of all the women, the king favored Esther the most, and she became his queen, living in the royal palace.
Meanwhile, an evil man named Haman, who had been appointed as the highest-ranking official in the kingdom, demanded that everyone bow down to him. Mordecai refused, choosing to bow only to God. Haman’s pride turned to hatred when he discovered Mordecai was a Jew. Fueled by anger, Haman devised a plan to destroy all the Jewish people. He lied to King Xerxes, claiming that the Jews were disobedient to the king’s laws and deserved to be punished. Unaware that Queen Esther was Jewish, the king agreed to Haman’s plan.
Mordecai learned of this plot and urged Esther to plead with the king to save the Jewish people. However, Esther was afraid, approaching the king without being summoned could result in death unless the king extended his golden scepter to grant permission. Mordecai encouraged her, saying, “Maybe God has made you queen at this moment so you can save the lives of the Jewish people!” Esther realized that God had placed her in this position for a purpose: to intercede for her people.
Gathering her courage, Esther went to the inner court of the palace and stood before the king. When King Xerxes saw her, he was pleased and extended his golden scepter, allowing her to approach. The king asked, “What can I do for you, dear queen? I will give you whatever you ask, up to half of my kingdom.” Esther humbly made her request, asking the king to spare her life and the lives of her people. Shocked to learn that Esther was Jewish and that her people were in danger, the king demanded to know who was behind the plot. Esther revealed Haman’s evil plan. Outraged by Haman’s cruelty, the king ordered his execution. Esther’s bravery and faith saved the Jewish people from destruction.
Through this, Esther recognized that God had placed her in the palace for this very moment. God was at work, orchestrating everything according to His perfect timing and will. By protecting the Jewish people, Esther played a vital role in paving the way for the coming of the Savior. One day, a Jewish man named Jesus would make it possible for all of God’s children to approach Him with confidence and grace.
DISCUSSION
Why do you think God made you to live where and when you are now?
What do you think God has planned for your life right now?
PRAY
Dear God, help me to love and honor You above everyone else. Fill my heart with love for other people, and open my eyes to see the special plans You have for me.
FAMILY ACTIVITY
If you have a little girl, let her dress up like a princess. For a boy, dress up like a king then read and act out the story of Esther.
Then he sent back an answer. He said, “You live in the king’s palace. But don’t think that just because you are there you will be the only Jew who will escape. What if you don’t say anything at this time? Then help for the Jews will come from another place. But you and your family will die. Who knows? It’s possible that you became queen for a time just like this.”
-Esther 4:13-14
REFLECT
Esther found herself in a situation where she had to trust God, even though it was difficult. King Xerxes, the ruler of Persia, was searching for a new wife and had his servants gather the most beautiful women in the land. Esther, a young Jewish woman raised by her cousin Mordecai, was among those chosen. Mordecai, a faithful and godly man who had acted as a father to Esther, advised her to keep her Jewish identity a secret for her protection. Out of all the women, the king favored Esther the most, and she became his queen, living in the royal palace.
Meanwhile, an evil man named Haman, who had been appointed as the highest-ranking official in the kingdom, demanded that everyone bow down to him. Mordecai refused, choosing to bow only to God. Haman’s pride turned to hatred when he discovered Mordecai was a Jew. Fueled by anger, Haman devised a plan to destroy all the Jewish people. He lied to King Xerxes, claiming that the Jews were disobedient to the king’s laws and deserved to be punished. Unaware that Queen Esther was Jewish, the king agreed to Haman’s plan.
Mordecai learned of this plot and urged Esther to plead with the king to save the Jewish people. However, Esther was afraid, approaching the king without being summoned could result in death unless the king extended his golden scepter to grant permission. Mordecai encouraged her, saying, “Maybe God has made you queen at this moment so you can save the lives of the Jewish people!” Esther realized that God had placed her in this position for a purpose: to intercede for her people.
Gathering her courage, Esther went to the inner court of the palace and stood before the king. When King Xerxes saw her, he was pleased and extended his golden scepter, allowing her to approach. The king asked, “What can I do for you, dear queen? I will give you whatever you ask, up to half of my kingdom.” Esther humbly made her request, asking the king to spare her life and the lives of her people. Shocked to learn that Esther was Jewish and that her people were in danger, the king demanded to know who was behind the plot. Esther revealed Haman’s evil plan. Outraged by Haman’s cruelty, the king ordered his execution. Esther’s bravery and faith saved the Jewish people from destruction.
Through this, Esther recognized that God had placed her in the palace for this very moment. God was at work, orchestrating everything according to His perfect timing and will. By protecting the Jewish people, Esther played a vital role in paving the way for the coming of the Savior. One day, a Jewish man named Jesus would make it possible for all of God’s children to approach Him with confidence and grace.
DISCUSSION
Why do you think God made you to live where and when you are now?
What do you think God has planned for your life right now?
PRAY
Dear God, help me to love and honor You above everyone else. Fill my heart with love for other people, and open my eyes to see the special plans You have for me.
FAMILY ACTIVITY
If you have a little girl, let her dress up like a princess. For a boy, dress up like a king then read and act out the story of Esther.