DAY SIX: Living in Such a Time as This
1. This chapter demonstrates the providence of God maybe better than anywhere else in the Bible. Everything started to come into place to fulfill the purpose which God wanted, and previously recorded facts now began to take on more meaning as these events unfolded.[xiv] These events also remind us that during the times God seems to be absent, He has really been present and at work all the while![xv]
As you think back over this story and the passages you examined this week, what are some things God spoke to you about faithfully waiting on His perfect timing and plans, and not giving in to discouragement? Is there an example of this that you experienced personally that you can record here and share with your group? How will you approach the times of trial about God’s working and timing in the future because of these facts?
2. How do you respond to those you feel have wronged you? Do you seek revenge for how they mistreated you, or undermine them when they are promoted and you aren’t? Are you taking on the attitude of Mordecai in this, remaining silent and humbly returning to your daily life and tasks, or do you figuratively picture those mistreating you hanging high up on top of that 75-foot gallows? How has your attitude been impacted by what we read of this week? Please record your honest thoughts here, and pray through the situations, entrusting over them to the Lord. He can work to transform the life of that person, or do a much better of executing vengeance on the evil than you ever could.
3. Haman spent much time looking in the mirror, admiring and cherishing his pitiful reflection. As a result he couldn’t help but think and act out of selfish ambition. Mordecai spent much time looking not at a mirror but out of a window through which he could see the needs of others. Which describes you best? Spending a little too much time in front of the mirror of selfishness and pride lately? Or are you looking past yourself into the lives of others? What are some things that you can do to change your point of view from yourself to others? Remember what we read in the statement of Paul in Philippians 2:3-4: “Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing” (nlt).
4. Finally, take time also to record anything else that the Lord spoke to you about through this chapter that would be a blessing for others to hear. Don’t be afraid to share this with your group.
Scripture Memory: Hopefully you now can write out this week’s passage completely by memory. Do so now, and keep on reviewing it so you will be ready to share it with others in your group time.
Proverbs 16:18:
[i] Mervin Breneman, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. In E. Ray Clenenden ed., The New American Commentary Vol. 10 (Nashville: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 1993), p. 343.
[ii] John MacArthur ed., The MacArthur Study Bible (Nashville: Word Bibles, 1997), p. 689.
[iii] Joyce G. Baldwin, Esther (Downer’s Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1984), p. 89.
[iv] Warren Baker and Eugene Carpenter eds., The Complete Word Study Dictionary Old Testament (
[v]Spiros Zodhiates ed., The Complete Word Study Old Testament (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 1994), p. 2317.
[vi] Edith Hamilton, Mythology (Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1942, 1969), pp.113-115.
[vii] Joyce G. Baldwin, Esther, p. 90.
[viii] Warren Baker and Eugene Carpenter eds., The Complete Word Study Dictionary Old Testament, p. 533.
[ix] John A. Martin, Esther. In John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck eds., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Old Testament (Wheaton: Victor Books/SP Publications, 1985), p. 709.
[x]Spiros Zodhiates ed., The Complete Word Study Old Testament, p. 2362.
[xi] Warren Baker and Eugene Carpenter eds., The Complete Word Study Dictionary Old Testament, p. 577.
[xii] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1993), p. 630.
[xiii] Charles R. Swindoll, Esther, A Woman of Strength and Dignity (Nashville: Word Publishing, 1997), p. 118.
[xiv]John A. Martin, Esther, p. 709.
[xv] Charles R. Swindoll, Esther, A Woman of Strength and Dignity, p. 121.
© 2005 by Harvest Christian Fellowship. All rights reserved. Written by Thomas Klock for Men’s Bible Fellowship, 2004-2005.