Remember, in His Word, God has:

  • Something to see – what does the text say
  • Something to understand – what does it mean
  • Something to apply – what does it mean to me
  • Something to praise – for what are you thankful?

(1) Through the Bible

Day 1: Jeremiah 14-17Day 4: Jer 26-29
Day 2: Jer 18-22Day 5: Jer 30-32
Day 3: Jer 23-25Day 6: Jer 33-35

This Sunday we move ahead in the The Story of Everything, even though we move back in the Old Testament to the book of Esther. Historically, the context is post-exilic, dating from the early part of the 5th Century BC (480’s-470’s). The Persians have defeated the Babylonians which leads to the decree of King Cyrus of 538 BC that Jewish exiles where free to return home. The temple is rebuilt over time, but Israel remains spiritually impoverished. Many exiles have returned, but many also chose to remain in Persia, including Mordecai and Esther. Though God is not explicitly mentioned, his providence remains on centre stage in the book of Esther. Esther is chosen to be queen and Mordecai thwarts plans to assassinate King Ahasuerus, Both are seen as God’s people at the right place and the right time to save God’s people from a wicked genocidal plot. We will take this opportunity to see the work of a great God behind our call to be witnesses in our world.

(2) Key Passages

Day 1: Esther 2:5-11;15-18Day 4: Esther 4:1-11
Day 2: Esther 2:21-23Day 5: Esther 4:12-17
Day 3: Esther 3:1-6; 12-14Day 6: Esther 6:1-10; 8:2,11

(3) Key Verses

Day 1: Esther 2:15-18Day 4: Esther 3:12-14
Day 2: Esther 2:21-23Day 5: Esther 4:12-14
Day 3: Esther 3:1-3Day 6: Esther 4:15-17

(4) Pre-readers (in the translation of your choice, quoted below from the NLT)

“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

Esther 4:14