How do I prepare to face the difficult tasks the Lord calls me to?
Week 1 DAY 1 and 2
Begin Segment 3, Esther Chapters 5-6.
Today and Tomorrow
We will:
- LOOK at Esther 5:1.
- LEARN ‘how‘ to incorporate GODcha’s tools along the way.
- LISTEN to God speak to us as we focus on GODcha’s LEARN/LIVE question.
Open GODcha to the Book of Esther
You Can Open GODcha and GODchats together
NOTE:
If you don’t have GODcha Get It>
Or, use your hardbound Bibles and follow along.
You can print off this week’s posts and put in a notebook!
Consider the Overview
To Find the Purpose of Esther
Scan the Overview in GODcha to refresh your memory!
Why Was Esther Written?
Understand: Everything written in this book points back to the purpose.
The Purpose Was To:
Reveal how the Jews, living in exile throughout all the king’s provinces, were protected and delivered from annihilation by God’s divine power and control even though He is never mentioned in this book.
Let’s Begin With Prayer
And Continue With an Attitude of Prayer
Perhaps. . .
Oh Lord, unfold Your Word to us today as only You can do. We ask that You give us understanding. May we live in the light of what You show us and teach us today. Thank you Lord, (Psalm 119:130).
If you get STUCK at any point in your discovery, stop, and pray!
GOD, your Creator, loves you and desires to reveal much to you.
Context
CONTEXT is the setting that Rules Interpretation.
God’s people have been in exile for 100 yrs. Now, some of the 3rd generation had separated from Babylon going back to Jerusalem while others remained in Babylon blending in.
Let’t Go Backward for a bit. . .
Esther Chapter 1
There is a king: King Ahauserus, Xerxes the Great, who rules the great empire Persia. In that day he was the most powerful man on the earth, who became angry when his wife refused to obey him when he wanted to parade her in front of 1,000’s who’d been partying for 6 mths + 7 days. Thus, he banished the Queen – divorced her.
Esther Chapter 2
About 4 to 5 yrs later the king holds a competition for over 400 beautiful young virgins, and the winner who becomes the Queen of Persia is Esther, a Jewish orphan.
Esther Chapter 3
The king empowers a man named Haman who Mordecai, Esther’s cousin and adoptive father, refuses to bow to. As a result, Haman plots to exterminate not only Mordecai but all the Jews.
Esther Chapter 4
We see a change in both Mordecai and Esther. We now see they identify with God!
Mordecai in humility fasts before God in sackcloth and ashes, as well as all the Jews, persuading Esther of the serious threat.
Thus, Esther must devise a plan to save her people from the death sentence. She becomes like a mediator between the king and her people, kind of like Jesus between God The King and us. There is a small problem: a law that you can only enter the king’s presence if invited. We left off with Esther requesting all to fast for 3 days, and was willing to die to save her people, like Jesus!
As we begin this New Segment
Some Reminders and How To’s.
3 EASY Steps
To Put into Play
Just a quick reminder to help you walk through God’s Word implementing the LOOK, LEARN and LIVE Steps.
1. To LOOK:
a. Read a verse;
b. Consider what is Key to that verse; and
c. Investigate what is Key by checking:
– The Word Meanings; and
– Other Scripture References for better understanding.
d. Pay attention to: Timing, Contrasts, Comparisons, and Terms of Conclusions.
2. LEARN
Bring everything you LEARNED together.
3. LISTEN
LISTEN to what God has said.
CHAT with Him and Commit to LIVE Out what you learned.
As You LEARN and LISTEN, THEN You Respond
– An awesome dialogue begins to take place between you and Your Creator!
– This is fellowship – you developing a relationship with God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus, (1Jo 1:3).
Your Response to God Might Be:
Praise,
Forgiveness,
Confession,
Repentance,
Thanksgiving, and/or
A commitment to LIVE out what He is showing you!
Let’s LOOK 
Open GODcha’s LOOK Section
Always Begin LOOKING By READING
READ Taking Small Bites
This Narrows Your Focus
Focus on a Paragraph at a Time
Esther Chapter 5 is Broken Down Into Paragraphs
5:1-4;
5:5-8;
5:9-14;
TIP: In your hardbound Bibles Paragraphs are designated by:
– an indentation;
– a paragraph symbol; and/or
– a bold face number.
READ With Purpose
As You READ, Ask Questions
Have you ever read something, and 5 minutes later you couldn’t remember what you read?
Learning to read with a purpose will change that!
We Always Want to Consider:
Who is speaking; and to whom?
What is happening?
Where is it happening?
When is it happening?
Why is it happening or, why did it happen?
How did it happen?
Questions
Help SLOW You Down
You will:
1. See the complete picture;
2. See how everything relates to one another; and
3. Remember what you read.
This is the most critical skill to learn in order to see God’s Word accurately!
Okay, Let’s Give It a Try!
READ the 1st paragraph, Esther 5:1-4.
As you read, ask the who, what, where, when, why and how questions.
This is a skill that just takes time and practice.
Remember to:
Reflect on the events that demonstrate God’s hidden hand.
Let’s Zoom In On Verse 1.
What happens?
LOOK
For KEY Words
Because they ‘unlock’ the meaning to what God is saying.
In GODcha Scroll Down To:
Key Words
What caught your attention? You might want to check it out.
TIP: If you need help to see what is key, check out GODcha’s Key Words, and/or even the LEARN Questions to help you as they have been designed to reveal what is Key.
Today, let’s do just that.
Let’s Work Our Way Backwards.
Check Out the LEARN Questions
Scroll down to GODcha’s Deeper Discovery Section
Find the #1 LEARN Question(s).
Here it is for you.
Ch 5 #1. There is much at stake. Esther will:
a. Be breaking the law, which meant death;
b. Admit her 5 yr. deception about being Jewish;
c. Try to rebuild a relationship;
d. Try to persuade the king to reverse the edict;
e. Overcome Haman.
How had Esther prepared to face the king? (Est 4:16)
Now you see what to focus on.
What did we LEARN back in Est 4:16?
We LEARNED:
With much at stake Esther fasted. . . she did not eat or drink for 3 days.
Do you remember our discovery on fasting? You might go back and review fasting and prayer.
We Discovered:
Fasting is when we voluntarily go into a time with no food or water that weakens us and frees us from our flesh and the world as we seek the Lord for His will, wisdom, and direction.
As we come to Chapter 5, Esther had prepared herself spiritually getting her heart right, ready, and strong to do what she had to do to save her people.
Now Engage with God!
LISTEN to Him Speak
And LIVE it out!
If you need help
Check out GODcha’s #1 LIVE Question(s).
#1. What is at stake in my life?
a. 1st, How am I preparing to enter heaven into the presence of The King, God Almighty, and the Lord Jesus Christ? (Rom 5:1-2)
b. 2nd, How do I prepare to face the difficult tasks the Lord calls me to?
Remember:
Respond…Talk to God. . .
And Live It Out!
God is waiting to have a heart to heart!
Today: Esther Prepares to Meet the King
Let’s LOOK Once More
At Verse 1
READ Esther 5:1-4 again, asking the who, what, where, when, why and how questions.
Remember to:
Reflect on the events that demonstrate God’s hidden hand.
Let’s Unpack Verse 1.
1. How does Chapter 5 begin?
2. What did Esther do to be received by the king?
LOOK
For KEY Words
Because they ‘unlock’ the meaning to what God is saying.
In GODcha Scroll Down To:
Key Words
The 
Time Phrase ‘on the third day‘ is Key.
And ‘what Esther does‘ is Key.
We know on the 3rd day Esther was prepared to move into action. Let’s see the significance of the 3rd day.
LOOK
At GODcha’s Cross References
God Uses Truth to Explain Truth
In GODcha’s LOOK Section Scroll Down To:
Cross References (aka CR)
Tap on any Scripture Reference either in GODcha, and/or here in GODchats, and the verses will open up for you.
What are a few things that happened ‘on the third day’?
Gen 1:11-13
Gen 22:3-4
Exo 19:10-11
2Ki 20:5
Jon 1:17
1Co 15:4
What Did You LEARN
Check Out the 1st Part of the #2 LEARN Question(s)
Scroll down to GODcha’s Deeper Discovery Section
#2. What do you learn from the CR about the 3rd day?
Sum It Up!
We LEARN:
After Esther had fasted, it came about on the third day. . .
THINK For a Minute:
How do you think Esther felt that 3rd day?
I might have been tempted to just pull my covers up and not get out of bed.
But we see Esther begins to implement her plan.
We Discover:
The third day is significant, as God did big things on this day.
– Redemptive things!
– Revelatory things!
– And Resurrection things!
On the third day of Creation, the submerged earth came out of the waters and brought forth vegetation, Gen 1:11-13.
Isaac was figuratively brought back from the dead on the third day, Gen 22:3-4.
The nation of Israel inwardly prepared to meet God and on the third day the LORD came down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people, Exo 19:10-11.
Hezekiah was sick unto death. He cried out to God in tears, begging for deliverance and healing. The Lord answered his prayer and on the third day he would go up to the house of the Lord, 2Ki 20:5.
Jonah was in the belly of a big fish for 3 days and nights, then went and preached repentance to Nineveh. Jon 1:17.
Christ died, was buried, and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 1Co 15:4. It took 3 days for the Lord’s resurrection and our salvation.
“The third day in the Bible is the day of resurrection life, blessing, and glory.” Ron Mattoon
Today: Esther Prepares to Meet the King
Now let’s see what Esther does on the third day to prepare to face the king.
LOOK Again
At Verse 1
READ Esther 5:1-4 again.
Remember reading and re-reading buries God’s Word down deep in your heart and mind.
What Else is Key in Verse 1?
We have seen Esther prepared herself spiritually, now what she does to prepare herself physically is Key.
THINK and REASON:
Why would Esther put on her royal robes? Why would this be wise?
Check Out the Cross References (aka CR) About: ‘putting on royal robes’.
What do you learn for yourself about coming to God our King appropriately dressed?
Zec 3:4
Isa 61:10
Rev 19:8
Rev 21:2
LISTEN To the Spirit
What preparations do I make to meet God, The King over all?
Am I appropriately dressed?
- Has my iniquity been taken away?
- Am I clothed with a royal robe of righteousness?
LISTEN To the Spirit
What lessons can I learn from Esther?
What physical preparations am I making for what God has called me to do for Him?
Do I dress appropriately for the business at hand?
Talk To God!
Don’t miss your conversation with the Lord!
What Did You LEARN
If you need help
Check Out the #2 LEARN Question(s)
Scroll down to GODcha’s Deeper Discovery Section
#2. … On the 3rd day, what does Esther do to enter the presence of the king to intercede for her people? (v1)
Let’s Pull It All Together!
We LEARN:
On the 3rd day after preparing herself spiritually, Esther prepared herself physically. Gorgeous Esther was very wise to put on her regal royal robes.
She not only dressed respectfully, but appropriately, giving the king a clear sign that she was coming in her high position as the Queen of Persia. Meaning she was coming to the king to do business.
We Discover:
Zechariah tells of the vision of the High Priest. Joshua was told: to remove the filthy garments (a picture of the defiled priesthood and people) and that their iniquity would be taken away so then they would be clothed with festal robes, Zec 3:4.
In Isaiah’s prophecy about salvation that would come to Israel, he greatly rejoiced for the LORD had clothed him with garments of salvation, wrapped him with a robe of righteousness, Isa 61:10.
John tells us about the end when the Lamb’s wife (Christ’s bride, The Church, the saints) made herself ready. Clothing herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints, Rev 19:8.
John also saw the holy city, new Jerusalem (the whole city occupied by the saints) coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband, Rev 21:2.
As Esther was dressed in her royal robes, we who believe and have surrendered our lives to Christ have had our filthy garments of iniquity (sin) taken away and been clothed in garments of salvation and robes of righteousness.
Time Out: Are you amazed at what all God has shown us?
You are doing great!
You might stop here for today and come back tomorrow.
Today: Esther Prepares to Meet the King
Once Esther was dressed, what did she do?
LOOK Again
At Verse 1
READ Esther 5:1-4. Yes again!
Close in on Verse 1 Again.
The Next Thing Esther Did is Key.
Scope Out the Cross References (aka CR) About: ‘stood in the inner court’.
Let’s consider a couple of things.
1st, we need to catch the scene, this was not easy. No doubt God’s hidden hand was working to help Esther courageously take that 1st brave step to go stand in the inner court.
1. What do you learn about the LORD that will help give you courage to do what He calls you to?
Deut 31:6-8
Isa 52:12
LISTEN To the Spirit
Where does my strength and courage come from to do what God calls me to do?
Am I confident that the LORD is with me and will never forsake me?
Deut 7:9
LISTEN To the Spirit
Do I love the LORD and keep His commandments?
What difference does it make in my life to know God is faithful to keep His covenant with those who love Him and keep His commandments?
Psa 91:4
LISTEN To the Spirit
What difference does it make in my life to see God protects me?
2. What do you learn about yourself when it comes to taking that 1st step?
Jam 2:14, 17
Jam 1:2-4
LISTEN To the Spirit
Is my faith living or dead?
What risky step have I had to take that proved my faith?
Don’t Forget to CHAT with GodLIVE It Out!
Now 2nd, as we see Esther stood in the inner court, what comes to your mind that would apply to believers?
Where do we stand?
Psa 84:10
How do we stand in the Lord’s courts?
This is not in GODcha but I feel led to share.
Have you ever done a study on the tabernacle and the temple? It’s incredible, with so much symbolism for every room and piece of furniture giving us a picture of Jesus. Only 1 Door, with an Outer Court and an Inner Court aka the Holy Place, and the glory of the Lord filled the Holy of Holies.
Do a quick discovery and you will see that the Inner Court as part of the Tabernacle could very well make us think of our union with Christ, never having to fear death, allowing us to stand spiritually in the presence of God the Father, and Jesus who is at His right hand representing us and presenting our cause.
The Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting) In the Wilderness
Tabernacle: miškān means dwell, sanctuary, the dwelling place of the LORD.
“The Tabernacle was a sanctuary, built for God according to the pattern of His throne in heaven where He chose to dwell among His people,” Exo 26:30; Exo 40:34, 38; Heb 8:5. “A meeting place between God and His people. For 4 centuries this elect nation would worship God in the tabernacle – yet from a distance, separated by the veil from the presence of His glory, which hovered over the mercy seat on the ark of the covenant. Only the high priest in his priestly garments could enter, once a year, on the Day of Atonement.” The International Inductive Study Bible pg. IISB 34.
1. The tabernacle had 1 Door, Exo 26:36-37, symbolizing Jesus is The Door – the only way to the Father, Joh 10:9; Joh 14:6.
2. The Door opened to The Outer Court which had:
– The Bronze Altar for sacrifices, Exo 27:1; 29:10-18 – symbolizing Jesus the Sacrifice taking away our sin, Joh 1:29; Heb 10:12; Eph 1:7; 1Jo 3:5.
– Then, the Bronze Laver where the priests washed, Exo 30:18 – symbolizing Jesus Cleanses and Sanctifies, pointing to our need to be cleansed daily by the washing of the water of the Word, Rom 5:9; 1Jo 1:7-9; Eph 5:26-27.
3. Then there was The Inner Court, aka the Holy Place, Heb 9:2, where:
– The Table of Showbread was to the right, Exo 25:23, 30 – symbolizing Jesus, the Bread of Life, Joh 6:32-35; Joh 6:41, 58 and
– The Golden Lampstand was to the left, Exo 25:31-40; Exo 27:21 – symbolizing Jesus is the Light, Joh 1:4-5, 9, Joh 8:12; Joh 9:5; Rev 4:5; Rev 21:22-23.
– With the Golden Altar of Incense that was before the Holy of Holies that was closed off by the Veil, Exo 30:1-10; Exo 40:5 – symbolizing Jesus as our Intercessor, and our Prayers of Intercession and Communion with the Lord, Psa 141:2; Heb 7:25; Rev 5:8; Rev 8:3-4.
4. Then there was the Veil that separated the Inner Court and Holy of Holies, Exo 26:31-34 – symbolizing Jesus, the Veil of Flesh, giving us access to God the Father, Heb 10:19-20; Mat 27:45-53.
5. Then there was The Holy of Holies that held the Ark, Exo 25:10-16; 2Sa 6:2; Rev 11:19, with the Mercy Seat, Exo 25:17-22; Lev 16:2; Heb 9:5, where only the High Priest could go once a yr. to make atonement for the people, pointing us to Jesus who is God, our High Priest, Heb 1:1-3; Heb 9:12; Joh 1:1, 14; Joh 10:33; Joh 20:30-31.
The 1st Temple In Jerusalem
“Later, Solomon built the first temple where God’s glory and presence remained until the days of Ezekiel. Because of Judah’s sin, and God’s coming judgment, the glory of the Lord departed, and the temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.” The International Inductive Study Bible, pg. IISB 36.
The 2nd Temple In Jerusalem
As Esther stands in this king’s inner court, there was a remnant of Israel who had returned to Jerusalem after their Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple and it’s Inner Court under Nehemiah and Zerubbabel’s leadership, that Herod later overhauled.
“God did not fill the temple, but the glory of the Lord in the person of Jesus Christ went in and out of this temple until He walked out for the last time. The day Christ was crucified the veil that separated the Inner Court (aka the Holy Place) and the Holy of Holies was torn in 2 for the New Covenant had begun. This temple was destroyed as Jesus said in 70 A.D.” The International Inductive Study Bible, pg. IISB 38.
Believers Are the Temple of God
Eph 2:20-22; 1Co 3:16; Heb 10:19-22
What do believers stand in?
Rom 5:1-2
1Co 15:1
1Co 16:13
Eph 6:11
Phil 4:1
What Did You LEARN
Sum It Up!
We LEARN:
Then Esther risked it all. She went, without being summoned, and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace in front of the king’s rooms.
And the king was sitting on his royal throne in the throne room, opposite the entrance to the palace.
THINK and REASON:
Can you catch the scene?
To take that 1st step took courage on Esther’s part to go before this unpredictable man, who was her husband that she had not seen for 33 days.
No doubt the king would be able to see Esther standing opposite him.
We Discover:
Courage comes when we are confident that the LORD is the one who goes ahead of us; that He will be with us, never to fail or forsake us. When this knowledge is real to us, then we will not fear or be dismayed. God will go before us and be our rear guard as He was with Israel, Deut 31:6-8; Isa 52:12.
Courage comes knowing the LORD our God, is God and is faithful keeping His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments, Deut 7:9.
Courage comes knowing the LORD will protect us. He is like a parent, who will cover us with His pinions, and under His wings we may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark, Psa 91:4.
We Discover:
James tells us, it is of no use to say we have faith when we have no works. Faith without works is dead because it cannot save us, Jam 2:14, 17.
We Discover:
1 day in the Lord’s courts is better than a 1,000 elsewhere. We would rather stand in the threshold of the house of our God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness, Psa 84:10.
We who have been justified by faith and are at peace with God and are the temple of God and stand:
In God’s grace, Rom 5:1-2;
In the gospel, 1Co 15:1;
Firm in the faith, 1Co 16:13;
Firm against the schemes of the enemy, Eph 6:11;
Firm in the Lord, Phil 4:1.
LISTEN to God Speak
And LIVE it out!
Check out the #2 LIVE Questions.
#2. When was my 3rd day of the resurrection life? As a result:
a. What robe have I put on to enter into the presence of God, The King?
b. Dressed appropriately, how then do I approach those in authority over me in a difficult situation? What must I do to be wise, respectful, and composed, so I am not foolish and disrespectful?
GODcha Helps Us Think
We’ll look at the rest of this paragraph tomorrow, but for now, aren’t you amazed at what all you discovered as you LOOKED at just 1 verse?
As we LOOK at God’s Word and LEARN, do you see there is no guessing?
No ‘I think‘, or ‘I believe‘.
We answered the LEARN questions straight from the text.
Don’t you love it!
I sure do!
I want you to see there is no need for guessing!
God has spoken very clearly.
So we sheep can see His Word and come to understand it!
Oh, you all just Discovered Truth for Yourself!
I am so so excited!
That’s It For Today!
Soak in all God is saying and teaching you being spiritually and physically prepared to face the tasks He calls us to.
Ponder ‘courage‘.
Chat with God about it! Have that constant, conscience, communion with God all day today!
NOTE Your Discovery!
You’ll be glad you did!
Video Tutorial> Notes Tutorial >
Take the time to journal your discovery. And if you can, jot some notes in your hardbound Bibles. You will be so glad you did.
If you have any questions,
write them down,
God will answer them.
Also enter the personal things God has touched you with.
Let’s Bow Before the Father
OH HEAVENLY FATHER, BLESSED LORD JESUS, and HOLY SPIRIT – GOD in three persons, we so praise You! Oh Lord GOD, we praise You for what You have done for us, giving us Your Son Jesus, The Sacrifice! Thank you for our 3rd day resurrection of life, the garment of salvation and the robe of righteousness so that we can enter into Your very presence. Father, we know we get dirty daily, please bring to our hearts any sin that would hinder us from coming into Your Holiness Lord. May we confess and be cleansed so that we may enter Your courts with praise and thanksgiving today ever so grateful that we can come to Your throne room, into Your presence, never ever to fear death or be turned away!
As we begin this new segment, I thank you so much for preserving this book of Esther. Help us to see the lessons You have for us as we see how Esther and Mordecai changed from blending in with the world and being complacent, to having a change of heart with a change of convictions, identifying with You Father, so much so that Esther was willing to die to save her people. Oh may we too be changed. Change our hearts oh God!
Father, forgive us for not properly preparing for the tasks You have called us to. Forgive us for trying to do Your work in and of ourselves. May we this day commit to fasting and praying so You can change our hearts (and other’s hearts), giving us the strength and wisdom we need for the hard places You call us to. Lord, help us at every turn to be wise, respectful and composed so You will be glorified.
And forgive us Father for giving in to temptation, turning from responsibilities You have given us, missing out on crucial opportunities to be used by You. Oh Father, may we understand that You are with us. Cement these Truths down deep so when we are weak then You will come forth strong! May we know that we know that You will go before us, never calling us to do anything that You have not empowered us to do. And that You are our rear guard, protecting us as any parent would. Oh help us to be courageous, willing and able to be brave for You. And may others see our faith by the works You have prepared and called us to, ultimately glorifying You! You are so wonderfully good, and right here working in our lives, orchestrating Your plan and will to be done. We praise You in Your blessed Son’s name and thank you! Amen!
Awesome! Do you realize you are doing the one thing that is necessary, learning to sit at the feet of Jesus, letting Him explain Truth to you by the power of His Spirit.
Next: We’ll look at the the next paragraph, Esther 5:2-4.
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