Lesson 4: The Book of Esther - Endurance

Hello Ladies,

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" (Psalms 34:8)

I can still see my 4'11" grandmother, hopping up and down in her communion service robe, as she yelped that very scripture from the back of our very small, family oriented church.  It was over twenty years ago since I have had that experience, but it feels like yesterday. 

I have been consciously walking with Christ since I was 10 years old, but my grandmother's enthusiasm for her relationship with Him did not become real for me until my first year of college.  

However, the practice of her endurance through her spiritual walk has impacted my perspective on life as a whole.  She was on her divine assignment and I am just one of the fruits of that labor.  

I pray that things are well with all of you.  Last week we discussed walking in our divine assignment. Everyday we live and submit ourselves to God; we are exhibiting the evidence of God's divine assignment for all of us.  As we strive to walk closer to the Lord and go deeper in His word, we are challenged to maintain His principles and exhibit Godly behavior at all times.  Being a light in the mist of darkness is part of our divine assignment (2 Corinthians 4:6).

I hope that you were able to spend quality time with the Lord that He may reveal your overall divine assignment that is specific to your life.  I have spent a large portion of my life floundering in my fleshly desires; running away from the gift that was given to me at 10 years old.  I maintained a relationship with Christ in my floundering, but I was blinded by the stale stench of what I considered a Christian life should be. I was like a zombie, not fully connected and engaged in my life or my relationship with Christ.  I had never stopped to ask myself why I was doing the things that I was doing.  This is a very important question for growth.

Finally, God challenged me through life experiences to seek Him.  Now I seek Him because I want to have relationship with Him.  I want to know Him, not because I just want Him to save me from my own mess.  I have a better appreciation for my grandmother's passion towards that verse.  I better understand why she could not control her excitement when thinking about just having a small morsel of Christ. 

This brings me to this week's lesson, endurance.  What is required to endure? 

Resources
Chapter 4

When Mordecai learned all that had happened, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city. He cried out with a loud and bitter cry. ² He went as far as the front of the king’s gate, for no one might enter the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth. ³ And in every province where the king’s command and decree arrived, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
⁴ So Esther’s maids and eunuchs came and told her, and the queen was deeply distressed. Then she sent garments to clothe Mordecai and take his sackcloth away from him, but he would not accept them. ⁵ Then Esther called Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs whom he had appointed to attend her, and she gave him a command concerning Mordecai, to learn what and why this was. ⁶ So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square that was in front of the king’s gate. ⁷ And Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king’s treasuries to destroy the Jews. ⁸ He also gave him a copy of the written decree for their destruction, which was given at Shushan, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her, and that he might command her to go in to the king to make supplication to him and plead before him for her people. ⁹ So Hathach returned and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
¹⁰ Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave him a command for Mordecai: ¹¹ “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days.” ¹² So they told Mordecai Esther’s words.
¹³ And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. ¹⁴ For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
¹⁵ Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: ¹⁶ “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”
¹⁷ So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him.

Endurance - the power to withstand hardship or stress; a state of surviving; remaining alive.

Lesson

We see a form casting a shadow across the scene of sorrow and mourning (Mears 1999).  Mordecai is filled with sorrow at the news of Haman's plan to eliminate the Jews.  However, it does not deter Mordecai from his and Esther's divine assignment.  This plot by Haman only initiates Mordecai's endurance that reveals he and Esther's divine assignment. 

Haman's plan is actually the key to unlock the purpose of Esther acquiring the position with King Ahasuerus.  As Haman plots to manipulate King Ahasuerus, in order to eliminate Mordecai, God allows His glory to be shown through the endurance and faithfulness of Mordecai and Esther.

Endurance, requires a fight to the end.  God is requiring us to operate in a level of faith that ignores our surroundings and ignites the passion to complete the task (Habakkuk 3:17-19).

It is a test of our faith when situations of authority challenges our walk.  We must operate in steadfastness (1 Corinthians 15:58).  We must honor God's faithfulness through endurance (Daniel 6:26).

Mordecai avowed his relation to the Jews (Nelson 1997).  Though Mordecai expressed acts of grief due to the possibility of his people being annihilated, he did not give up.  Mordecai knew that Esther's position was necessary for such a time as this one.  God allows disruption to show His glory.

We have to operate with the mindset that God has already resolved the conflict or struggle for our good and His glory.  We must endure to the end, in faith, trusting that God's will is in our best interest (Jeremiah 29:11). 

How can we walk around assuming our outcome is the best outcome?  We have sometimes acquired the resolution within ourselves and submit our instructions unto God in our prayers.  God does not need our help!  We need His!  We need Him to endure to the end! (Exodus 18:23)

I wonder where I would be if my grandmother had chosen not to endure?  She imparted a steadfastness into every generation that followed (Psalms 78:6-7).

Endurance is about so much more than our own survival.  We are responsible for spreading the gospel of Christ to nations, generations, and generations of nations. (1 Timothy 4:12-16).  The Jews' future existence was contingent on Mordecai and Esther's endurance through this challenging period.  Based on the scriptures, the situation looked bleak.  However, Mordecai held to God's promises and sought out means of endurance.  When Christians are disposed to consult their own ease or safety, rather than the public good, they should be blamed; for we may always come boldly to the throne of grace, and may be sure of an answer of peace to the prayer of faith (Nelson 1997). 

We have an obligation to Christ to endure to the end.  We should, every one, consider for what end God has put us in a place where we are, and study to answer that end; and take care that we do not let it slip (Nelson 1997). 

The ultimate question is where would we be if Christ had not endured to the end? To the cross?

Application

For this week's lesson there is no immediate result to this application.  Endurance is measured over long periods of time and sometimes we are not privy to see the results.  Moses carried the Israelites to the promise land but was unable to experience the glorious triumph.  Nevertheless, we are to focus on endurance through the journey and not the outcome.  God's glory is in every part; enduring to the end. 

I would ask that this week we assess what we are willing to endure for our own personal gain.  We need to evaluate if we are willing to exhibit that same endurance for God's purpose.

I am a runner and I know that if I push myself to run at a faster pace for a longer distance, I will see results in my physical body.  This activity of endurance brings about tangible results that I can possibly see within a week.  Therefore, I am more apt to perform this activity of endurance.

However, will we practice endurance when I children struggle to learn something, when our husbands are operating in their flaws, when our job does not recognize our work, and/or when we feel God is not operating in our time line?  These are all activities of endurance that may not provide immediate results.

My grandmother never lived to see me apply all of the biblical principles that she impressed upon me by living a life of Godly endurance.  She never knew if she would live long enough to see it happen.  That never stopped her from living a Godly life of endurance.

Closing

I hope that you are blessed by this lesson.  I pray that you will find time to commune with the Lord this week in order to ease your journey of endurance.  The only true way to endure is in Christ Jesus.

Have a blessed week!

Be blessed,

T. Carter

References

All scripture references were extracted from The Bible - New King James Version. BibleGateway.com (2013).

Mears, Henrietta (1999).  What the Bible is All About. Regal Books Publishing.  Ventura, California

Nelson, Thomas (1997).  Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible.  Thomas Nelson Publishing.  Nashville, Tennessee.

Nelson, Thomas (1997).  The New Strong's Concise Concordance.  Thomas Nelson Publishing.  Nashville, Tennessee.






 

Lesson 3: The Book of Esther - On Divine Assignment

Hello Ladies,

I pray that you all have had a blessed week.  Did you enjoy being silent and obedient?  I'm joking.  It would seem that as I grow in age and wisdom, practicing silence becomes less difficult.  Especially, when I am focused on the greater good, which is God's will, and not focused on myself.

Now, obedience is one of my blind spots.  Probably because I take the same approach towards obedience as I do with authority.  I assume because I am good at following rules that this is synonymous with practicing obedience.  However, one can follow the rules and still exhibit disobedience.  Its just like when we tell our children, "Don't touch that cake."  Then we find our children eating the cake.  They rationalize their disobedience by saying, "You told me not to touch it and I didn't.  I just bit it." 

I think the Lord wanted me to definitely to practice what I am writing because this week silence and obedience were not my good friends.  However, as I have stated in many other postings, constant progression in God is necessary.  We are never truly finished until we see Him face-to-face.

This week we will focus on Mordecai, Esther's cousin, claiming as her father.

Resource
Chapter 2
21 In those days, while Mordecai sat within the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.  22 So the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name. 23 And when an inquiry was made into the matter, it was confirmed, and both were hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.

Chapter 3
1 After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him and set his seat above all the princes who were with him. 2 And all the king’s servants who were within the king’s gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage. 3 Then the king’s servants who were within the king’s gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you transgress the king’s command?” 4 Now it happened, when they spoke to him daily and he would not listen to them, that they told it to Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s words would stand; for Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew. 5 When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath. 6  But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus—the people of Mordecai.

Lesson

Mordecai and Esther are on divine assignment from God.  As we end chapter 2 of Esther, God has positioned Esther in a place of favor and Mordecai in a place of grace in the eyes of King Ahasuerus.  Esther's obedience to the authority of Mordecai has ensured her position and Mordecai reverence to God has ensured his.  The servant of God must be faithful to every trust , and watchful for those who employ him (Nelson 1997).

It is so pleasing to watch God maneuver for His glory.  We are challenged when God appoints us to His divine assignment.  We are excited to be chosen, however we sometimes grow weary when we embark on the journey. 

Mordecai, without knowing God's entire plan sets out with a spirit of obedience (Romans 1:5).  The bible does not specifically express Mordecai's attitude towards what he is being called to do.  However, his obedience without question is a magnified note that he is operating in God's will for the greater good of God's people and God's glory (Romans 16:26). 

We are all on divine assignment from God.  It would do us all well to ask why God has allowed us to live at this particular hour (Mears 1999).  Just as Mordecai and Esther were on assignment to save the Jews during that particular time, for God's glory.  We are all on our own assignments for God's glory.

For God's glory, that is what we need to focus on (Romans 8:28).  We are sometimes consumed with our own wants and needs that we forget the greater good, which is God.  To do what is right may mean that we must jeopardize our lives and face issues (Mears 1999).  Are we not willing to sacrifice our lives for Christ who sacrificed His own that we may have life? (Isaiah 53)

Thus, with respect to those who serve Christ, though their recompense is not till the resurrection of the just, yet an account is kept of their work of faith and labor of love, which God is not unrighteous to forget (Nelson 1997).  Wouldn't you want the Lord to remember that when He placed you on a task you completed the task and completed it well without any gripes (Isaiah 54:14).

We chastise our children or subordinates when they complain, gripe, or express a negative attitude after being asked to complete a task.  Yet we express those same emotions when God requires something of us.  We are comfortable to determine what we are entitled to do or not to do.   However, God's purpose is greater than our egos.  If He requires you to serve in the children's ministry or on food service, then God doesn't believe its beneath you.  Many of us want to be on a grand assignment in the forefront of man when we should be seeking the eyes of God (Jeremiah 29:13, Hosea 10:12).  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward for it is the Lord Christ you are serving and anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong and there is no favoritism (Colossians 3:23-25).  We get in trouble when we allow what we see around us negate the promises of God (Bevere 2001).

Think of all the people on divine assignment in the bible.  What if they all had decided to choose disobedience?  What if Jesus Christ decided not to go to the cross after His conversation with God in the garden of Gethsemane?  We must understand the divine assignments for our lives.  There is a grave importance for each one of our existence.  God has determined the outcome, we are just required to come under authority, practice obedience, and walk in faith (Jeremiah 29:11).

Application

This week we will have a definite focus for our time with the Lord.  When you enter into your devotional, bible study, or quiet time with the Lord, I ask that you focus on seeking God about your divine assignment (Jeremiah 33:3).  Take the time to make a list of your rational or reasoning of what you think your divine assignment is.  Then seek the Lord with that list.  Ask God for clarity, direction, the spirit of obedience and strengthening faith to complete the task.  We may have multiple divine assignments in our lifetime, so ask God about your present assignment.

I hope this week we can get a discussion started in the "comments" area.  I receive so many emails, text, and facebook messages regarding each lesson.  We could bless each other so much more if we shared with other readers.  Your question, concern, dispute, etc., can bless someone else. 

I pray that you all will have a blessed week.

Be blessed,

T. Carter

References

All scriptures are extracted from The Bible - New King James Version.  YouVersion (2013).

Bevere, John.  Undercover: The Promise of Protectioin Under His Authority.  Thomas Nelson Publishing.  Nashville, Tennessee

Mears, Henrietta (1999).  What the Bible is All About. Regal Books Publishing. Ventura, California

Nelson, Thomas (1997).  Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible.  Thomas Nelson Publishing.  Nashville, Tennessee.

Nelson, Thomas (1997).  The New Strong's Concise Concordance.  Thomas Nelson Publishing. Nashville, Tennessee.

Lesson 2: The Book of Esther - Obedience

Hello Ladies,

I hope you enjoyed last week's lesson.  Sometimes it is difficult to swallow the hard messages, like submitting to authority.  Nevertheless, I received a lot of positive feedback from readers. 

I am such a rule follower by nature that I assume that I am always following authority.  However, my ego is subject to the "I think I know better thought" just like everyone else.  Therefore, I was glad when God revealed that lesson to me because it allowed me to review myself and the authority that God has placed over me.   In addition I could assess myself in the positions of authority that I hold.  Honest self-assessment, aligned with biblical principle, is always beneficial and necessary.

Introducing Queen Esther!!!!  She is one of the most renowned Queens of the bible.  She is our Cleopatra, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, etc.  Not in deeds and possibly appearance, but definitely in popularity.  She is revered as one of the most beautiful women of her time. However, we are going to focus on her silence and obedience (Psalm 46:10).

 Keeping Silent

Source
7 And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter. 8 So it was, when the king’s command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the king’s palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women.  9 Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women. 10 Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it....
15 Now when the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her.  16So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.  17The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.  18 Then the king made a great feast, the Feast of Esther, for all his officials and servants; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces and gave gifts according to the generosity of a king. 19 When virgins were gathered together a second time, Mordecai sat within the king’s gate.  20 Now Esther had not revealed her family and her people, just as Mordecai had charged her, for Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him.

Lesson
Here we see the fruit of Queen Vashti's disobedience and inability to come under the authority that God had placed over her.  While this was unfortunate for Queen Vashti, it posed ample opportunity for Esther to fulfill her Godly purpose.

The order in which God allows the author of Esther to record these two events is of grave importance to us.  God begins with the visual display of the results of negative behavior, Queen Vashti, and then immediately follows it with an example of the rewards of positive behavior, enters Queen Esther. 

We must take note of Esther's prompt conduct of obedience.  She did not stand around and ask questions.  It is not written that she expressed contention or conflict towards her uncle Mordecai. She kept silent. Esther submitted to Mordecai's authority, kept silent, and was obedient. 

 It is heavily discussed throughout Christian leadership, culture, and commentaries that Esther and Mordecai were deceiving King Ahasuerus by not revealing the nature of their decedents.  However, they were operating in the divine order of God.  But let us consider the wise and merciful providence of God, carrying on his deep and holy designs in the midst of all (Nelson 1997).  Who are we to question His divine order?  Additionally, everything is revealed according to God's divine timing. 

When the outcome seems more prevalent to us we are more likely to practice obedience without question.  Today, we revel at the obedience of Abraham travelling up the mount to slay his God given son, only because we know that God provides the sacrificial lamb in the end (Genesis 22:4-19).  Abraham told no one that he intended to sacrifice his only son and he practiced obedience without any knowledge of the outcome.  He submitted to God's authority regardless of the possibility of losing his only son.

But what if you were Esther or Abraham, or anyone else in the bible required to do something that seemed unorthodox to onlookers in order to practice silence and obedience?

God has called us to be a peculiar people required to do miraculous things in His name (1 Peter 2:9).  We are to operate in the will of the Lord regardless of our own personal opinions, wants, and reservations. And let no change in our condition be a pretext for forgetting our duties (Nelson 1997).

When we combine the context of last week's lesson with the subject matter of this week, we acquire characteristics that are pleasing to God and also allow us to become more like Him.  We are required, through His divine purpose for us, to submit to authority, have moments of silence, and practice obedience.

Contrary to what we believe or what we have convinced ourselves of, we are always operating in some sort of obedience.  Whether it is obedience to God's will or obedience to the ways of sin, we are practicing some type of obedience (Romans 6:16). Choose to be silent for and obedient to God.

 Application

Now that we have an understanding of the importance of submitting to authority, through last week's lesson and application, we must acquire the skills to keep silent and obey.  There are over 100 verses in the bible concerning the importance of obedience (Nelson 1997).  It seems that God is trying to make a point.

So this week, we will practice keeping silent and exhibiting obedience.  We do not have to say everything that pops in our heads, we do not have to always have the answer, and we are not always right.  Silence is our friend, silence is our strength, and silence is our way of growing deep, discovering maturity, and our way of exercising the kind of influence God has created us to have on others (Shirer 2011). Our silence has a greater impact and screams louder than our noise.

Practicing silence in our everyday life will allow us the opportunity to achieve our ultimate goal which is to be closer to our Savior.  How can we hear from Him if we are too busy talking?  The most productive task you have is to silently sit before God (Ortlund 1984).

You can do it!  Resist the urge to add any unnecessary commentary to any conversation this week.  Do not participate in any unproductive banter.   Practice obedience and silence.

 Have a blessed week!

 Be blessed,

 T. Carter

References

All scriptures are extracted from The Bible - New King James Version.  YouVersion (2013).

Nelson, Thomas (1997).  Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible.  Thomas Nelson Publishing.  Nashville, Tennessee.

Nelson, Thomas (1997).  The New Strong's Concise Concordance.  Thomas Nelson Publishing. Nashville, Tennessee.

Ortlund, Anne (1984).   Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman.  W Publishing Group. Nashville, Tennessee

Shirer, Priscilla (2011).  The Resolution for Women. B&H Publishing. Nashville, Tennessee

Lesson 1:The Book of Esther - Coming Under Authority

Hello Ladies,


I hope that you all have had a chance to look over the book of Esther.  Just as we closely examined the Proverbial woman, we will also emphatically comb through the many people of Esther with a specific focus on God's purpose for Esther. We will begin by discussing the importance of coming under the authority that God has placed over us. 

The book of Esther starts with a festival.  The chronological blueprint of this happening occurs in the book of Ezra, between chapters 6 and 7.  However, the Lord determined that the details of this event needed to be highlighted enough that He purposely had the author of the book of Esther journal this event.  When God is this purposeful in His intent, we need to take note of the significance. 

While the feast itself, bares much significance, we will focus more on Vashti, the present queen during this particular celebration. 

Coming Under Authority

9 Queen Vashti also made a feast for the women in the royal palace which belonged to King Ahasuerus 10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, Carcasm seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, 11 to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful to behold. 12 But Queen Vashti refused to comate the king's command brought by his eunuchs; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him....15 What shall we do to Queen Vashti, according to law, because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus brought to her by the eunuchs? 16 And Memucan answered before the king and the princes:  "Queen Vashti has not only wronged the king, but also the princes, and all the people who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus  17 For the queen's behavior will become known to all women, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when they report, King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in before him, but she did not come.  18  This very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media will say to all the king's official that they have heard of the behavior of the queen.  Thus there will be excessive contempt and wrath.  19 If it pleases the king, let a royal decree go out from him, and let it be recorded in the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it will not be altered, that Vashti shall come no more before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she 20 When the king's decree which he will make is proclaimed throughout all his empire (for it is great), all wives will honor their husbands, both great and small." (Esther 1:9-12, 15-20 NKJV)

There is so much rich content here for us to glean from ladies.  While these are not direct commandments from our Lord and Savior, they are based on the principles demonstrated in His words.  Additionally, the Lord God allowed King Ahasuerus to be on the thrown knowing the specifics of this situation prior to its occurrence (Matthew 24:36 NKJV).  Therefore, it safe to resolve that the Lord placed King Ahasuerus in authority for this specific occasion and explicitly commanded the writer to account for these happenings for our benefit (Deuteronomy 29:29 NKJV). 

Most commentaries focus on Vashti's disobedience as God's gateway to Esther's blessing.  While, this was definitely God's overall plan, as evidence in the book of Esther, it would seem that there is so much more significance in Vashti's appearance in this book.  Why name her?  Why note the details of each intricate interaction over twelve verses?  Many important people of the bible, that we gain biblical principles from, are not named at all.  For example, the woman with the issue of blood is mentioned throughout the gospels, however, she is never named.

Therefore the significance of Vahsti's portion of this story is so much more relevant than just the thoroughfare to Esther's blessing.  Vashti's blatant disobedience is a red siren to us on what disobedience can resolve.

Commentaries also focus on King Ahasuerus' possible intoxicated state after feasting for days on food and wine, but mostly wine.  Better is a dinner of herbs with quietness, than this banquet of wine, with all the noise and the tumult that must have attended it (Nelson 1997). However, the bible does not tell us to only be obedient when we agree with the person who He has placed in authority over us.  Some people subconsciously reason that any consequence of their disobedience will be outweighed by what they perceive as the immediate gain of their decision (Bevere 2001).  This is blatant disobedience (Colossians 3:6).

God requires obedience because it aligns with His word.  God is in control and He has control over the person who has authority over us.  There are many examples in the bible.  The most prominent situation is Pharaoh and His authority over the Israelites.  For years and generations God allowed the Israelites to submit under the authority of Pharaoh.  While Pharaoh afflicted many of God's people, we must remember God's priority is not for us to have the comforts and enjoyments of this world-His priority is redemption (Bevere 2001).    Therefore, in God's time He elevated Moses on his journey to free the Israelites from the authority of Pharaoh.  However, time spent by the Israelites under the authority of Pharaoh benefited the development of the Israelites as a nation. 

Then there is the narrative of Saul and his authority of David.  Again, I could go on for a while denoting the many incidents in the bible where God chose to place someone under authority in order to express a specific lesson of growth for us to learn from.  However, I gather we all get the picture.

The promise of His protection is under His authority (Bevere 2001).  In order to maintain the blessings of God we must submit to the authority He has chosen for us.  By submitting to that authority, we are entail submitting to God's authority.  Obedience and submission walk hand and hand.  Obedience is a choice in behavior and submission is the attitude.

Women's disobedience seems to have a grave recompense in regards to God's divine order.  It started with Eve and her disobedience in the garden of Eden.  Her decision of disobedience changed the nature of many relationships (Genesis 3:16-19).  Now, Vashti's disobedience to King Ahasuerus could affect the dynamics of the homes of the kingdom (Esther 1:18-20).  We must consider the magnitude of our actions, decisions, choices, and attitudes (Romans 5:19).  Obedience and submission.

So the next time you are questioning the authority placed before you, whether it is your husband, supervisor, team leader, parent, pastor or friend, consider God's divine order of authority.  In those moments, seek His face and listen for His perfect plan for you (Jeremiah 29:11).

Application

Consider the authority you are under and the authority you have in every area of your life (Matthew 8:9).  Are you operating in a level of obedience and submission?   Practicing obedience and submission under authority brings forth blessings.  Doing the same in authority practices grace and empowers generational blessings to your subordinates.  This week examine your personal station in relation to authority, obedience, and submission.  Meditate on God's requirements.  Implement and execute a biblical approach to authority.

Additionally, continue to find time to spend in the word of God and prayer.  Building relationship with Christ is pertinent to the development of your spiritual walk.

Have a blessed week!

Be blessed,

T. Carter

References

All scriptures are extracted from The Bible - New King James Version.  YouVersion (2013).

Bevere, John (2001). Under Cover. Thomas Nelson Publishing. Nashville, Tennessee.

Nelson, Thomas (1997).  Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible.  Thomas Nelson Publishing.  Nashville, Tennessee.

Nelson, Thomas (1997).  The New Strong's Concise Concordance.  Thomas Nelson Publishing. Nashville, Tennessee.



 

Beginning Again - The Book of Esther

Hello Ladies,

I hope you have enjoyed our brief hiatus.  I pray that you have been diligent in spending time reading the word of God and praying in order to continue building relationship with Christ.

I have to admit, I enjoyed this little break. It was much needed, as I conquered my own obstacles in my life.  Serving the Lord is a constant growing process.  He is never finished working in us until we meet Him face-to-face.

Over this break, I have taken the time to really indulge in the details of the book of Esther.  While God's name is not mentioned in the original scribe of this book, His presence is duly noted throughout the behaviors and experiences of the people in these documented events.

Additionally, the Lord saw the relevance and significance of these happenings by placing them in the bible.  It is believed that there are many other writings and books that were excluded from the final collection of the bible stories.  However, the Lord decided that this particular book would make the final cut.  Therefore its significance is crucial to our walks, especially women.

So, here we are.  This week, I would ask that you familiarize yourselves with the book of Esther.  Get to know each person and their journey throughout this book, whether short or long.  Try to focus on the key responsibility of obedience.  Obedience to God's word is so important and the book of Esther sheds a much needed light on the gravity of obedience, patience, and humility.

I pray that you all will have a blessed week.  Enjoy your 4th of July and we will meet again next week to begin the study of Esther together.

Be blessed,

T. Carter