Lenten Study 2022 - Session 4

Chapter 5: Relief Will Come (4:1-17) Chapter 6: Two Throne Rooms (4:1-17) Background from Esther 3 Psalm 10 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Matthew 26:57-61 Haman's argument (3:8) Truth - Half-truth - Lie - Xerxes error 1. 2. 3. "First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out-because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out- because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me-and there was no one left to speak for me." - Martin Niemöller Esther 4:1-3 - Esther 4:13-16 - From Sunday School lesson - March 20, 2022 - How hard is it to water a plant? As it turns out, very difficult-at least for me. I was home from college for summer break. When my mother had to leave on a business trip, she instructed me to water one outside plant. If I didn't and the plant died, I would have to buy a new one. I was confident I could not forget. After all, it was clearly visible through the large window behind the TV! Not once did I water the plant. Worse yet, it rained very little while my mother was gone. By the time she returned, the plant was a dried husk, and the leaves crumbled to dust at a mere touch. It wasn't out of rebellion that I didn't water the plant, or even that I didn't care for my mom. The problem was that I never wrote it down, nor did I make a point to include watering the plant in my daily habits. Her instructions just slipped my mind. I still wish I had guarded myself against forgetting-that was an expensive plant! Through my failure I learned that even ______________ to __________ has _________________! James 4:17 - Matthew 25:31-46 - Luke 10:36-37 - Here is what God said: John 16:33 - 2 Corinthians 1:9 - Isaiah 43:2 - The rest of the story: John 16:33 - 2 Corinthians 1:9-10 - Isaiah 43:2-3 - At this moment Esther's life purpose was at stake. God had guided in her being chosen queen. In the biblical perspective election is for service, not just for one's own benefit. Being liberator of her people was more important than being the queen of Persia. - Mervin Brenemen, New American Commentary Esther's response Esther 4:15-17 - Instead of just charging ____________, she charged _______ 1. 2. 3. 4. YOU WERE MADE FOR THIS MOMENT LENTEN STUDY 2022 SESSON 4: MARCH 30, 2022 2 | Page