Dark Horses: Overlooked Heroes - Day 02
Day 02 - Tuesday, June 25
Read Esther 3 & 4
Highlight
In contrast to Esther and Mordecai and their lack of position or power, we are introduced to Haman who has been given almost absolute power by King Xerxes. We also learn something vitally important about Mordecai and Esther. Although they have experienced extreme trauma, loss and grief, they are still faithfully serving God. In fact, it’s clear from Haman’s description of the Jews in Susa (v. 8 & 9) that they are part of a remnant of exiled Israelites who, even in captivity, have chosen to uphold God’s laws and commands. Mordecai had to have known, given his status as a slave, that his refusal to bow down to Haman would come at a cost. He may not have known what a great cost it would be.
We can’t know for sure, but it’s certainly possible that at any time Mordecai could have changed his mind and simply bowed to Haman to save his life and the lives of the Jewish people throughout Persia. Although clearly distraught, even in the face of genocide, he never wavers, and from what we know Esther never asks him to either. Even those she’s rightly afraid, Esther commits to put her life on the line by going before the King. Here we get our first glimpse into why God may have chosen these unlikely heroes. Esther calls on her people to fast and pray and Mordecai boldly states that even if Esther doesn’t go before the King he believes their people will be rescued another way. Esther and Mordecai may not have the resources, skills or influence to change their circumstances, but they are faithful…and more importantly, they trust in the faithfulness of God.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Read Esther 3 & 4
Highlight
In contrast to Esther and Mordecai and their lack of position or power, we are introduced to Haman who has been given almost absolute power by King Xerxes. We also learn something vitally important about Mordecai and Esther. Although they have experienced extreme trauma, loss and grief, they are still faithfully serving God. In fact, it’s clear from Haman’s description of the Jews in Susa (v. 8 & 9) that they are part of a remnant of exiled Israelites who, even in captivity, have chosen to uphold God’s laws and commands. Mordecai had to have known, given his status as a slave, that his refusal to bow down to Haman would come at a cost. He may not have known what a great cost it would be.
We can’t know for sure, but it’s certainly possible that at any time Mordecai could have changed his mind and simply bowed to Haman to save his life and the lives of the Jewish people throughout Persia. Although clearly distraught, even in the face of genocide, he never wavers, and from what we know Esther never asks him to either. Even those she’s rightly afraid, Esther commits to put her life on the line by going before the King. Here we get our first glimpse into why God may have chosen these unlikely heroes. Esther calls on her people to fast and pray and Mordecai boldly states that even if Esther doesn’t go before the King he believes their people will be rescued another way. Esther and Mordecai may not have the resources, skills or influence to change their circumstances, but they are faithful…and more importantly, they trust in the faithfulness of God.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
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