Dark Horses: Overlooked Heroes - Day 04
Day 04 - Thursday, June 27
Read Esther 7 & 8
Highlight
The faith of Mordecai and Esther has changed the fate of an entire nation in captivity. The Jews are given the freedom to be autonomous, not just protected by the King and his empire, but free to defend themselves against evil. Their dignity is restored. Their identity is so changed that where there was grief and mourning there is now rejoicing and victory. Sound familiar?
In Spoken Gospel’s Devotion on Esther they write:
[T]he greatest plot against God’s people was not Haman in Persia; It was Satan against Jesus. Like Haman, Satan pulled all the levers of the Empire to massacre his enemy (Matthew 27:1-2). And like Haman he erects beams of wood to impale Jesus. Unlike the divine author of Esther who ironically undoes Haman’s evil before it happens, Jesus dies (Matthew 27:50). But just as Esther had a secret that undid Haman’s plan, there was a secret hidden in Jesus’ death too (1 Corinthians 2:6-7). If Satan and his rulers had known this secret, they would have never crucified Jesus (1 Corinthians 2:8). And just as Mordecai rose in power over Haman, Jesus rose in power over death itself.
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 7 & 8
Highlight
The faith of Mordecai and Esther has changed the fate of an entire nation in captivity. The Jews are given the freedom to be autonomous, not just protected by the King and his empire, but free to defend themselves against evil. Their dignity is restored. Their identity is so changed that where there was grief and mourning there is now rejoicing and victory. Sound familiar?
In Spoken Gospel’s Devotion on Esther they write:
[T]he greatest plot against God’s people was not Haman in Persia; It was Satan against Jesus. Like Haman, Satan pulled all the levers of the Empire to massacre his enemy (Matthew 27:1-2). And like Haman he erects beams of wood to impale Jesus. Unlike the divine author of Esther who ironically undoes Haman’s evil before it happens, Jesus dies (Matthew 27:50). But just as Esther had a secret that undid Haman’s plan, there was a secret hidden in Jesus’ death too (1 Corinthians 2:6-7). If Satan and his rulers had known this secret, they would have never crucified Jesus (1 Corinthians 2:8). And just as Mordecai rose in power over Haman, Jesus rose in power over death itself.
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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