Foundations Week 28, Day 2

Scripture Read: Esther 8 - 10
Title:  Queen Esther Saves the Jews

H.E.A.R. 
(H) Highlight verse: "Then Esther spoke again to the king.  She fell at his feet and wept and pleaded with him to avert the evil plan of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews."  Esther 8:3

(E) Explain:  With Haman gone the king promoted Mordecai over the house of Haman.  However, the edict that Hamn made to destroy all the Jews was still in effect.  Knowing this Queen Esther went before the king once again and interceded for her people, the Jews.  She found favor in his sight, but the king could not revoke his original edict.  So the king made a second edict that allowed the Jews to arm and defend themselves against any who sought to harm them.  Two days of violence ensued and the Jews overcame their enemies.  The end result was the establishing of the Jewish festival Purim.  This was a day of celebration and giving gifts of food to one another.  

(A) Application:  The story of Esther is one of many Old Testament stories that gives a forshadow or a picture of the plan and purpose of Jesus Christ.  It is a story of intercession and celebration.  Humanity had a death sentence placed on them because of sin.  All seemed lost and hopeless until Jesus, like Esther, goes before the king and intercedes for us.  Unfortunately, the heavenly king cannot revoke his edict of punishment for sins, but he did make a way for sins to be forgiven through the son Jesus Christ.  Jesus faced intense violence, yet emerged victoriously over sin and death.  The end result??? Salvation for all who believe.  Our salvation is also a cause for great rejoicing and celebrating because what was once hopeless and lost because of sin is now redeemed because of what Jesus has done for us.

(R) Respond: Lord, thank you for Jesus.  Thank you that he withstood the punishment that humanity deserved, so that he could redeem and bring back what was once lost.