Zero to Hero: Esther

The old series "Lost" was outlined on a giant whiteboard.  The entire series was created by the writers with its ending in mind.

Think of God's massive whiteboard on which is displayed the beginning and the end.  Where are we on the whiteboard?

The Jewish people were dispersed, many taken captive.  Esther and her cousin, Mordecai, where residing in Persia.  At one point, the King had granted the Jews the option to return to Jerusalem, but these two people chose to stay.

The Persians loved great show.  The King would throw lavish banquets to show off his wealth and possessions.  At one such show, the King ordered Queen Vashti to appear at the feast.  She refused.  She lost her crown (but not her head; she continued to reside in the palace.)  The King sought a new Queen.  Now, to live in the king's harem was to be on call, yet one might never be called.

This Jewish woman was chosen to be Queen.

Cousin Mordecai hears of a plot to rid the kingdom of Jews.  He goes into mourning.  Esther learns this, tries to get Mordecai to eschew his mourning garb, lest he lose his life.

The king grants leave to Haman to carry out his plot to rid the country of the Jewish people.

God had a plan for Esther and Mordecai and they were placed in their positions for a reason.

God has placed us where we are for a reason.  We have a job to do.

A. B. Simpson said, "God is preparing His heroes and when the opportunity comes He can fit them into their places in a moment and the World will wonder where they came from."

The world of Esther's time did indeed wonder why the King chose a commoner and a Jew as Queen.
But when Mordecai told Esther she must plead for the people before the King, she accepted the challenge, even knowing that approaching the King with the matter could cost her her life.  She had a mission.

God uses people to further His purpose
==What has God given you that you can use to further His kingdom?

Esther had to "step up" but she had a choice.  Had she made the wrong choice her generation would have been lost.

We were created for this time.  Will we fulfill God's purpose?

When Christ comes into our lives we take Him to the World.
==It is not that we are to bring the World to Christ, but rather we are to take Christ to the World.==

What are you doing with what God has given you?  Are you going to be part of His story or not?

==It is our job to step up and take Jesus to a lost and dying world.==

Pastor Amanda Blair

Sunday morning