Esther 2:1-23 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is Esther 2:1-23. Let’s go!
Esther 2:22 (NIV)
22 But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai.
On verses 1-23: Approximately four years have passed since the events of chapter 1. King Xerxes has returned home to Persia after unsuccessfully trying to invade Greece. His attention now turns to finding a new queen to replace Vashti. The prettiest girls from all over Xerxes’ kingdom are summoned to be part of an elaborate search contest. In the end a Jewish orphan called Esther (Jewish name Hadassah) prevails as the winner and is crowned the new queen, although Esther keeps her Jewish identity a secret.
Later on, Mordecai, Esther’s older cousin who raised her and who was like a father to Esther, is sitting at the king’s gate when he overhears a plot by two of King Xerxes’ officers – Bigthana and Teresh – to assassinate the king. Mordecai reports this to Queen Esther, who in turn reports this to King Xerxes. Bigthana and Teresh are proven to have conspired against the king and are impaled on poles.
What can we learn from this? God elevated Esther to the position of queen because He had it in mind to use her to bless others. Here we see that God used Esther and Mordecai to save the king, and later He will use them to save their own people, the Jews. Likewise, when God gives you power and influence, He does it because He has other people in mind to bless through you. God does not elevate a person for that person’s sake alone. Rather God elevates a person and gives that person influence because God wants to use that person to make a positive difference in other people’s lives. So whenever you receive power, promotion, wealth or influence, just remember: it’s because God has it in mind to bless others through you.
Heavenly Father, I realize today that any influence You give me and any way that You exalt me is not just for my own happiness or comfort. It’s because You have it in mind to bless others through me. Thank You for reminding me today that this life is not about me. It’s about You and living for a purpose that is much bigger than myself. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
