Esther 2:21-3:15 Reflections on Study

I was very ministered to by the discussion in last night's study. So I thought I should record some reflections before I forget:

Comparing this passage in Esther with the incident in Daniel 6 (which is about Daniel being cast into the lions' den), there are some fascinating similarities (and some glaring differences). What captured my thoughts and my heart last night was this: In both accounts, it was the second tier leadership in jealousy or spite taking issue with God's people simply because they were God's people. They then appealed to the vanity of king to enact a law that was humanly irrevocable to plot evil, devious schemes to exterminate God's person (in Daniel's case) or people (Esther's case). Yet the highest, most irrevocable law in human terms is insignificant and inconsequential to Almighty God who simply turns events around and the snare is returned onto the schemers themselves.

Lesson: However impossible it may seem humanly, God is ULTIMATE authority.

On the other hand, the absolutely mind-blowing part of the story to me is this: That the all-powerful, Almighty God chooses to work out His plan on earth through His people! He therefore bestows such incredible significance and power on them (us). Put another way, He limits what He could achieve in this world entirely on our willingness to cooperate with Him and by our actions or inaction. Case in point: one man (Mordecai) in a moment of ego, pride and arrogance, by refusing to offer due respect to Haman because of a 500 year old family feud, nearly caused the destruction of the Jewish population. Later, the young Esther would similarly be placed in situation where she would have opportunity to save her entire race.

Lesson: Never underestimate the significance of the "least" of God's people, either myself or another. There are no casual actions. The damage I can do in His kingdom or the honour I can bring to His name are equally tremendous.

WOW! My mind is still reeling from both these thoughts!

Thanks group for sharing your insights and adding to my understanding of the text ... All the WAY!!!

:-)
Wen-Wei