Esther is an odd book in the Bible. It never mentions the name of God, there are no miracles, no prophets, and no prayers. Even the name Esther is not the real name of the main character. It is not a book of moral codes or spiritual enlightenment. It is a book about a person that was imperfect, messy, and desperate. And so, it is a book in the bible that is often ignored. Join us as we examine the story of Esther and how God can work through all of us, despite our brokenness.

Study Questions

Scriptures    Esther 1:1-9, Esther 2:5-7, Esther 3:1

Pastor Glen “set the table” for our upcoming sermon series. He spoke about understanding “the Big Picture” as we read the Bible. We can see that Big Picture revealed in all Scripture from Genesis through Revelation.  What are your thoughts regarding that big picture and how does it affect you?  (God’s plan, purpose and promise is to bring all people to himself in and through the work of Jesus.)

The 2^nd point in the sermon regarded “the Big Question” – that was “Where is God in the Book of Esther?” God’s name is not mentioned at all and there is no mention of what he did or how he interacts with his people.  But, he is present in every detail of Esther.  The Bible Study titled “Experiencing God” by Henry Blackaby puts it this way:

God is always at work around you
God pursues a lover relationship with you
God invites you to become involved in His work

What are some of the ways you have found this to be true?

The final point was “the Big Idea”… and that was this: “YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!” Even when God seems distant, know that he loves you, cares about what you are going through, and is working behind the scenes for you. Read the following Scriptures and meditate/talk about them:

Deuteronomy 31:6, James 5:11, Psalm 34:17-18, Psalm 23:4

Additional Scriptures:  2^nd Timothy 3:16, Romans 15:4, Ephesians 1:18