Sunday 27 July
Is God at Work in Vegas? Esther. How Lucky Am I?
Mark Wells
Mark walks us through Esther chapter 1-:2:18 sharing historical context and relevant insights. He reminds us that God is at work in even unusual places and that God loves us and invites us to be in relationship with Him.
Life Group questions
Is God at Work in Vegas? Esther. How Lucky Am I?
Is God at Work in Vegas? The Book of Esther. Part 1: How Lucky Am I?
Read Esther 1:1 – 2:18
- What stands out to you?
- What observations or questions do you have about the text?
- What might this mean for us?
Watch:
Right Now Media: The book of Esther – Danielle Brown session one
Discuss:
Scenes like the feasting in the citadel and garden of Susa often rest on the service, and often oppression, of a cast of thousands – defeated peoples across Xerxes’ kingdom who have paid for this luxury.
- How do we stop our wealth and comfort from blinding us to the plight of people on the margins?
- What can we put in place to help us not to be mislead about what we need, the ever increasing quality of life shown on Instagram and sites where we can “shop like a billionaire”?
Vashti takes courage to refuse the king’s command to appear before his guests wearing (only?) her royal crown – risky given the King’s power over the life and death of his subjects.
- How do we decide where we draw the line – when we put boundaries in place even when it is risky?
- What boundaries have you put in place around faith in your workplace or home?
- How can we support others in drawing boundaries, rather than jumping on the bandwagon of offense and making it worse (like Memukan in v.16-20)?
Esther, willingly or not, takes part in the selection process for a new Queen.
- What can you see in Esther’s choices that might have contributed to her winning favour with the harem staff?
- How much do we assume is God at work?
- Why might keeping her identity as a Jew secret be an advantage (even before the rise of Haman)?
- How does this contrast with the more overt stance that Daniel and his friends take in Daniel chapter 1?
- What strategy are we taking in our relationships; clearly stating our identity and choices, flying under the radar, or something in between? Why?
Pray for courage and wisdom as we deal with these choices and boundaries.
Practise: If you have trouble with saying a whole hearted yes or no, consider read Cloud and Townsend’s book Boundaries (available at Manna, on the Christchurch City library apps in ebook and audio book or borrow from someone at church…)