Introduction:
God listens to the cries of His people. In Esther 4:14, Mordecai conveyed urgency and faith by saying, “If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish.” God placed Esther in her position of influence to save her people.
Hymn : STF 333 Majesty
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Majesty, worship His Majesty: Unto Jesus be all glory, honour, and praise.
Majesty, kingdom authority, Flow from His throne unto His own, His anthems raise.
So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus.
Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King.
Majesty, worship HIs Majesty, Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all Kings.
Bible Reading: Esther 1:1-17
This is what happened during the time of Xerxes, the Xerxes who ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush : At that time King Xerxes reigned from his royal throne in the citadel of Susa,and in the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. The military leaders of Persia and Media, the princes, and the nobles of the provinces were present.
For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendour and glory of his majesty. When these days were over, the king gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the king’s palace, for all the people from the least to the greatest who were in the citadel of Susa. The garden had hangings of white and blue linen, fastened with cords of white linen and purple material to silver rings on marble pillars. There were couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl and other costly stones. Wine was served in goblets of gold, each one different from the other, and the royal wine was abundant, in keeping with the king’s liberality. By the king’s command each guest was allowed to drink with no restrictions, for the king instructed all the wine stewards to serve each man what he wished.
Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.
On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Karkas— to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. But when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger.
Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times and were closest to the king—Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memukan, the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom.
“According to law, what must be done to Queen Vashti?” he asked. “She has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes that the eunuchs have taken to her.”
Then Memukan replied in the presence of the king and the nobles, “Queen Vashti has done wrong, not only against the king but also against all the nobles and the peoples of all the provinces of King Xerxes. For the queen’s conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands and say, ‘King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she would not come.’
Called to Be Intercessors
Esther’s Context:
Esther was a Jewish woman living in a foreign land, raised by her cousin Mordecai. Despite being an orphan and amidst an unpredictable royal family, God had a plan for her.
Qualified by Grace:
Despite her circumstances, Esther was chosen by God’s grace, as stated in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” Just like Esther, we are here by the grace of God.
Sacrifice for Deliverance:
Esther risked her own comfort and security to save the Israelites by bravely approaching King Xerxes and interceding for her people through both her actions and words.
Inspiration from Mother Teresa and John Wesley:
Mother Teresa is a powerful example of a modern intercessor who dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor. She once said, “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.” Her life’s work reminds us that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.
Similarly, John Wesley encouraged us to be proactive in our faith. He famously said, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” These words urge us to be active participants in God’s work.
Conclusion:
Today, God is raising intercessors for our salvation and freedom. As highlighted in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus seeks those who might seem ordinary, or feel unqualified, to be empowered by the Holy Spirit as intercessors in this world.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, who overcame darkness and sin, hear our prayers. The world cries out for justice and peace. Use us as You did Esther, the disciples, and many others who answered Your call. Amen.
Hymn : STF51 Great is thy faithfulness
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Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
Refrain:
Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
Great is thy faithfulness,
Lord unto me.
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. [Refrain]
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside. [Refrain]
Blessing:
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who overcame darkness and brought light, the love of God which surpasses all understanding, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all.