Great Lessons From the Book of Esther (1)
Without doubt the book of Esther gives the details of one of the most intriguing series of events in the history of the world. If I were forced to choose a favorite story from the pages of the Old Testament, this one would be at or near the top of my list. One reason that it ranks so high with me is the story itself-it is simply good literature. But a more important characteristic of this great story is that imbedded within the storyline are many practical lessons that can help us, thousands of years after the events happened, to be drawn closer to God. Let us take some time to explore but a small number of lessons that may be gleaned from this part of God's divine record.
Background Information
Before launching into the lessons themselves, a few words of background are in order. Esther was young Jewish woman
who, through a series of providentially orchestrated events, became queen over the Persian Empire about 480 years before
Christ was born (chapters 1-2.) During her reign a wicked, selfish man named Haman convinced the King of Persia to
decree that all Jews would die on a date eleven months from the decree (ch 3.) Upon learning of the devious plot, Esther
approached the king on behalf of her people and saved them from extinction (chs. 4-9.)
More details will be filled in as the following practical lessons are explained.
The Importance of Modesty
One of the events that led to Esther being chosen as queen had much to do with a woman's determination to maintain
her modesty. In the opening chapter we are introduced to Ahasuerus (Xerxes), king of Persia, who gave a huge banquet
for the princes and nobles of the land followed by a shorter feast for all the men of the capital city (1:1-8.) At the same
time, Queen Vashti held a feast for the ladies (1:9.) As the banqueting was nearing its end and Xerxes had imbibed much
wine, he called for Vashti to come before the men and display her beauty (1:10-11.) Josephus (a first-century Jewish
historian) records that the king's request was probably for his queen to appear at least scantily clad, and possibly naked
(Antiquities of the Jews, Book II, Chapter 6, Section 1.) To this request Vashti refused, costing her the queen's throne
(1:12-22.) Esther was then chosen queen.
How tragic it is today that some members of Christ's church have less concern for modesty than did this pagan queen. Paul's words in I Timothy 2:9 are as practical today as they ever were, "in like manner also, [I desire] that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation..." Much of what is popular today for men and women to wear in the summertime should never be worn in public by anyone. As the temperatures begin to rise with the coming of Spring and Summer, let's make sure that our clothes don't start revealing portions of our bodies that God wants covered.
Vashti was willing to be deposed from the palace in shameful fashion in order to maintain her modesty. The only thing most of us would face if we began to dress modestly would be a few questions from our peers, such as, "Why the long pants?" - a question that is easily answered. But many of us are not willing to face even a mere question from our peers. We would rather wear clothing that displeases God, hampers our influence for good, causes others to lust and may ultimately cost us our souls. The depth of a tragedy like that is inexplicable. In the weeks ahead, we will consider more practical lessons from this ancient book
-Eddie Parrish
Restoration
Michael Arbuckle came forward Sunday morning, April 1st. confessing sin in his life and asked for forgiveness and for
prayers to help him become a stronger Christian for the Lord and his family.
Current Concerns
Sharon Fisher was scheduled for a stress test on Tuesday, April 3rd. She was experiencing chest pains.
Nina Sledge, who has four broken ribs from her fall, has been moved to Alliance Health South-Room 304. She will be in
the hospital for approximately two weeks.
John M. Wood, father of Charles Wood is doing much better all things considered. He is scheduled to have some blood
work done and an appointment with his cardiologist.
June Turnbow who was scheduled for hip surgery on Thursday, March 29th, was released from the hospital and her surgery
postponed until a questionable spot on her back has healed.
John Bethune has requested prayers on behalf of his sister, Peggy Cade who has heart problems. She lives in Beaverfalls, PA.
Abram Martinez, father of Dolores Sanchez and grandfather of Kristal Sanchez and Barbara Martinez, was put on Hospice.
He lives in Kingsland.
Dana Erwin, grandmother of Haley Erwin and cousin to Linda Tate who was diagnosed with breast cancer received an
encouraging report from the doctors. Only one lymph node is involved. Her bone and Cat Scan were clear. She will still
continue chemo treatments until she has surgery.
Prayer List
Mark Brewer; Jewell Dennard; Harvey Garvin; Burt Groves; Jean Hambright; Thelma Henry; Mildred Heslip; Marion Lee;
Justine McCollum; JoAnna Minter; Wilma Mitchell; Ruth Norman; Jim Reyna; Patsy Sanchez; Janelle Shirley; Marilyn
Upshaw; Nell O' Beth Willoughby; Charles and Delora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mildred Bell; Mary Dunn; Sharon Fisher; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Lela Jo McElroy; Virgie Price; Charles and
Pearl Tucker
Events
Watch In Search of the Lord's Way with Mack Lyon every Sunday morning at 7:30 am on CBS, channel 7. This week's
topic will be titled, "The Power of His Resurrection."
The Cherokee Home for Children will be hosting their annual grocery drive on May 26th. They have requested the
following items: laundry stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach, (no aerosol cans).
FYI
There will be a "crib shower" for Christopher Allen Arbuckle, infant son of Michael and Jennifer Arbuckle. A crib has
been placed in the foyer. They are in need of diapers and preemie and larger sizes of clothing.
Attention all graduates: Please return your information sheets and also any pictures that you would like for us to use.
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of March are Devida Montgomery and Glenda Hillis.
Note: We have not received all of the "Male Information Sheets" as to date. If you have not turned yours in, please do
so as soon as possible.
| April 8, 2007 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Announcements | Lon Howard | Lon Howard |
| Song Leader | Ronnie Lane | Ronnie Lane |
| Sermon | Roelf Ruffner | Roelf Ruffner |
| Opening Prayer | Lon Howard | Lon Howard |
| Scripture | John Bethune | John Wood |
| Second Prayer | Jeff Wesson | Bill Brown |
| Closing Prayer | Tom Sorenson | Mike Roemisch |
| Lord's Supper | ||
| West | Victor Martinez Bill Bayless C.M. Riggs Tony Marrs |
Cody Wesson Craig Wesson |
| East | Mark Ingram George Warren Jr. Munoz Jesus Herrera |
Cameron May |
Other Responsibilities:Elder: Charles Wood ~ Deacon: Jeff Wesson --
Pulpit: Scot Straw ~ Table: Richard Siler ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"Threats to the Home" (Mark 10:1-12)
Sunday PM
"Coming Together" (Matthew 1:16-17)
Our Records
Bible Class...101
Morning Worship...163
Evening Worship...115
Wednesday...118
Contribution... $4,552.75