Text: Est 4:14
A. As consort to Ahasuerus.
Esther was selected as queen after Vashti was deposed (Est 2:17).
a. She was married to a proud and extravagant man (Est 1:3-7) and one who was lustful and rash (Est 1:10-12).
b. She was taken to the king’s palace by the king’s command (Est 2:8).
c. She had to share her husband with the many other beautiful concubines and could only see him when he called for her (Est 2:14).
Esther rose to the occasion as consort to Ahasuerus (Est 2:21-23).
a. She could have allowed Bigthan and Teresh to assassinate the king and be freed from a miserable marriage.
b. She could have collaborated with them to assassinate the king and be freed from captivity.
c. However, she demonstrated loyalty to her husband and saved his life (Pro 31:11-12).
Do we rise to the occasion in fulfilling our duties, even when we are let down by others?
a.. In fulfilling our duties as children (1Ti 5:4).
b. In fulfilling our duties as husbands / wives (Eph 5:22-25).
c. In fulfilling our duties as fathers / mothers (Pro 22:6).
B. As cousin to Mordecai.
Esther was brought up by Mordecai after her parents died (Est 2:7).
a. She was brought up in captivity (Est 2:5-6).
b. She was of Jewish descent (Est 2:7).
c. She had not been called before the king for the past 30 days (Est 4:11).
Esther rose to the occasion as cousin to Mordecai (Est 4:13-16).
a. She could have minded her own business and ask Mordecai to resolve his feud with Haman.
b. She could have continued to hide her Jewish heritage and get in favour with Haman at the banquet.
c. However, she demonstrated filial piety to Mordecai and saved his life (Pro 23:22).
Do we rise to the occasion in making the best use of our situation, even when we are in unfavourable circumstances?
a. In giving of our time to God (Ecc 3:1).
b. In giving of our money to God (2Co 8:12).
c. In giving of our talents to God (1Pe 4:10-11).
C. As countryman to the Jews.
Esther revealed her Jewish heritage after the 2nd banquet (Est 7:2-4).
a. She pleaded for the lives of herself and her people (Est 7:3-4).
b. She set Mordecai over the house of Haman (Est 8:2).
c. She influenced a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies (Est 9:13).
Esther rose to the occasion as countryman to the Jews (Est 8:3).
a. She knew Vashti was deposed as queen when she offended Ahasuerus (Est 1:19).
b. She knew she could be killed for going before the king without being called (Est 4:11).
c. However, she demonstrated compassion to the Jews and saved their lives (Pro 31:8-9).
Do we rise to the occasion in seeking the welfare of others, even when we might suffer loss in speaking out?
a. In speaking out against sin (Joh 7:7).
b. In speaking out against false teachings (Gal 4:16). c. In speaking out for others (Php 2:3-4).