16 Aug, 2021

Grace & Favor!

Esther 5:1-8 NLT

READ –  “When he saw Queen Esther standing there in the inner court, he welcomed her and held out the gold scepter to her. So Esther approached and touched the end of the scepter.” Esther 5:2 NLT

EXAMINE –   Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the entrance of the palace (v. 1). The King asked Queen Esther what her request was and was even willing to give her half of the kingdom (v. 3). Esther told the king she wanted him and Haman to attend a banquet she had prepared for them. (v. 4). The    King then sent for Haman, so that Queen Esther’s request could be fulfilled. While they were at the banquet and drinking wine, the King again asked Queen Esther her petition and he assured her it would be granted (v, 5-6). Queen Esther then let the king know if it pleased him, He and Haman would come to the banquet again on tomorrow and at that time she would make her request known. (v. 7-8)

APPLY –  Queen Esther was a woman of character, courage and conviction. Although she found herself in a position of power and persuasiveness, she humbled herself and found favor with the King. Her outer beauty was obvious, but what made her stand out was her inner beauty. She was faithful to the King, Mordecai and most of all to God. I Peter 3:3 (NLT) instructs us that we should not be concerned with outward beauty of fancy hairstyles and clothes; rather, we should clothe ourselves with the beauty within us. While man looks at the outside we know that God looks at the heart. Although there were many beautiful women in the King’s Harem, Queen Esther demonstrated the type of qualities the people of God should possess today. Queen Esther knew she was placed in the palace not for her own elevation, but for the petition of her people. Has God shown favor on your life? Has He placed you in a position where you can assist others?  When you find yourself in a leadership role, remember Who has placed you there and why. Always humble yourself, honor the Father and help your fellow man. 

PRAY – Dear Heavenly Father, give us a humble servant’s heart that we may serve You and mankind with grace and a quiet spirit. Bless us to give thanks in all things no matter the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Help us to lead in a way that others will want to follow You. Bless us to always be reminded that when we lift up Jesus, He will exalt us in due time. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!