Esther 1:1-4 – Setting the Scene

For the next few weeks we will be looking at the book of Esther using study notes written by Rev. Jonny McCollum. Esther is a book of surprises. It’s surprising because of where the story is set: not in Jerusalem, but in Susa, hundreds of miles away, deep inside idolatrous pagan territory. It’s surprising because of who is in it: not fearless superheroes, but frightened, ordinary people. It’s surprising because of the story itself: a tale of corrupt conspiracies and deadly danger.

In short, Esther is a messy book. It will sadden us, make our skin crawl, and confront us with appalling dilemmas. It will show us the disastrous effects of sin; both in God’s enemies and in God’s people. It’s not the fairy tale people think.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all isn’t what we see in the book; it’s what we DON’T see. Feel free to flick through the chapters if you doubt me, but you will never once see God. No miracles, no prophecies, no fire and brimstone from heaven. No mention even of his name! God is nowhere to be seen.

So, why did he give us a surprising book like this? Because our story is not so different. Just like Esther and the other Jews, we live in an idolatrous world and are surrounded by those who reject God. Just like Esther, we are confronted with the cataclysmic effects of rebellion. Just like Esther, the odds are firmly stacked against us.
Wouldn’t it be easier if God just did something? Couldn’t he perform a miracle or write a message in the sky? Yet he doesn’t. Sometimes it seems like God isn’t there or simply doesn’t care. Yet, God does work in the book of Esther. He works in surprisingly ordinary ways in the midst of the mess and even THROUGH the mess. We may not see him, but his fingerprints are all over it!

It’s the same in your story. Yes, it’s hard to follow God in a hostile world. Yes, it seems like everything has gone badly wrong. But look again: his fingerprints are all over it! We just need the faith to see.

Questions
1. It was really hard to be a follower of God in Susa. What do you find hardest about following God where you are?
2. Can you think of any other messy situations in the Bible where God used the mess to bring about good?

Prayer Points
Pray that God would use the book of Esther to help you see his work clearly and help you swim against the tide.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.