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Portrait of a Queen
Use all the details given about Esther to create a word picture for your notebook.
Esther was a woman who took a chance.
List the good qualities of Esther. How did those good qualities help her to become queen and prepare her for her role in rescuing her people?
Esther was a brave woman. List what actions Esther took that were dangerous to her. What things are worthy enough for a person to risk great loss?
Esther's Courage
“Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house” (v. 1).
The Jewish people were on the verge of extinction. The royal seal was affixed to the dreadful death document. Mordecai had rightly declared that Esther had no guarantee of her life just because she was queen. The countdown of destiny was underway. Esther weighed her options — death by Haman’s plot or death because of disrespecting royal protocol. Perhaps there was another: a slim chance she could be spared by right of her position and favor. However, she was aware that if that happened, it would have been a hollow victory. Who could enjoy life without her remaining family after the genocide of her people? The situation being serious, she called for a fast. Then she acted.
She restrained herself from a blurting and bawling plea. She had already planned a banquet. Thus her petition came in the form of an invitation. (The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.) She was going to condition her advocacy with good table provisions. Further, her invitation included her strongest enemy, and of course, we know that at the banquet came another similar invitation. All was a part of divine strategy. (Lonnie R. Witt)
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and the impetus to confront evil.
Esther: A Self-Sacrificing Queen
Focus Text: Esther 4:7-14; 5:1-4; 8:3-6
Central Truth: The course of history can be changed by one godly person.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list ways they can change their world.
Lesson Outline:
I. God's People Tested (Esther 4:7-14)
II. God's Plan Accepted (Esther 5:1-4)
III. God's Purpose Fulfilled (Esther 8:3-8)
A Picture of Hannah
Although not much is told about Hannah, have the class create a word picture of her character.
Hannah was a sorrowful woman who was persistent.
Some people have a “moody” or melancholy temperament. Was Hannah one of those people? Is it possible for God to use those people in His service?
Hannah was a sorrowful woman who was persistent.
Some people have a “moody” or melancholy temperament. Was Hannah one of those people? Is it possible for God to use those people in His service?
Was Hannah depressed? If so, how did she overcome her depression?
What were Hannah’s good qualities?
Hannah was faithful to keep her vow to God. Why was this important?
Hannah Praises God
“There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God” (v. 2).
Some years ago, there were a number of people who were stricken with polio. One of these was a young mother of two by the name of Mar- lene. Some who contracted this disease were devastated and lived under a shadow of gloom throughout their lives. Marlene did not do so. She determined that she was going to continue to live her life for God, her family, and others. In time, she had seven more children and, with the help of a godly, loving husband, she pushed herself to live a productive life. There were times when she would sit on the floor and, dragging her body across the floor, scrub her floors to polished perfection. At an advanced age, she continues to be one of the most joyful Christian ladies you would ever meet.
Some years ago, there were a number of people who were stricken with polio. One of these was a young mother of two by the name of Mar- lene. Some who contracted this disease were devastated and lived under a shadow of gloom throughout their lives. Marlene did not do so. She determined that she was going to continue to live her life for God, her family, and others. In time, she had seven more children and, with the help of a godly, loving husband, she pushed herself to live a productive life. There were times when she would sit on the floor and, dragging her body across the floor, scrub her floors to polished perfection. At an advanced age, she continues to be one of the most joyful Christian ladies you would ever meet.
Hannah certainly was such a woman who understood the priority of praise. God had turned her sorrow into singing and her tears into tri- umph. There are at least three significant things that happen when a man or woman praises God: Praise exalts God, it elevates our own spirit, and it provides an example to three worlds that our God is praise-worthy! Peo- ple who praise are truly a blessing to everyone around them. (Michael R. Williams)
Are you a member of the “Praise Committee”?
Hannah: A Consecrated Mother
Focus Text: 1 Samuel 1:9-17, 24-28
Central Truth: The surrendered life will realize God's blessing.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list some ways to demonstrate that all they have is consecrated to God.
Lesson Outline:
I. A Prayer of Desperation (1 Sam. 1:9-13)
II. A Devout Spirit (1 Sam. 1:14-17)
III. A Vow Kept (1 Sam. 1:24-28)