S2 Ep2162: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 486 | New Thing Series — Part 41 | “Esther’s Impact” | Malcolm Cox

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 486 | New Thing Series — Part 41 | “Esther’s Impact” | Malcolm Cox


Introduction

A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'


We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Esther. Today we explore Esther’s impact.


“Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king, wearing royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a mantle of fine linen and purple, while the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. For the Jews there was light and gladness, joy and honour. In every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict came, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a festival and a holiday. Furthermore, many of the peoples of the country professed to be Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.” (Esther 8:15-17 NRSV)


“…the Jews who were in Susa gathered on the thirteenth day and on the fourteenth, and rested on the fifteenth day, making that a day of feasting and gladness. Therefore the Jews of the villages, who live in the open towns, hold the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day for gladness and feasting, a holiday on which they send gifts of food to one another.” (Esther 9:18-19 NRSV)


Esther’s Impact

• Esther was only one woman. She was vulnerable, but also privileged.
• She recognises the significance of her opportunity to save herself, her family and her people.
• She takes courageous action by Faith.
• She fasts and trust God for help rather than depend on her own gifts.
• Her impact was immediate and generational

For Reflection

Esther is a tremendous example of someone who used their unique opportunity to make a difference, but did not rely on their gifts. 


“Esther asks Mordecai to gather all of God's people in Susa for three days of fasting and prayer. She refuses to try to achieve this mission based on her beauty and her cleverness and her influence, though they are great.” Overcoming your shadow mission, John Ortberg


What opportunities has God give you?


“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.” (Galatians 5:13 NRSV)


Why not take some time today to ask God to show you an opportunity to have an impact on the salvation of people who do not yet know God?


Conclusion

I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless. 


Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.


Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.


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"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

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