Quiet Time Coaching Episode 487 | New Thing Series — Part 42 | “Esther’s Generosity” | Malcolm Cox

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 487 | New Thing Series — Part 42 | “Esther’s Generosity” | 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 generosity.

 

“That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came into the presence of the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. The king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed him over Haman’s estate.” (Esther 8:1–2 NIV11)

 

“For Mordecai the Jew was next in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was powerful among the Jews and popular with his many kindred, for he sought the good of his people and interceded for the welfare of all his descendants.” (Esther 10:3 NRSV)

 

Esther’s Generosity

• Esther saves her cousin Mordecai from the evil plot of Haman.
• The king rewards her with the property of her nemesis Haman. He was a high official and undoubtedly very wealthy.
• The king benefits Mordecai specifically by giving him his signet ring. He appoints Mordecai as second only to himself. His reward is great. The parallels with Joseph are striking.
• In addition, Esther is generous. She gives Hamman’s estate to Mordecai.

 

For Reflection

Was there a temptation for Esther to keep Hammond's estate for herself? Although she is Queen, as far as we know she has no wealth of her own. This could be her pension plan. Instead however she gives the estate to Mordechai. She wants him to be blessed. And the same spirit is a Mordecai. But as we see at the close of the book, Mordecai is looking out for his people and his extended family.

 

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV11)

 

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV11)

 

“…when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7 NIV11)

 

Why not take some time today to ask God to refresh your gratitude for your salvation and inspire you to be generous to others?

 

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.

 

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

 

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"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

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