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What kind of person does God choose to work through most often? Can he work through me too? The book of Esther is a classic expression of the biblical idea that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. And God is still in the habit of elevating those who society has deemed unimportant. It might not always look as heroic as Esther's story, but God can use anybody as an instrument for his purposes. If we want to partner with God, we don't have to be rich, important, or powerful. We simply need to trust him over everything else.
Bible Reading Esther 4:1-6, 12-17
Reflection Questions
- God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble. What are some other stories in the Bible where we see this truth?
- With those stories in mind, what does it practically mean to be humble? How is it a mindset as well as an action?
- What is one courageous step, small or big, that you could take today to trust God and humbly serve your community?
Show Credits
Host: Cheree Hayes Message: Dr. Tim Mackie Bible Reading: Michelle Jones Production: Cooper Peltz, Dan Gummel, and Zach McKinley Theme music: Grant William Harold Background Music: A Certain Distance, Sean Williams
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Reflect
Once you've listened to the podcast, take time to reflect on these questions.
- God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble. What are some other stories in the Bible where we see this truth?
- With those stories in mind, what does it practically mean to be humble? How is it a mindset as well as an action?
- What is one courageous step, small or big, that you could take today to trust God and humbly serve your community?
Go Deeper
If you would like to dive deeper, use these Scriptures and questions for personal study or small group discussion.
Message Question:
How did Tim’s message challenge or encourage you today?
Read: Esther 4:1-17
The book of Esther is a classic expression of the biblical idea that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. And God is still in the habit of elevating those who society has deemed unimportant. It might not always look as heroic as Esther’s story, but God can use anybody as an instrument for his purposes. If we want to partner with God, we don’t have to be rich, important, or powerful. We simply need to trust him over everything else.
- Pay attention to details in the story as you review today’s text. Where does this portion of the story take place, which characters are mentioned, and how does the conflict rise?
- Review the passage to discover how Esther felt and what she decided to do. Take some time to imagine being in the same situation and position as her. How would you have felt, and what would you have done?
- Consider the cost of inaction and the cost of silence. What does Mordecai say would happen if Esther chose to do nothing (see verse 14)? What is one important choice that impacts others that you have the power to make? How does Esther’s humility and courage inspire you?
- Turn your reflections into a prayer. Express your gratitude for the ways Jesus humbly chose to elevate your life above his own. Ask him for the help you need to join his humble attitude to sacrificially value others too.