96 Session 6 STAND UP: HOW TO FIGHT INJUSTICE

Transcription

1 96 Session 6 STAND UP: HOW TO FIGHT INJUSTICE

2 We live in a world of injustice. > > Over twenty million people are victims of human trafficking. > > One in nine people worldwide suffers from chronic malnourishment. > > Racism abounds on all fronts. We ve seen great injustice played out on the world stage, but we also know injustice on a personal level. It s easy to ask: Where is God in the midst of the injustice I see? We may even desire to do something about what we see, but other questions threaten to shut down our best intentions: Who am I? What could I possibly do to make a difference? The Book of Esther gives us insight into these questions. In a time of great injustice against their own Jewish people, Mordecai and Esther rose to the occasion and took a stand. It was potentially a costly stand, but it was the right one. As we look at their lives, we see a model for how we can live for Christ as we stand up for others. Perhaps you feel the tug on your heart toward the work of justice, but you don t know how you can make a difference. This study will prepare us to first get on our knees in prayer, and then, trusting the hand of God, we can roll up our sleeves and get involved. The same God who worked through Mordecai and Esther is working in the world today, calling ordinary people to an extraordinary mission His mission. Let s discover how God is calling us to stand up and fight injustice. DANIEL DARLING Daniel is Vice-President of Communications for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and Pastor of Teaching and Discipleship at Green Hill Church in Nashville, Tennessee. He lives in the Nashville area with his wife and four children. He is the author of six books, including The Original Jesus. 97

3 GET INTO THE STUDY 5 minutes GUIDE: Over the next six weeks we will view the example of Esther to learn when and how to Stand Up and fight injustice. Invite members to turn to page 3 in the Personal Study Guide (PSG) and review session titles. LEADER PACK: Display Pack Item 7: Stand Up Overview to introduce the theme of this study and the focus of each session. SESSION 1 BE READY TO STAND The Point God is always at work behind the scenes. The Bible Meets Life We often seek jobs, positions, and opportunities for our own benefit. We gravitate toward those jobs and responsibilities that we might feel especially skilled for and certainly the ones we d enjoy. There s nothing wrong with that, but we need to realize that God has placed us in a specific situation working a certain job, living in a particular location, or surrounded by different people for a greater purpose: to point to Him and further His kingdom. The Passages Esther 2:5-10,15-17 DISCUSS: Draw attention to the picture on PSG page 94 and ask Question #1: When have you been at just the right place at just the right time? The Setting The events in Esther occurred during the reign of King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes. He ruled the Persian Empire from BC. In the third year of his reign, this king convened a royal banquet at Susa, his winter capital located in modern Iran. When Queen Vashti refused to appear at his command, the king dethroned her. In his search for a new queen, Ahasuerus appointed commissioners to assemble beautiful young virgins from the various provinces. 98 Session 1

4 Esther 2:5-7 5 In the fortress of Susa, there was a Jewish man named Mordecai son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite. 6 He had been taken into exile from Jerusalem with the other captives when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took King Jeconiah of Judah into exile. 7 Mordecai was the legal guardian of his cousin Hadassah (that is, Esther), because she had no father or mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was extremely good-looking. When her father and mother died, Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. 1 Verse 5. Even when we don t recognize it, God is actively at work. Verse 5 introduces a Jew named Mordecai into the drama. The designation Mordecai means little man. Ironically, this little man would play a significant role in God s deliverance of His people. Mordecai s name reminds us that whether others perceive us as great or insignificant doesn t matter: the key point is God works through us to accomplish His purposes in whatever way He chooses. The name Mordecai has been identified as a Hebrew form of Marduk, a Babylonian idol, but Mordecai was a devout Jew. Mordecai resided in the fortress of Susa. The Persian King Cyrus had previously established Susa as a capital city after he came to power in the mid-sixth century B.C. Mordecai is further identified as a Jewish man. In general this designation was applied to Israelites beginning with the Babylonian exile of the Southern Kingdom of Judah in the seventh and sixth centuries B.C.Mordecai descended from Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite. These names probably refer to Mordecai s father, grandfather, and great-grandfather respectively. The Hebrew term rendered son of can be used in the more general sense of descendant of. Some link the individual Kish with the father of King Saul (1 Sam. 9:1), also identified as from the tribe of Benjamin. A common practice in the Old Testament was to list only selected individuals in in an individual s genealogy,. If this approach was used, then the name Kish could refer to King Saul s father. STUDY THE BIBLE Esther 2: minutes GUIDE: Reinforce The Point on PSG page 95: God is always at work behind the scenes. GUIDE: Refer group members to The Bible Meets Life on PSG page 95 to show examples of seemingly small events that produced significant results. The story of Esther contains multiple examples that demonstrate this phenomenon. SUMMARIZE: Before reading the passage, set the historical context, background, and set-up of the story of Esther by summarizing the information in The Setting on page 98. READ: Read or ask a volunteer to read Esther 2:5-7. SUMMARIZE: Refer to Bible Commentary 1 to introduce Mordecai and describe his family lineage. SUGGESTED USE WEEK OF APRIL 22 99

5 THE POINT God is always at work behind the scenes. GUIDE: Refer members to PSG page 97 and ask someone to read or summarize key points of the two paragraphs: No mention of God s name is in the book of Esther. Neither the law nor God s covenant with Israel is mentioned. Sometimes it is difficult to see God at work in our lives, but His invisible hand is at work. God is with us and for us. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 2 as an introduction to Esther: Esther was an orphan who was adopted by her cousin Mordecai. Esther means star. Esther had a beautiful figure and was extremely good-looking. DISCUSS: Question #2 (PSG, p. 96): What part of Esther s background gets your attention? Verse 6. To whom does the pronoun he refer? Does it designate Mordecai or does it indicate Kish? He is further described as having been taken into exile at the same time Babylon s King Nebuchadnezzar exiled Judah s King Jeconiah. King Jeconiah, also known as King Jehoiachin, was taken captive in 597 BC. If the pronoun refers to Mordecai, then Mordecai, if exiled as a child, would be around 120 years old at the beginning of Ahasuerus s reign. However, if the antecedent of the pronoun is Kish, then it was Mordecai s great-grandfather who was taken captive at the time King Jeconiah was taken. This interpretation would eliminate the possibility that this Kish was Saul s father. 2 Verse 7. At this point the heroine Esther enters the story. She was an orphan who had been adopted by her cousin Mordecai. The name Esther means star. Some biblical scholars have linked this name to Ishtar, a goddess of fertility. From a Persian perspective, a name associated with a fertility goddess would appropriately depict an important aspect of a queen s role. The Hebrew term translated cousin can more literally be rendered uncle s daughter. Esther was the daughter of Mordecai s uncle. Thus Esther and Mordecai were cousins. The biblical writer supplied the additional information that Esther was initially known as Hadassah. Some Bible scholars believe that Hadassah was Esther s Hebrew name; if so, it means myrtle. Others view the designation as a title applied to Esther. According to this view, the term means bride. Mordecai had adopted Esther. The Hebrew word literally means took. While we know that the Israelites or Jews practiced adoption, we have few examples of it. It apparently generally occurred within the extended family as was the case with Mordecai and Esther. The biblical writer depicted Esther s appearance in a favorable light. This young woman had a beautiful figure and was extremely good-looking. Esther s form and features were lovely and appealing. She had received this beauty as a gift from God, and He would use it in accomplishing His good purposes for His people. (Alternate: When have you been able to recognize God at work in your own background?) 100 Session 1

6 Esther 2: When the king s command and edict became public knowledge and when many young women were gathered at the fortress of Susa under Hegai s supervision, Esther was taken to the palace, into the supervision of Hegai, keeper of the women. 9 The young woman pleased him and gained his favor so that he accelerated the process of the beauty treatments and the special diet that she received. He assigned seven hand-picked female servants to her from the palace and transferred her and her servants to the harem s best quarters. 10 Esther did not reveal her ethnicity or her family background, because Mordecai had ordered her not to make them known. 3 Verse 8. Esther s story encourages us to take advantage of new opportunities. Following the proclamation of the king s edict, young women from all over the Persian Empire were brought to Susa. A new opportunity arose for Esther when she was taken to the king s palace and placed under Hegai s supervision. Was taken raises the question of whether the girls had a choice in the matter. The context of the verb often determines whether or not the taking was by force. Bible scholars hold differing views regarding this verb s implication in the context of verse 8. Some interpret the verb to mean that Esther was forcibly taken. One Targum, an ancient Aramaic translation of the Scripture, suggests this viewpoint. Others hold that nothing in the text indicates that Esther was coerced. In any case, under an autocratic type of government such as that of the Persian Empire, an individual s consent or willingness played little or no role in the government s decisions. These young women were brought to the fortress of Susa regardless of how they or their families felt about the government s actions. Hegai, keeper of the women, supervised those placed in the king s harem. This eunuch had charge of the women. Because ancient Near Eastern kings regarded eunuchs TRANSITION: Next we will see how Esther came to be in a place of influence. STUDY THE BIBLE Esther 2:8-10 READ: Ask a volunteer to read Esther 2: minutes GUIDE: Use Pack Item 8: Timeline of the Ancient World to show that the period of the Persian Empire was BC. Mention that Esther became queen in 479 BC. GUIDE: Refer group members to the first paragraph on PSG page 98 and Esther 1:1-22, that give the background story of former Queen Vashti and why Persia and King Ahasuerus were seeking a new queen. 101

7 THE POINT God is always at work behind the scenes. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 3 to explain how Esther was taken to the palace. as especially trustworthy, they often employed them in royal service. Apparently Hegai had charge of the virgins, while another eunuch named Shaashgaz had charge of the concubines (Esth. 2:14). How many women were brought to Susa and placed under Hegai s care? The Jewish historian Josephus identified the number as four hundred. In any case, the gathering consisted of a large number of young women. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 4 to describe how Esther gained Hegai s favor, which resulted in his increasing her beauty treatments, a special diet, selected servants, and the best quarters. GUIDE: Refer members to PSG page 99, where the author asks: Ever found yourself in a place you didn t expect to be? For example: A job transfer to another state. A surprise pregnancy and birth of child number three. A middle school Bible study group has a new leader you. We ve all been there, but we shouldn t see these simply as unexpected circumstances; these are unexpected opportunities! 4 Verse 9. How did Esther fare among the large number of selected women? Evidently she soon pleased Hegai and gained his favor. The Hebrew phrase rendered pleased more literally means was good in his eyes. Apparently not only Esther s physical beauty but also her actions and attitudes appealed to Hegai. The noun translated favor is the Hebrew term often written in English as chesed. The word depicts such qualities as kindness, mercy, and loyalty. It often appears in the Old Testament in the context of God s covenant with His people. Although God is not mentioned by name in the Book of Esther, the use of the term chesed directs attention to the religious emphasis in the story of Esther. God was providentially at work behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes. Esther received a specialized regimen as a result of gaining the harem keeper s favor. Hegai increased the pace of Esther s beauty treatments and supplied her with a special diet. Each selected young woman experienced a 12-month beautification process before she appeared before the king (v. 12). Hegai apparently accelerated the process in Esther s case in order that she might appear before the king as soon as possible. The Hebrew term rendered beauty treatments literally means rubbings or scrapings. Thus it designates soaps or perfumes used in bathing. The Hebrew term translated special diet literally means part or portion. It often conveys delicacies that Jewish dietary laws forbade. Hegai gave Esther a specialized diet, accelerated her beauty regimen, and personally selected servants to accompany her. Furthermore, Hegai placed Esther and the servants in the harem s finest accommodations. Esther may have received more servants than did the other women. Additionally, her maids may have possessed superior abilities. 5 Verse 10. Esther did not reveal her ethnicity or her family background. In obedience to Mordecai, Esther kept her ethnicity and her family background a secret after she entered the king s harem. Why did Mordecai order Esther to 102 Session 1

8 be silent? We do not know. Perhaps he wanted to protect her from anti-jewish sentiments and persecution. Knowledge of her Jewish identity could have put her in a dangerous position. Furthermore, Esther might have stood little chance of being chosen as queen if her nationality had been revealed. When Esther eventually disclosed her ethnicity to King Ahasuerus, he apparently did not find that revelation troubling (7:3-5). Nevertheless some people of that time, despised the Jews. In Esther 2:11-14 the inspired biblical writer informed us of Mordecai s faithfulness to his cousin after her entrance into the king s harem. Esther demonstrated loyalty to his instructions, and Mordecai s actions reflected his fidelity to her. Daily he walked by the harem s courtyard to find out how Esther was faring in her new surroundings. These verses also describe the beauty treatment each young woman received. When the time came for a young woman to enter the king s presence, royal policy allowed her to request whatever adornments she desired to prepare herself for her evening with the king. These items likely would have included jewels, perfumes, and clothing. The woman appeared before the king in the evening. In the morning she returned to a second harem designed for concubines. That woman never entered the king s presence again unless he specifically summoned her. Esther 2: Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai who had adopted her as his own daughter. When her turn came to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king s eunuch, keeper of the women, suggested. Esther gained favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her. 16 She was taken to King Ahasuerus in the palace in the tenth month, the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 17 The king loved Esther more than all the other women. She won more favor and approval from him than did any of the other virgins. He placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 5 on page 102 and this page to explain that in obedience to Mordecai, Esther did not reveal her ethnicity. DISCUSS: Question #3 (PSG, p. 99): When have you found yourself outside your comfort zone? (Alternate: What are some possible reasons Mordecai ordered Esther to hide her Jewish ancestry?) TRANSITION: In the next verses, we will see how Esther continued to gain favor from all those she encountered through the process, including the king. STUDY THE BIBLE Esther 2: minutes READ: Read Esther 2:

9 THE POINT God is always at work behind the scenes. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 6 to provide more details about Esther s experience as she prepared to go before the king: Esther requested no additional adornment. She followed Hegai s advice. She found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her. DISCUSS: Question #4 (PSG, p. 100): How do we navigate the tension between the messiness of Esther s story thus far and God s sovereign plan? OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Ask: If you were looking to fill an important leadership position, what qualities would you look for in a candidate? Lead group members to develop a resume for Esther, based on the information you know about her. Would you consider Esther for a key leadership position? Remind group members that God chooses the most unlikely people to do amazing things in His kingdom. 6 Verse 15. The biblical writer reminded the reader of facts already stated in verse 7, but added that Esther s father was Abihail, a personal name meaning my father is powerful. When the time came for Esther to appear before the king, she wisely sought Hegai s advice. She requested no adornments except what Hegai counseled. The biblical writer further commented that Esther gained favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her. This statement can very literally be translated from the original language as follows: Esther was lifting up grace in the eyes of everyone seeing her. The Hebrew term rendered favor differs from the Hebrew word in verse 9 that is also translated favor. In verse 9 the Hebrew term is the familiar chesed, while the word appearing in verse 15 can be written in English as chen. The noun in verse 15 comes from a root word meaning to be gracious or to show favor. Inherent in the word is the concept of experiencing acceptance. The expression of finding favor in the eyes of often occurs in biblical contexts dealing with the relationship of a superior to one regarded as inferior, such as the relationship of a king to his subject. However, the focus is typically on the receiver rather than on the giver. Clearly Esther s attitudes and actions impressed those around her. What characteristics of Esther drew others attention? The text suggests she demonstrated modesty and propriety by refusing to copy the habits of those around her. She also showed wisdom and humility in following Hegai s suggestions about preparing herself for her meeting with the king. Finally, the biblical writer implied that Esther approached Ahasuerus in simplicity, allowing her gentle manner and natural beauty and poise to speak for themselves. The biblical writer did not specify what Esther took with her when she appeared before the king. Verse 16. This verse places Esther s appearance before the king in its historical context. The meeting occurred in the tenth month, the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of Ahasuerus s reign. The tenth month in the Hebrew calendar overlaps with our months of December and January. It was a rainy, winter month. The time is further delineated with the notation that Ahasuerus had been on the throne for seven years. King Ahasuerus ruled the Persian Empire from BC. During the third year of his reign, he had held a royal banquet at Susa, his winter capital. When Queen Vashti refused to appear at the banquet, Ahasuerus had issued a 104 Session 1

10 royal decree that her position should be given to another woman (see Esth. 1:10-22). Some time later he began his search for a new queen (2:1-4). Ahasuerus s third year would have been 483 BC. The king s seventh year would have been 479 BC. Thus the position of queen had been vacant a long time. During that time Ahasuerus had fought unsuccessfully against Greece. This factor helps explain the lengthy lapse of time before his selection of a new queen. We can only speculate about the thoughts that must have passed through Esther s mind during her wait. She must have questioned what might ultimately happen to her. Did she make the right choices? Would the beauty treatments and special diet ever accomplish their intended purpose? During this season of waiting, God remained in control. Although God is not mentioned by name in the Book of Esther, He clearly worked behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes for His people. As believers, we can have faith that God is at work in those waiting periods of our lives, however lengthy they may be. In His perfect timing, He will achieve His plan. We only need to be ready to stand for Him. 7 Verse 17. This verse reveals that Esther s wait and preparation had not been in vain. Ahasuerus loved Esther more than all the other women. The Hebrew verb translated loved, like its English counterpart, appears in a wide range of contexts in the Old Testament. It can depict both God s infinite concern for His people and the carnal appetite of a glutton. It often describes love between human beings, including a father s love for his son, a servant s love for his master, and a husband s love for his wife. The term also identifies people s love for material objects as well as their love for abstract concepts such as truth, peace, and wisdom. In the context of Esther 2:17 the word depicts Ahasuerus s attraction to Esther. Esther won the king s favor and approval above all the other women in the harem. These two Hebrew terms chen and chesed appeared in verse 9 (chesed) and verse 15 (chen). In verse 17 the Hebrew term chen is translated favor, while the word chesed is rendered approval. In His sovereignty God worked through this encounter of a Jewish virgin and a pagan king. Ahasuerus crowned Esther as queen in place of Vashti. Vashti s name does not appear again in the Book of Esther. Because Esther was ready to stand, however, she would play a major role in God s deliverance of His people. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 7 to show the result of all of Esther s preparation. Just as she found favor in others eyes, she won the king s approval, and he crowned her Queen Esther. DISCUSS: Question #5 (PSG, p. 102): Where has God positioned you to be a person of influence? (Alternate: How have you seen God work in the messiness of your life?) DO: Invite group members to turn to PSG page 102 and respond to the activity Strengths and Weaknesses. Ask volunteers to share how God has used the strengths and weaknesses in their lives for His purposes. 105

11 THE POINT God is always at work behind the scenes. LIVE IT OUT 5 minutes GUIDE: Emphasize The Point: God is always at work behind the scenes. REVIEW: Review Live It Out (PSG, p. 103); (see text to the right). Encourage each group member to follow through this week with at least one of the applications. LIVE IT OUT God is at work even behind the scenes. What will you do with that truth? > > Look back. Reflect on your walk with Christ. What events has God used in your past to bring you to Him or bring you closer to Him? Consider those events that may have even seemed minor or inconsequential at the time. Thank God for His faithful work in your life. > > Make a list. List the gifts, skills, or attributes God has given you. Ask God to show you how you can use those to honor Him, even in unfavorable situations. > > Encourage. You may know someone facing circumstances beyond his control. Offer your support and encouragement. Help him see that God is present and He is at work even if it is not yet evident. WRAP IT UP GUIDE: Remind group members that, in ways unknown to us, God is at work in our lives. We must remain diligent and faithful in all things, waiting on God to lead and guide us. PRAY: Father, help us to trust You in all aspects of our lives. Reveal to us in Your time, Your unseen hand at work for our good and Your glory. 106 Session 1

12 ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ GB HOWELL/ NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART/ RALEIGH (68/0572) A scroll in a silver case; the text is the story of Esther. The piece, which dates to the 19th century, would be used in the Jewish celebration of Purim. Xerxes, known in the Book of Esther as Ahasuerus, was one of the last great Persian kings. He was the son of Darius I, and grandson of Cyrus the Great. Xerxes was born around 518 BC The majority of biblical references to Xerxes are in the Book of Esther. The events recorded in Esther most likely took place between the completion of the rebuilt temple under Haggai and the return of the exiles under Ezra ( BC). Esther records the volatile nature of Xerxes succinctly. He was prone to displaying irrational, angry outbursts (Esth. 1:12; 7:7 8); giving lavish gifts (5:3; 6:6 7); and hosting drinking feasts (1:7). Like the Book of Esther, the ancient historians all mention Xerxes s sometimes irrational nature. We know the writer of the Book of Esther had extensive knowledge of Persia and the contemporary customs. He would have also had at least a cursory knowledge of Susa and the surrounding palace environs. When one compares Esther s lavish descriptions of Xerxes s court (1:5 6) with what archaeologists unearthed at Susa, the similarities are striking. For instance, the Book of Esther describes Mordecai, as being present at the great gate area (2:19-21). Archaeologists uncovered both the palace and monumental gate at Susa; these correspond well with details in Esther 4:6. The excerpt above is from the article Xerxes I: His Life and Times (Winter ), which relates to this session. More Biblical Illustrator articles are available that relate to this session. See page 7 about Biblical Illustrator. SHARING THE GOOD NEWS God is at work drawing those who are lost to Himself. His desire is that all will say yes to Him and confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. Each week, make yourself available either before or after the session to speak privately with anyone in your group who wants to know more about becoming a Christian. See the article, Leading Someone to the Greatest Decision of All, on page 2 for guidance in leading a person to Christ. Remind group members that page 2 in the PSG offers guidance in how to become a Christian. Encourage believers to consider using this article as they have opportunities to lead others to Christ. Free additional ideas for your group are available at BibleStudiesforLife.com/AdultExtra 107