Esther Reading Plan – W9D1
Check out all the previous Esther readings here.
Esther Reading Plan | Week 9 | Day 1
Prayer
As you come to spend time with Jesus, calm your mind and body until you feel fully present. Thank God that He listens to us and ask Him to speak to you throught His word today.
Bible Reading: Esther 7:1-4
Read these verses three times slowly.
So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther’s banquet, and as they were drinking wine on the second day, the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”
Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.”
Reflection & Questions
Esther has been keeping her request quiet. She’s invited the King to banquets, but not revealing her need, her purpose. King Xerxes asks her again: “What is your petition? It will be given you.” The king has been more than generous in his asking and Esther finally steps up and shares her need: “grant me my life…spare my people.”
Did you notice though that even with the generosity of the king, she is still unsure. Saying, “If I have found favor… if it pleases you..” She knows the unpredictability of the king’s mood and the laws against disturbing him.
How different it is for us in approaching Jesus! He wants to be disturbed. He is not moody. He does not fly off the handle. He is patient, kind and loving. He listens and wants us to come to Him just as we are, warts and all. We don’t need to worry. We need to “disturb” the King.
- Do you consider some things too small to bring to God? Why or why not?
- Do you speak to God on behalf of others? Who needs you to pray for them today?
Prayer
Pray in response to today’s reading.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
Prepare to Meet with Jesus
Find a quiet place to read and pray. Make sure there are no devices around that will distract you. Pray and ask God to help you concentrate. Ask Him to help you understand what you read.
Bible Reading: Esther 7:1-2
Read these verses three times slowly.
So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther’s feast. They were drinking wine on the second day. The king again asked, “What do you want, Queen Esther? I’ll give it to you. What do you want me to do for you? I’ll even give you up to half of my kingdom.”
Reflection & Questions
Can you imagine if a king offered to give you whatever you wanted?! What would you ask for? Maybe a new electric scooter or a huge pile of Pokémon cards. Maybe a new car for your mom or a larger house for your family. The possibilities are endless, especially since King Xerxes told Esther that he would give her up to half of his kingdom. WOW!
Esther didn’t want material things. She didn’t want jewelry or clothing. She didn’t want a new carriage and horses. She wanted a gift that was much more valuable than stuff and things.
Did you know that we have already been offered an even greater gift than half of King Xerxes’ kingdom? That’s right! God has given us the gift of salvation. That means that even though we are not perfect, he has given us grace so that our sins can be forgiven and someday we will get to go to heaven, which is a bazillion times better than what you or I can imagine a place to be like!
- Have you ever been given a super awesome gift? What was your reaction?
- Think of this amazing gift that God has offered to us: the gift to have all of our bad stuff forgiven so we can join him up in heaven one day. What kind of reaction do you think we should have towards God for that gift?
Pray
Tell God how grateful you are that he has forgiven you of your sins. Thank him for the gift of salvation and that you are excited to live in heaven with him one day.
Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.
Questions?
Ed Applegate