Week 2 - Days 4 and 5 (Esther, Following Instruction / Obedience)

DAY 4 - (Esther)

Beth asks us what Esther 2:15 tells "us about Esther in stark contrast to the others?" - (page 47)

Esther asked for nothing other than what Hegai suggested.

From what I've taken away from the Bible study (things that were written and/or my own thoughts), the following are some ways I view Esther:

- not high-maintenance

- not greedy

- openly accepts advice from others she trusts 

- confident

- not vain

- not spoiled

- humble 

- accepts instruction 

- not prideful

- realizes others might know more in certain areas (others might have more wisdom)

- yet still strong and independent

- wanting to please those she knew cared for her

"... why do you think Esther only requested what Hegai suggested?" - (page 49)

He had "knowledge of the king's preference in feminine attire... " - (page 48)

"... Scripture pictures a very unusual woman." - (page 49)

I love that Esther was out of "the norm".

DAY 5 - (Following Instruction / Obedience)

On page 52, Beth mentions that Esther "... continued to follow ... instructions." She continues to say, "Oh, the favor that can come our way in a workplace or elsewhere through our simple willingness to follow instructions."

Following instructions made me think of being obedient to God. I heard the following quotes in a sermon recently:

"... you have no idea all the blessings you will experience in obedience." - Craig Groeschel

"... you have no idea what you'll miss out on if you don't obey." - Craig Groeschel

Beth writes, "People who resist following an earthly authority's instructions ... ... aren't apt to follow God's commands either..." - (page 52)

"If long-term persistence doesn't win the favor of an earthly supervisor, trust the God who sees and who is by no means limited by one channel of favor toward you." - (page 52)

(If you are reading this in your email, you can click on the title at the top of this post and it will bring you to the seek Him Bible study blog where you are welcome to comment regarding this post and/or share things that stood out to you from the week 2 - day 4 & 5 lessons.)

Thanks!

Cari