Daily Lesson for Wednesday 20th of December 2023

When Mordecai contacted Esther for her help, she had been married to Ahasuerus for several years, but there was a law in Persia that no one could come to the king’s throne without an express invitation from the king. Anyone who didn’t respect this rule risked death. Esther, knowing the risk, went to the throne room anyway, uninvited.

Mordecai’s faith sought to awaken Esther’s faith. The heart of the book of Esther is found in Mordecai’s words to Esther: “And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: ‘Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?’ ” (Esther 4:13-14, NKJV).

Esther’s faith was put to the test as Mordecai appealed to her love for her people. No one knew she was Jewish except Mordecai, and once she made the decision to become involved, she did not hesitate to put her life on the line.

Her faith in God was strong, and she knew that without God’s help she could not succeed. Her answer to Mordecai revealed her faith: “ ‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish’ ” (Esther 4:16, NIV). Mordecai sent this information to the entire Jewish community in Shushan (Susa), and while they fasted and prayed, Esther prepared herself for the dangerous moment. “On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter” (Esther 5:1-2, NIV).

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/23d-12-for-such-a-time-as-this/

“God’s Mission – My Mission” consistently points us to our Gracious God and how He wishes us to portray what He has done for us. In response we will reach out to others: 
Hymn 573 – I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go, Dear Lord, hence our theme hymn. This is in response to 
So Send I You – Hymn 573.

Just as Isaiah wrote to the people all those centuries ago, that the people were given “as a light to the nations”, so today, we who call ourselves Christians (equals Christ-like), are to share that 
Christ Is The World’s True Light – Hymn 345.

Sunday’s Bible texts tell us to Dare To Be A Daniel as does the pre-1985 hymnal in 
Hymn 497 – Standing By A Purpose True which then encourages us 
O Brother, Be Faithful – Hymn 602 because 
Great Is Thy Faithfulness – Hymn 100 to us oh, God.

The wonderful faith of Daniel and Esther shows we are to worship and adore, kneel and bow to the King Of Heaven: 
Hymn 6 – O Worship The Lord. Both these dear people trusted God with everything. May we also 
Moment By Moment – Hymn 507  and be joyful with thanksgiving (Thursday) in 
Hymn 560 – Let All Things Now Living a song of thanksgiving to God the Creator triumphantly raise.

So, dear people, be encouraged to go forward so that we and all our friends and neighbors will be rejoicing 
When We All Get To Heaven – Hymn 633.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/12-esther-and-mordecai-singing-with-inspiration/

Key Thought: Esther met the issue and brought salvation to her people. Converted women can play an important part in more humble positions. This, many have been doing and are still ready to do.
December 23, 2023

A. Have a volunteer read Esther 2:5-10.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What do these verses tell us about the situation of Morde3cai and Esther?
3. Personal Application: In what circumstances would it be prudent not to be open about your faith? Or should we never hide who we are? Share your thoughts..
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Why would Mordecai tell Esther not to tell others she was a foreigner, a member of the Jewish nation??” How would you respond to your relative?

B. Have a volunteer read Esther 3:1-15.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What is happening here and why?
3. Personal Application: In what ways, even now, that we might be tested, as was Mordecai? Share your thoughts
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why did Haman want to destroy all the Jews when he was only angry at Mordecai? What did he do or say to the king that encouraged the king to grant his plan?” How would you respond to your friend?

C. Have a volunteer read Esther 4:8-14.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. Why was it considered appropriate at this time for Esther to identify herself as a Jew?
3. Personal Application: When the time of trouble comes and persecution comes to the Sabbath-keepers, how strong a faith do you have to stand your ground when facing loss of income, housing, jail, and death? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “So Esther took the chance of being killed for going before the king without permission and being killed for being a Jew so that there may be a chance that the Jews might somehow be spared. What reasoning did Mordecai use with Esther to convince her to perform her duty?” How would you respond to your relative?

D. Have a volunteer read Esther 9:1-12.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What was the result of Esther’s effort?
3. Personal Application: Begin a journal of little things that God has done for you. Review it and pray that God will bring these things to mind when needed. Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/12-esther-and-mordecai/