Daily Lesson for Thursday 21st of December 2023

Commentators for millennia have noticed that God’s name does not appear in the book of Esther. This is the only biblical book where such a phenomenon occurs. However, the Jews were able to recognize God’s actions in the great deliverance made for them, and this book was selected by God’s people to be included in the canon of the Bible.

Are we able to discover the presence of God beneath the surface of our daily life? God’s actions can take the appearance of normal, natural events, and if we don’t pay careful attention to them, we will not notice God’s presence.

The miracle of Purim takes a very unusual form. The miracle is hidden, disguised in apparently natural events. The law to destroy the Jews was not reversed, but a new law was written, allowing the Jews to defend themselves.

Also, notice what else had happened, and how God was able to work through these events. The Persians noticed God’s actions on behalf of the Jews.

And the result?

“Many people of other nationalities became Jews” (Esther 8:17, NIV). This is a great example of how the Lord was able to work to bring lost souls to a knowledge of Him.

The leaders of the Jewish people recognized the working of God. When the Jews were victorious in defending themselves, they declared a yearly time (called Purim) in remembrance and celebration of their victory. These days are still traditionally spent in thanksgiving to God in remembrance of His deliverance.

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/23d-12-the-miracle-of-purim/

Join It Is Written Sabbath School host Eric Flickinger and this week’s featured guest, Jeff Scogging, as they provide additional insights into this week’s Sabbath School lesson, “Esther and Mordecai.”

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/12-esther-and-mordecai-it-is-written-discussions-with-the-author/

You can view an in-depth discussion of Esther and Mordecai in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. Click on this link to view the discussion:
Hope Sabbathschool 12: Mission Lessons from Esther and Mordecai
With thanks to

Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

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

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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