Some scholars would argue that the book of Esther shouldn’t be in the Bible. Neither God’s name nor his laws appear in the text, no miracles occur, no prophet speaks – but here, in this text, we see God’s providence.

Join us as Michael teaches through this unique and important book.

• Ezra: Restoration of the Jews post-exile
• Nehemiah: Rebuilding of the wall (and the people)
• Esther: Protection for the Jews

Lessons:

1. God uses people.
2. Observe your sphere of influence.

What we miss –and granted, God’s providence is a massive concept –is that God uses people. Your and my faithfulness as a single man / woman, married, parent, worker, teacher, doctor, nurse, attorney, builder, grandparent, neighbor, a person on a committee… we need to widen our perspective that the Lord has us in certain places and how we live, how we conduct ourselves in matters of faith and practice, do indeed matter. The way you treat your husband. The way you treat a difficult patient. The way you love that unlovable person in your family. The way we interact with difficult neighbors, angry people, the authorities in our lives.

Don’t compare yourself to some “extraordinary Christian,” because there aren’t any. Rather than compare yourself, see where God has you and be faithful. Love that unlovely, difficult co-worker. Care for that insufferable neighbor. Ask God for eyes and ears to see and hear what is right around you. And know this: He still uses people –folks just like you and me.