Bible Study - Leadership - Invest Others - Acts 9, 11 and 15 - May 29, 2011

Bible Study – Leadership – Invest in Others – May 29, 2011

This is our final study entitled “Taking the Lead.”
Our scripture is Acts 9:26-27; 11:19-26 and 15:36-41.
Why is it important for Christians to invest in others? It is because each Christian has had someone to invest in him or her – Christian friends, parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers - both Bible teachers and other teachers, pastors, those standing at the crossroads of your life who said just the right word that kept you from going down the wrong path of life and the list goes on and on.

In our study of Queen Esther, we remember the words spoken to Queen Esther by Mordecai, “Who knows, perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” GOD has a plan and purpose for every Christian. In our study this week, we see that GOD had a purpose for Barnabas. He invested in Saul but he also invested in John Mark. Barnabas was a person led by the HOLY SPIRIT. That is vital when obediently serving GOD. There are times when a person who is obediently serving GOD must take a hard stand, even if it makes a fellow Christian angry. Let’s explore.

Background – Let’s read Acts 7:
The First Christian Martyr – Young Saul (Paul) was standing guard over the clothes and watching the Jews stone Stephen. Saul/Paul was a strict Jew and was out to destroy the Christian movement known at that time as “The Way.” He saw Stephens’s faithfulness to CHRIST.

54 When they (Jews) heard these things, they were enraged in their hearts[21] and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen (Christian), filled by the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven. He saw God’s glory, with[22] Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, 56 “Look! I see the heavens opened and the • Son of Man[23] standing at the right hand of God!” 57 Then they screamed at the top of their voices, stopped their ears, and rushed together against him. 58 They threw him out of the city and began to stone him. And the witnesses laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 They were stoning Stephen as he called out: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin!” And saying this, he fell • asleep.[24]

Saul witnessed the faithfulness of Stephen to CHRIST. Saul was eager to kill, mistreat or imprison those who followed CHRIST. The followers of CHRIST (Christians) knew that Saul had a passion to annihilate all Christians.

Saul was traveling to Damascus to take Christian prisoners. This is recorded in Acts 9:1-9: The Damascus Road

1 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and requested letters from him to the • synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, either men or women, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. 4 Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 “Who are You, Lord?” he said. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. 6 “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9 He was unable to see for three days, and did not eat or drink.

Saul encountered the living CHRIST on the road to Damascus and his life changed forever. Saul went on to Damascus and ministered there as a follower of CHRIST and baffled the Jews by proving that JESUS was the promised Messiah. After three (3) years in the Damascus area, he went to Jerusalem. However, some Christians thought Saul was playing a game and possibly acting as if he was a Christian to find out who the leaders were of this new religion. This brings us to our scripture for this lesson.

Let’s read Acts 9:26-27: Saul in Jerusalem
26 When he (Saul/Paul) arrived in Jerusalem,[5] he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. 27 Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how, on the road, Saul[6] had seen the Lord, and that He had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.

Saul preached in Damascus about CHRIST and debated with the Jews.

When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate with fellow Christians but they were afraid of him. GOD provided someone for a time such as this, Barnabas. Barnabas was a nickname and means “Son of Encouragement.” Barnabas’s real name was Joseph and he was John Mark’s cousin.

Barnabas vouched for Saul and confirmed that his conversion experience was genuine. Barnabas mentored Saul. How would you like to mentor a Saul/Paul? Barnabas had no clue where mentoring Saul would lead. Neither do Christians know what GOD has in mind for those they mentor. The point being, whether another Paul or someone who lives a normal Christian life in GOD’S eyes, all Christians are vital and important to HIS plan and purpose. Ask GOD to lead you to someone who needs mentoring.

Barnabas knew the background of Saul and knew that he was a true Christian because of his testimony, his work in Damascus and fervent witness for CHRIST. Barnabas saw Spiritual fruit in Saul’s life.

The name Saul was Paul’s Jewish name. Paul was his Roman name. Paul was a Roman citizen because his father was a Roman. Since, Paul was a Roman name, it served him well in his ministry to the Romans and Gentiles.

Paul left Jerusalem and returned to his home town of Tarsus to minister there for about ten (10) years. Barnabas was commissioned by the Christian church in Jerusalem to go to Antioch to see firsthand what was going on. They had heard that some Hellenists or Greeks/Greek-speaking Jews had accepted CHRIST. This was indeed good news and expanded the scope of the Christian ministry. We fast forward to Antioch.

Let’s read Acts 11:19-26: The Church in Antioch
19 Those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, Cypriot and Cyrenian men, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Hellenists,[6][7] proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 Then the report about them reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel[8] as far as Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with a firm resolve of the heart— 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith—and large numbers of people were added to the Lord. 25 Then he[9] went to Tarsus to search for Saul, 26 and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers, and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

When bad things happen to good people, only GOD can make triumph out of tragedy. Stephen was martyred for his faith in CHRIST. As such the Christians were scattered as stated in our scripture. GOD used the martyr of Stephen to spread the Gospel of CHRIST to others areas. Stephen’s death was a witness to young Saul.

Christians fled to Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. Phoenicia was in the coastal region, northwest of Jerusalem where Tyre and Sidon were located. Cyprus is a large island in the Mediterranean 75 miles west of Phoenicia. Antioch was located in Syria on the Orontes River about 15 miles from the Mediterranean. Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman Empire.

At the early stage of Christianity, Christians only witnessed to Jews. Word came to them that Greeks/Gentiles and Greek-speaking Jews were accepting CHRIST as their SAVIOR and worshipped together. Barnabas was sent to Antioch to check it out and found it to be true. Barnabas, true to his name, encouraged those who were ministering in the name of CHRIST and to those who had accepted CHRIST.

Barnabas encouraged these new converts to remain true to the LORD with a firm resolve. GOD does not make Christians robots. Christians have the freedom to choose. These new Christians had to choose to continue to follow CHRIST on a daily basis. We have to do the same. They had to resolve to stay focused upon CHRIST as they grew Spiritually. They had the Old Testament scriptures and the personal experiences of the Apostles. They needed to focus on the fulfillment of the scriptures through CHRIST, which Saul was an expert. They needed to allow the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT to lead, guide, empower, enlighten and confirm their new life in CHRIST.

We learn from this scripture that Barnabas was not only an encourager but he practiced what he preached and was empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT. Many people responded to the message of CHRIST. Barnabas needed help.

Who better to help than his friend Saul? Barnabas led by the HOLY SPIRIT went to find Saul in Tarsus. Barnabas found Saul and Saul returned to Antioch with Barnabas and they ministered there for a year. It was in Antioch that those who accepted CHRIST as his/her SAVIOR were first called Christians. The followers of CHRIST where “called” Christians because of their actions. It was because of their lifestyle. Do others know we are Christians because of our lifestyle?

Let’s read Acts 15:36-41: Paul and Barnabas Part Company
36 After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers in every town where we have preached the message of the Lord, and see how they’re doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark.[11] 38 But Paul did not think it appropriate to take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. 39 There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. 40 Then Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers. 41 He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Time passed and Paul felt led to return to the towns where he and Barnabas had planted Christian groups. It is always good to stay in touch with those we have ministered to. Barnabas liked the idea but he wanted to take his cousin, John Mark. Paul said, no. His reason was that John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia. Barnabas thought they should give John Mark another opportunity to prove himself. Paul did not bend.

Leaders have to make decisions. Paul owed a great deal to Barnabas. He had vouched for him in his early days of his Christian journey. He had gone to Tarsus to get him to come to Antioch. Friendship did not change Paul’s mind. There are times leaders must stick with what they believe the HOLY SPIRIT is leading them to do. GOD knew what Paul and Silas would be encountering. GOD also used this spat to have Barnabas and John Mark go in another direction, thus two (2) mission trips.

We have the benefit of knowing what GOD knew about Paul and Silas’s journey. It resulted in them being beaten, put in jail, singing in jail, an earthquake, conversion of the jailer, they narrowly missed another beating in Thessalonica, etc. - it might have been too much for John Mark. GOD knew and may have been the reason Paul held his ground with Barnabas. We know that Silas stuck with Paul through thick and thin.

This does not diminish the missionary journey of Barnabas and John Mark. We know that John Mark came back in favor with Paul. He joined Paul in Rome later. He wrote the first gospel, Mark.

Christians in leadership must be careful not to write off fellow Christians. This does not mean they have to park their common sense or brains. We can pray with fellow Christians who may have come from a questionable background but we can keep one eye open when we pray.

We have been discussing leadership for the past four (4) lessons. We saw that Joshua, a trained military leader, had to trust GOD when GOD told him to march around the walls of Jericho once a day for six (6) days. and on the seventh day march around the walls seven times with the priest’s blowing the ram’s horns. On the seventh circle have the priests give a long blast on their horns and have the people to shout. The walls would fall down. Joshua had been mentored by Moses and he was at the right place at the right time. He had been prepared for his calling. Esther was at the right place at the right time to influence the king and the outcome of a potentially tragic matter. Ezra was a man who wanted to know GOD and obediently serve HIM. He realized that he was at the right place at the right time and that GOD had been very much involved in all aspects of his life. Then we studied, as Christians, we are accountable to GOD and to those to whom we minister. Robert E. Gibson made the statement that “A Christian is the keyhole through which other folk see GOD.” Christians are accountable. Then our final lesson focuses on investing in others. So many of us have so much we can share with others. Mentoring is a wonderful way to share your experiences with living and in walking as a Christian.

Life is much like a nice warm fire. The coals together provide the warmth. If you take a coal away from the fire, the fire itself continues but the coal removed slowly dies. When we separate a person from fellowship, that person begins to die. The world and yes even the Christian world separates people from fellowship. Reach out to others who need encouragement and be a Barnabas but use your common sense, brain and pray. Blessings.

Bible Study - Leadership - Pursue God's Agenda - 1 Corinthians 4, Galatians 1 and 1 Thyessalonians 2 - May 22, 2011

Bible Study – Leadership – Pursue God’s Agenda – May 22, 2011

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Taking the Lead.”
Our scriptures are 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Galatians 1:6-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12.

Leaders, in general, have huge egos and want to do things their way. Many tend to think it wimpy to consult GOD, unless they get into trouble. Leaders cannot be passive. They must be decision makers. Leaders must prepare and when they combine their knowledge, skills and abilities with GOD’S leadership and wisdom, through CHRIST, it makes for the right partnership for them to be the most effective leaders.

We studied Ezra in our last lesson and learned that his desire was to know GOD by studying HIS Word and to put what he learned into practice by obediently serving GOD. He realized that GOD had orchestrated his life, the circumstances of his life and placed him at the right place at the right time to serve HIM. As a result, he trusted the leadership of GOD as he pondered HIS Word.

Most leaders today believe that their hard work, their intelligence, good fortune, graduating from the right schools, knowing the right people and determination got them to the pinnacle of their success. This is often true in the secular world order. But many are miserable at the top of their game. Why? It is because many have left GOD out of their lives. Satan can give worldly success but only GOD, through an intimate relationship with HIM, through CHRIST, can give the success that brings lasting peace and satisfaction.

In our lesson this week, we will explore the need for Christians to pursue GOD’S agenda. Christians must keep in mind that they are GOD’S representatives and, as such, are accountable to HIM. Being GOD’S representative carries an awesome responsibility to rightly divide HIS Word, know the truth, speak the truth and live the truth. Salvation is a mystery to those who seek salvation. Christians know the truth and as GOD leads them, they are to share this truth and the light of salvation. They are to grow and mature Spiritually, so they, in turn, can help fellow Christians grow and mature Spiritually. They have tremendous influence and need to be a positive example to others.

So how do Christians follow GOD’S agenda? It is by having the right relationship with HIM, through CHRIST, as revealed through GOD’S Word. It is applying what they learn, through obedient service, as HE leads by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 4:1-5: Recognize Your Accountability to GOD.

The Faithful Manager

1 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God’s • mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance that I should be evaluated by you or by a human court.[1] In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.

Christians are accountable to GOD. Christians know the truth and GOD expects them to manage and share the Good News of salvation with others and to help those seeking truth to grow Spiritually. Christians are managers of the truth as revealed to them by GOD. Managers are entrusted to carry out the commands of the person he/she reports to. In this case, the Spiritual manager reported to GOD. GOD has placed a vast resource of Spiritual wealth within the realm of responsibility of each Christian. GOD is a Christian’s judge. HE knows the heart of every person and HE alone is qualified to judge. Christians are to share their Spiritual knowledge to the extent of their capability, as led by the HOLY SPIRIT, as GOD provides opportunity. This is being a faithful servant and manager of Spiritual truth based upon where a Christian is at that moment in his/her Spiritual journey. That is why Christians must constantly study GOD’S Word and obediently serve HIM through a loving, intimate relationship.

As Christians grow Spiritually, they know GOD through their relationship with CHRIST in an ever ascending way. They gain Spiritual wealth beyond human comprehension. Spiritual leaders – Bible study leaders, teachers, pastors, evangelist, professors, deacons, elders, etc. must be on their guard not to become Spiritually arrogant. All Christians are sinners saved by grace and will not arrive, so-to-speak, until they see CHRIST when this life in the flesh is over.

The Christians in Corinth had divided into groups and followed certain Christian leaders – Paul – Apollos. This bred disunity among the Christians. Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth and asked them to consider him and others who know and preach salvation through CHRIST as servants of CHRIST and managers of GOD’S mysteries. As mentioned earlier, GOD’S mysteries are related to salvation and Spiritual growth. There is one salvation through CHRIST, period. Salvation comes to each individual in different ways. Salvation is always about the person making a decision to receive CHRIST as his/her SAVIOR.

To some salvation is sudden and profound. To others is it like the dawn of a new day. The light of the sun, which graces each day with its light gradually rising, so-to-speak, reveals the fullness of the day. They make a decision to receive CHRIST as their SAVIOR. The work of the HOLY SPIRIT begins at that moment to work in their lives. As they study GOD’S Word, pray and fellowship with HIM, the full revelation of CHRIST comes like the dawning of the day. One day he/she realizes the fullness of CHRIST in them as confirmed by the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT. Christians are in a constant state of being saved through the process of sanctification, which will be completed when they die, see JESUS in heaven and when they receive their glorified bodies. Full redemption includes a Christian’s new glorified body.

Paul stated that managers of Spiritual truth are accountable to GOD, not man. GOD will expose darkness by HIS light and reveal the intentions of the heart.

I have to add that the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT will alert Christians to false teaching. This is why Christians must read, study and know GOD’S Word. If you feel uneasy when you hear anyone presenting a message from GOD, listen carefully to what he/she is saying and test it against what the Bible says. If the person is not speaking truth, as revealed in the Bible, then don’t sit under his/her teaching. This includes what I write in these lessons.

Truth is vital in all matters and especially Spiritual truth. As we get closer to the return of CHRIST, we will be exposed to more who distort the truth.

As we go to our next scripture, why were these Christians in Galatia lead to swap the truth for a lie?

Let’s read Galatians 1:6-10: Hold Uncompromisingly to the Gospel.
No Other Gospel
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from Him who called you by the grace of Christ, [and are turning]* to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another [gospel]* , but there are some who are troubling you and want to change the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel other than what we have preached to you, a curse be on him![3] 9 As we have said before, I now say again: if anyone preaches to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him![4]10 For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.

Paul wrote to the Christians in Galatia. The gospel of CHRIST had been preached and people became Christians, however, in a short time these Christians adopted a variation of Christianity touted by the Judaizers. The Judaizers mixed Judaism in with Christianity – they had to be circumcised and follow the law to be saved. Salvation through grace was tossed out. Paul was shocked and astonished that the Christians in Galatia turned so quickly from salvation by grace, which GOD provided through the death of CHRIST, to salvation as the result of good works by human effort. The Judaizers taught salvation by works was the true gospel. Some of the Christians living in Galatia switched. Paul could not believe it.

I come back to the question I posed, why were they led astray? This is a graphic example of how young Christians can be led astray. They are eager to know truth and false teachers can swoop in like a predator and grab them. That is why we, who know the truth, need to help new Christians to become well founded in truth before leaving them. Do those who are misled lose their salvation after being born-again? No, but they lose their faithful walk with CHRIST and lose the eternal rewards they would have received if they had sought truth through GOD’S Word and faithful teachers of truth. That is why GOD calls mentors to become involved in the lives of others.

Christians who know truth and are solid in their faith are considered the “elect.” The “elect” will not be led astray by every wind of doctrine. JESUS spoke about the “elect” in Matthew 13:22: (JESUS was speaking about the end times.)

21 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the • Messiah! Look—there!’ do not believe it! 22 For false messiahs[10]and false prophets will rise up and will perform signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 And you must watch! I have told you everything in advance.

If salvation could be earned through good works, as postulated by the Judaizers, then CHRIST died in vain. The teaching of salvation via good works was false and left CHRIST out of the salvation process. GOD required the shedding of blood for the remission of sins. CHRIST paid the price to redeem all who believe in HIM from the consequences of sin and eternal death.

Christians must be on the alert for false teaching and false teachers today. Paul made it clear that if he, anyone else or even an angel, preached a gospel message different from what they had already presented, let him or them be cursed.

Paul raised the question, “Was he trying to be a people pleaser? No!!!” If he wanted to please people, he would not stick to the message of CHRIST, which is salvation by grace through the shed blood of CHRIST.

Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12: Live in Devotion to GOD by Having the Right Relationship with CHRIST in order to minister to others.

7 Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles, instead we were gentle[1] among you, as a nursing mother nurtures her own children. 8 We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 9 For you remember our labor and hardship, brothers. Working night and day so that we would not burden any of you, we preached God’s gospel to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly we conducted ourselves with you believers. 11 As you know, like a father with his own children, 12 we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to • walk worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

Thessalonica was located in Macedonia, the northern part of Greece. Paul visited Thessalonica on his second missionary trip. Paul was a church planter and as such planted a church in Thessalonica. Paul’s opponents forced him to leave the city. However, Paul communicated with them by letter.

Paul stated in this letter that he, Timothy and Silas could have asked the locals to pay their expenses but they chose to pay their own way. They did not want to be accused of presenting the Gospel for the sake of money. In that day, some hawkers marketed some god or religion for the sake of earning money.

Paul made it clear that they presented the Gospel out of their love of GOD and of their love for them. Sharing their lives with them was out of the love and the relationship they had built with them, which was the natural result of what CHRIST had done for them. They had a true passion that all people should be presented the truth of the gospel of CHRIST. Once people received salvation, born Spiritually into the family of GOD, their desire was to see them grow Spiritually. It was like a nursing mother cares for and nurtures her child. They had the same passion to nurture all believers through the milk and nourishment of GOD’S Word, as revealed through the Passion of CHRIST and confirmed by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.

Because of their love and passion to invest in their (Thessalonian Christians) Spiritual growth and maturity, they (Paul and his group) worked to earn their own support. Their desire was for them to see that they had no motive other than for them to know the true Gospel of CHRIST and be well founded.

They led by example with the intent that they would see the genuineness of their faith in CHRIST.

Verse 8 revealed that the Christians in Thessalonica had become “dear” to them. The word “dear” is akin to “agape love.”

In verse 10, Paul told his readers that they had witnessed their lives, saw their devotion and more importantly, so did GOD. GOD knows their hearts and the intentions of their hearts regarding what they said and how they conducted themselves. GOD was their judge.

Just like a parent desires the best for their children, Paul desired the best for those who became Christians. They encouraged, comforted and implored (insisted), as leaders and representatives of CHRIST, they walk worthy for their calling. It was GOD WHO called them, not Paul and his group.

All Christians are called to serve HIM. All Christians have an influence upon others, especially those with high visibility. But there I go ranking the order. All Christians have influence whether high or low visibility. We are accountable to GOD and we must keep that in mind. Bloom where you are planted that others may see CHRIST in you.

It is vital that Christians be consistent in their daily walk with CHRIST. This can come only by having the right relationship with HIM. This is vital as we teach and minister to others – through our daily quite lifestyle or highly visible lifestyle. Christians are to walk worthy of their calling as a mother, father, brother, sister, friend, co-worker, the boss, teacher, preacher, custodian, official and the list goes on and on. Blessings.

Bible Study - Leadership - Walk With GOD (Ezra) - Ezra 7, 9 and 10 - 051511

Bible Study – Leadership – Walk With God – May 15, 2011


This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Taking the Lead.”

Our scripture is Ezra 7:1a, 6-10, 25-28; 9:4-6; 10:10-12.

The Book of Ezra focuses on the Spiritual restoration of the Jews living in Jerusalem. Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians in 586 B. C. because of sin. The Israelites were taken captive and exiled to Babylon. When Jerusalem was destroyed, the Babylonians took all of the religious artifacts from the temple in Jerusalem. After the death of King Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian Empire declined in power and Persia became the predominant ruling empire.

Persia conquered Babylon which set the stage for the Israelites to return to Jerusalem. The Persian Empire thrived from 539 B. C. to 331 B.C.

The first restoration of Jerusalem began in 538 B. C. when the new Persian king, Cyrus, issued a decree allowing the Jews and other exiles to return to their homeland. Ezra 1:1-4:

The Decree of Cyrus – 538 B. C. – First Phase of the Restoration of Jerusalem.

1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia,[1] the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah was fulfilled. The LORD put it into the mind of King Cyrus to issue a proclamation throughout his entire kingdom and [to put it]* in writing:[2]2 This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: “The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build Him a house at Jerusalem in Judah. 3 Whoever is among His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem. 4 Let every survivor, wherever he lives, be assisted by the men of that region with silver, gold, goods, and livestock, along with a freewill offering for the house of God in Jerusalem.”



Cyrus, the king of Persia, acknowledged that GOD had given them victory and appointed him to build HIM a house/temple in Jerusalem. King Cyrus responded by issuing a decree for all Jews who wanted to could return to Jerusalem to build a house for GOD. The purpose of phase one was to rebuild the temple and 50,000 Jews returned to Jerusalem. They rebuilt the physical temple but their hearts had not been changed toward the true worship of GOD.



GOD needed a Spiritual renewal/revival in the hearts of HIS chosen people. GOD waited until the right man was willing to obediently serve HIM. GOD knew the heart of Ezra and HE began to work in HIS heart and called him to go to Jerusalem. Ezra was a scribe who not only knew the scriptures GOD had given to Moses, he practiced them. He was also a priest. GOD knew that Ezra would need provisions to go to Jerusalem so HE worked in the heart of King Artaxerxes, who initiated phase two.



The Second phase of the restoration of Jerusalem was during Ezra’s life in 458 B. C. and involved 2,000 Jews. Ezra’s purpose was to renew a Spiritual awaking in the hearts and lives of the Jews who had returned to the Jerusalem area. Just like we studied in last week’s lesson, Ezra was a man called for such times as these.



The third phase of the restoration involved a small group of Jews in 445 B. C. GOD called Nehemiah to go to Jerusalem for the purpose of rebuilding the wall.



After the first phase of Jews had returned to Jerusalem, sin had come into their lives. They had intermarried with the local pagan women. This is a serious sin which needed to be addressed and corrected.



When we consider the three phases of restoration, they are much like our Christian journey. Christians can be led astray by sin and held captive until they come to their senses and desire to return to fellowship with GOD through CHRIST. It is often a rebuilding process. They may discover that they are going through the motions of worship and do not have an intimate Spiritual relationship with GOD through CHRIST. They confess their lack of commitment and renew their fellowship with GOD through CHRIST. They allow the HOLY SPIRIT to empower and lead them to rebuild their walk with GOD. During this rebuilding process they renew their study of GOD’S Word and apply it to their lives, as the HOLY SPIRIT leads. As they grow and mature Spiritually, they realize how vulnerable they are to the enemy and build Spiritual walls to keep the enemy from invading their lives. It is all about relationship - A Christian’s daily relationship with GOD through CHRIST as empowered and secured by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT equals their daily walk of obedience.



Many professing Christians neglect the study of GOD’S Word. We attend Bible studies but fail to practice what we learn. We may quickly read a few verses from the Bible to ease our conscience but do we allow HIS Word to guide us through uncertain times and become a vital part of our lives? I recall a friend of mine who prayed with the Bible open and as he prayed he read certain promises that he would claim for certain prayer requests.



Ezra was a scribe, a priest who not only knew the scriptures but lived by them and applied them to his life. He knew the scripture was powerful and that he could trust what he read and what GOD revealed to him through them. He trusted GOD and GOD trusted him. Do you trust GOD and HIS Word?



As Christians, do we know and claim GOD’S promises? Is the Bible a book of history or is it alive and powerful truth which can be trusted today as we walk with GOD? Is GOD’S hand on your life leading and guiding you through HIS Word? Do you read GOD’S Word for entertainment or knowledge (Head knowledge or heart knowledge)? Is it a historical book or as a guide for your life? Do you read it to know about GOD and CHRIST or a vital resource to really get to know THEM? Do we apply GOD’S Word to our lives as the HOLY SPIRIT reveals truth applicable to our lives? Do we confirm HIS calling by studying HIS Word?



Let’s read Ezra 7:1a, 6-10:

1 After these events, during the reign of King Artaxerxes of Persia, Ezra—

6 —came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he requested[1] because the hand of the LORD his God was on him. 7 Some of the Israelites, priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants accompanied [him]* to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes. 8 Ezra[2] came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, during the seventh year of the king. 9 He began the journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month and arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month. The gracious hand of his God was on him, 10 because Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the LORD, obey [it]* , and teach [its]* statutes and ordinances in Israel.

After these events: There was about a sixty (60) year gap between the events of chapters six (6) and seven (7). The story of Queen Esther took place during this time during the reign of King Xerxes. Artaxerxes was his son who became king in 465 B. C and ruled until 424 B. C. Ezra and his group returned to Jerusalem in 458 B. C.

In Ezra 1:1-4, we saw that the Book of Ezra began with the decree of King Cyrus in 538 B. C. which allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild their temple. The Babylonian policy was, when they conquered an enemy, they took their wealth and carried the conquered people into exile. When the Persians defeated the Babylonians, GOD placed in King Cyrus’s heart the desire to reverse this policy and encouraged those in exile to return to their homeland. Some of the Jews chose to return and rebuild the temple but the rebuilding of the physical temple did not restore their Spiritual temple. GOD knew what their problem was and HE needed a certain person to carry out the Spiritual restoration of HIS people.

During the seventh year of Artaxerxes (ahr tuh ZUHRK seez) rule, 458 B. C., Ezra was commissioned by the king to return to Jerusalem. The confidence the king had in Ezra was revealed when he entrusted the return of the temple artifacts to him. These were valuable gold artifacts taken from the temple when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem.

The king recognized Ezra as a man of integrity and honor. He was a scribe/priest and as such knew the law which GOD had given to Moses. GOD had HIS man and the king had his man. This was a combination which equaled success. GOD touched the heart of the king such that he granted Ezra everything he needed to return to Jerusalem. Ezra did not claim any credit for what GOD had done through the king and the other officials. When GOD calls, HE provides. Our part is to go when HE calls because HE has prepared the way.

As mentioned earlier, Ezra had a group of about 2,000 people to accompany him to Jerusalem. The journey took four (4) months – Roughly from about April 1 to August 1. The king had sent a decree to Persian treasures along the route they traveled to contribute to Ezra’s mission. GOD had provided for the care of Ezra’s group.

Verse 7, gives a list of the people that accompanied Ezra. The king gave Ezra full authority to do what was needed. Again, this was a show of confidence in Ezra.

Verse 10, revealed the heart of Ezra and that was the kind of heart that GOD needed to restore the people’s heart toward HIM. Ezra chose to know GOD through HIS Word and to apply it to his life.

In our earlier lessons, we studied taking the lead when GOD calls (Joshua) and then we studied influence (Esther). In Ezra, we see these attributes as well as his commitment and devotion to GOD, the study of HIS Word, understanding HIS Word and the application of HIS Word. GOD needs HIS children’s hearts to be committed to HIM and them willing to obediently serve HIM, when HE calls.

We may think, “Well, I have been a Christian for many years and GOD has not called me.” That is much like being on a team and sitting on the bench month after month or year after year. You practice but do not get to play, until one day the coach calls your name and it is game time. You have prepared and now you are in the game. Christians need to be prepared. It is Spiritually healthy for us to be trained and ready when the call comes because we need to stay prepared just to go through a day. A moment may arise and may be just the reason GOD has placed us in such a position for such a time as this. Often, we look for big things to be called to do but GOD calls us to give a cup of cold water or a smile or encouragement, which are just as important as what we consider the big things.

We see how GOD provided when HE called HIS chosen, Ezra. Our part is to be prepared Spiritually when HE calls. Is GOD’S Word important to you? Is it alive and do you trust it to guide you as GOD reveals HIS will to you? GOD’S Word is more powerful than a two (2) edged sword as recorded in Hebrews 4:12:

12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart.

Let’s read Ezra 7:25-28:

25 And you, Ezra, according to[12] God’s wisdom that you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people in the region west of the Euphrates who know the laws of your God and to teach anyone who does not know [them]* . 26 Anyone who does not keep the law of your God and the law of the king, let a fair judgment be executed against him, whether death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment. 27 Praise the LORD God of our fathers, who has put it into the king’s mind to glorify the house of the LORD in Jerusalem,[13] 28 and who has shown favor to me before the king, his counselors, and all his powerful officers. So I took courage because I was strengthened by the LORD my God,[14] and I gathered Israelite leaders to return with me.

The letter the king gave Ezra was recorded in Ezra 7:11-26. This scripture is a portion of this letter. The king acknowledged Ezra’s relationship with GOD because he saw Godly wisdom in Ezra’s life. The king trusted him to establish a ruling form of government by allowing him to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates River. Many of the provinces were west of the Euphrates River.

Notice in verse 25 that magistrates and judges must know GOD’S Word or else he had to teach them GOD’S Word. The king gave Ezra the authority to judge and mete fair punishment.

Verse 26 concludes the letter.

In verse 27, Ezra praises GOD for HIS faithfulness and consistent care for the Jews over the ages. It was GOD WHO placed in the king’s mind the desire to help the Jews restore Jerusalem. Ezra rejoiced that GOD found favor with him such that the decision makers (The King’s Officials) cooperated in providing what was needed for him and his group to go to Jerusalem.

When Ezra saw the hand and power of GOD working to accomplish what he was called to do, he was encouraged. This confirmed GOD’S call. Ezra went to work selecting the Israelite leaders who would return with him to Jerusalem.

Let’s read Ezra 9:4-6 and 10:10-12:

Ezra 9:4-6: Ezra’s Confession

4 Everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me, because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles, while I sat devastated until the evening offering. 5 At the evening offering, I got up from my humiliation, with my tunic and robe torn. Then I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the LORD my God. 6 And I said: My God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face toward You, my God, because our iniquities are higher than [our]* heads and our guilt is as high as the heavens.



When Ezra arrived in Jerusalem, he realized that the major problem was sin. The phase one Jews had rebuilt the temple but they had intermarried with the local people. This was not an inter-racial concern it was all about mixed-faith. The Jews had married pagans. This revelation brought Ezra to his knees. He was dumb-founded and stunned. Those who knew the truth, as revealed in GOD’S Word, gathered around him agreeing that this was a serious Spiritual matter. Ezra stayed praying until about 3 o’clock. He got up and in humiliation which caused him to tear his tunic (inner garment) and robe.



Ezra then fell prostrate on the floor with his hands to GOD. Ezra took ownership of the problem. Their sin was his sin. He confessed his shame and embarrassment before GOD such that he could not lift his face toward HIM because their sins. These sins were not trivial but higher than their heads and their guilt went all the way to heaven. They had no excuse. They were guilty.



Does sin break your heart? Does the sin of others break your heart? Does the sin of our nations break your heart? We, as Christians have compromised our faith so much that we, too, have sinned. Will we, as Christians, confess this sin before GOD and do something about it as GOD leads?



Ezra 10:10-12:

10 Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have been unfaithful by marrying foreign women, adding to Israel’s guilt. 11 Therefore, make a confession to the LORD God of your fathers and do His will. Separate yourselves from the surrounding peoples and [your]* foreign wives.” 12 Then all the assembly responded with a loud voice: “Yes, we will do as you say!

In addition to being a scribe, Ezra was a priest. His lineage has been traced back to Aaron. In the role as priest, Ezra addressed the people regarding their sin of marrying foreign women.

Ezra challenged the people to confess their sins and repent. Repent means to stop doing what they had been doing. Ezra challenged them to separate from the pagans who surrounded them (Their neighbors) and their foreign (pagan) wives. Separate as used in this scripture was used in Genesis when GOD separated the night from the day. In other words, it was to be a clear and unquestionable separation as obvious as night and day. Did they have to move or divorce their pagan wives? They had to live distinctly different lifestyles. It could mean moving and did mean divorce. They had to take action to live as GOD had instructed them. It was drastic but necessary.

It is much like a young person I spoke to a few weeks ago that was battling drug addiction. He needed to get a new set of drug-free friends. There are times when we need to separate from our surroundings.

Here we have to quickly add a caution that this is not a reason for divorce. But GOD’S Word is very clear that Christians should not marry non-Christians. But if you are already married, the Apostle Paul gave Christians a teaching on being unequally yoked. The Christian was to live such that his/her life would be a witness to his/her non-Christian spouse. If the non-Christian chose to leave then there wasn’t much the Christian could do about it.

In this case, the people present agreed to comply with Ezra’s request.

How does this all apply to Christians today?

Ezra was a scribe and priest. He was a person of integrity. The secular world that he traveled in recognized that there was something pleasantly different about him. Do we as Christians live our lives such that others see something different in our lives? When we, as Christians, read the Bible do we read it to live by or just to say we have read it? As we read and study the lives of those in the Bible, do we believe GOD is the same today and works in HIS chosen people’s lives to bring about HIS desired results as HE has done throughout the ages?

Circumstances may change but GOD works today just as HE has always worked. Ezra walked with GOD by embracing HIS Word. Christians need to walk with GOD by reading, studying and applying HIS Word to their lives. Ezra prepared without knowing that he was being prepared for an awesome journey and responsibility for GOD. Before Ezra was called, he was diligent about knowing GOD through HIS Word. As a result, GOD chose HIM when the time was appropriate. Are you preparing to be chosen for a time such as this? Blessings

Bible Study - Leadership - Use Your Influence - Esther 4 and 8 - May 8, 2011

Bible Study – Leadership – Use Your Influence – May 8, 2011

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “Taking the Lead.”
Our scripture is Esther 4:13-17; 8:3-8 [I encourage you read the entire book of Esther.]
It is interesting that “influence” and “influenza” come from the same Latin word which means to “flow into someone or something.” When we influence someone else, we infect or impact him/her. This can be a good thing or a bad thing. People generally take on the ways, actions, ideas, habits, speech, dress, intellectual level, lifestyle, etc. of those with whom they associate.

All of us have influence upon others. Is it for good? Or bad? That is why our circle of friends is very important. That is why our teens and young adults can be vulnerable to emotional distress when their peers turn against them. Some people thrive off the feeling of power and controlling the lives of others.

We need to consider some background leading up to our selected scripture:

Esther lived about 483 B. C. Xerxes (ZUHRK seez) was king and ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush (Egypt/Ethiopia). Xerxes was also known as King Ahasuerus (uh haz yoo HER uhs). He ruled the Persian Empire from 486 – 465 B. C. His winter palace was in Susa (Iran).

He invited the military leaders of Persia and Media and the nobles of the provinces in his third year as king for a 180 day meeting in Susa. The purpose was to display his vast wealth and plan war. After the 180 day meeting the king gave an elaborate banquet for the men which lasted for 7 days. The king’s wife, Queen Vashti (VASH tie) gave a banquet for the women.

The men had their choice of wine and the quantity they wished to drink. They got drunk. On the seventh day King Xerxes was drunk and ordered that his beautiful wife, Vashti, to be brought to him wearing her royal crown. He wanted to display her beauty to his guests. She refused. This was serious. It seems like a simple request. Why would she refuse? The king and his guests were drunk but some believe that the king wanted her to come naked, only wearing her crown. There is another thought that she was pregnant and she did not want them to see her pregnant - Naked or not.

This was a serious blow to all married males. They said, “If the word gets out that Queen Vashti refused an order from the king, then every wife will feel free not to obey her husband.” The simple solution was to have the king issue a royal decree to be written in the laws of Persia and Media. Such a law could not be repealed. This is important as our story unfolds. The law would state that Queen Vashti was to never again enter the presence of King Xerxes. The king was to give her royal position to someone else who is better than she.

This was done and the king sent an edict throughout his kingdom that “All women will respect their husbands, from the least to the greatest.”

It seems that after the king had a cooling off period, he had second thoughts. But a law is law. So his advisors proposed “That a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king.” Commissioners were appointed in every province to look for beautiful girls.

Here is where Esther (Her Jewish name was Hadassah) comes into the picture. Esther was an orphan and lived with her cousin, Mordecai. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter. Mordecai was a Jew who had apparently inherited an official position, which kept him around the palace. Mordecai instructed Esther not to reveal her nationality.

Those commissioned to find these beautiful girls would either talk them into going to a 12 month beauty school or take them and send them to the king’s beauty school.

Hegai, the king’s eunuch, was in-charge of the beauty school. Esther was taken to the beauty school, which implies that she had no choice and Hegai thought she had promise. So he took a special interest in her and worked with her. Remember Mordecai had instructed Esther not to reveal her nationality. So no one knew that she was a Jew. This will be an important point later in the unfolding story.

Esther was chosen as the queen in the seventh (7th) year of King Xerxes rule. The queen had a higher position than a concubine. She was still part of the king’s harem but had more freedom along with certain restrictions. After-all she had replaced a queen who had dared to refuse the order of the king.

One day Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate and overheard a plot by two of the king’s officers to assassinate the king. Mordecai told Queen Esther and after an investigation, the two men were hung. Queen Esther had given credit to Mordecai for reporting the plot.

Sometime after the hanging of these two conspirators, a new character, Haman, entered the story. The king elevated Haman to second in command. Haman had a rank higher than all the nobles. The king had commanded that all the royal officials should kneel and pay honor to Haman but Mordecai refused. The other officials pointed this out to Haman and he became enraged. He wanted to more than kill Mordecai. Haman learned that Mordecai was a Jew. This gave Haman an idea. He looked for a way to destroy all the Jews under the rule of King Xerxes.

Haman cast lots to determine the best day to carry out a decree to kill all the Jews. The lot fell on a day almost a year away.

We need to know that the name of GOD was never mentioned in the entire book of Esther. But it was very clear GOD was at work. We will see as our story continues.

Haman approached the king and told him that there was a certain people dispersed within his provinces whose customs were different and they did not obey the king’s laws. He asked the king to issue a decree to destroy them. In fact, he would put ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to carry out this decree. So Haman would help finance this ethnic cleansing.

The king agreed by giving Haman his signet ring, which carried the full power and authority of the king. He even told Haman to keep his money and do as he pleased.

So Haman put the royal secretaries to work writing orders to those under the king’s authority to destroy, kill and annihilate all Jews – young and old, women and little children on a single day. When Mordecai learned what was done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. He went to the king’s gate but he could go no further because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter the gate. But Mordecai had a plan. Queen Esther’s maids and eunuchs told her about Mordecai. So Queen Esther asked one of the king’s eunuchs to find out what was troubling Mordecai.

The eunuch spoke to Mordecai and reported back to Queen Esther. She sent word back to Mordecai that if she approached the king without being summoned, she could be put to death, unless the king extended the gold scepter to her. This brings us to our scripture.

Let’s read Esther 4:13-14: Recognize Your God-given Potential for Influence:

13 Mordecai told [the messenger]* to reply to Esther, “Don’t think that you will escape the fate of all the Jews because you are in the king’s palace. 14 If you keep silent at this time, liberation and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s house will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.”[7]

Mordecai reminded Esther that she was a Jew and that she would not be spared just because she was in the king’s palace. If she kept silent her ancestral line would be destroyed. Then the heart of our scripture is “Who knows, perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.”

Mordecai told her that this could be the very reason she was in the position she was to prevent such a massacre. She should use her influence on the king.

GOD is in all things and has a plan for our lives. It is not an accident that you are who you are and in the position or circumstances you find yourself. Could it be that GOD has you where you are in “such times as this?”

Here we have to be careful. Some may try to justify that GOD has placed you in a drug house to do drugs for a purpose. NO!!! You placed yourself in a drug house and you need to look to GOD for deliverance. After you have your life under HIS control and you are clean, then GOD can use you to help others. This goes for other addictions.

Let’s read Esther 4:15-17: Realize that God Is the Ultimate Influencer:

15 Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa and fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, night and day. I and my female servants will also fast in the same way. After that, I will go to the king even if it is against the law. If I perish, I perish.” 17 So Mordecai went and did everything Esther had ordered him.

Mordecai’s words got through to Esther. Esther asked that all the Jews in Susa fast for three (3) days in preparation for her to approach the king. Prayer is not mentioned but fasting usually accompanies prayer. She stated that her female servants would also fast.

We have to go to fill in some of what is happening between Chapter 4 and Chapter 8.

On the third day of the fast, Queen Esther put on her royal garb and stood in the inner court of the place. The king’s throne faced the entrance and he saw Esther standing there. He liked what he saw and he extended the gold scepter toward her and she approached and touched the scepter. Now keep in mind that she had told Mordecai that it had been 30 days since she had seen the king. So the king liked what he saw.

The king asked her what she wanted, even up to half of his kingdom. She must have been looking gooood. She wanted him and Haman to come to a banquet she had prepared for him that very day. The king and Haman came to the banquet and she asked that they come to another banquet the next day and at that time she would let the king know what she had on her mind. Haman left the banquet about as happy as a person can get. But he passed Mordecai and Mordecai did not show him honor or fear. This made Haman’s blood boil. But this was not the time to let Mordecai spoil his elation. He went home bragging about being the only one who was at the banquet with the king and queen. He called all of his friends to his house to tell them about his good fortune. In fact, he was the only person the queen had invited to her banquet the next day. Then he complained about Mordecai not showing him the honor he deserved. So his wife and friends said, “Have a gallows built, seventy-five feet high and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go with the king to the dinner and be happy.” This suggestion delighted Haman.

That night, GOD was still working. The king could not sleep. So he ordered that the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought to him. As he read the book, he noticed that Mordecai had exposed the plot for his would be assassination. The king asked if they had ever honored Mordecai for his heroic deed. The answer was no.

In the meantime Haman was in the outer court planning to ask the king about hanging Mordecai. The king asked who was in the outer court and he was told that it was Haman. Timing is always perfect with GOD.

The king asked Haman, “What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?” Haman was beside himself. WOW!!! What an opportunity for me because I have to be the person the king has in mind.

So Haman told the king that he should let this person wear a royal robe which the king had worn, ride a horse which the king had ridden and a royal crest placed on his head. Then have one of the kings most noble princes lead this person through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor.’

The king said, “Great idea!!!” “So Haman you go at once and do all that you have said for Mordecai!!!” WOW!!! I would have liked to have seen Haman’s face. Taking about sweet revenge - GOD knows how to do it. GOD tells us that vengeance is “MINE”. That is why we need to leave retaliation in GOD’S hands. When we retaliate we take it out of GOD’S hands. Don’t you know some people you would like to see something like this happen to? But we have to realize Mordecai was within hours of being executed.

Haman did as the king had instructed and when he finished he went straight home, distraught. He told his wife and friends and they said, “You are in trouble because Mordecai is a Jew.”

The king’s eunuchs arrived at Haman’s home and whisked him off to the banquet that Queen Esther had planned for him and the king.

So they dined, drank wine and the king asked Queen Esther what was her request. Her response and the circumstances which followed were recorded in Esther 7:3-10 - 3 Queen Esther answered, “If I have obtained your approval,[3] my king, and if the king is pleased, spare my life—[this is]* my request; and [spare]* my people—[this is]* my desire. 4 For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and extermination.[4] If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept silent. Indeed, the trouble wouldn’t be worth burdening the king.” 5 King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?”[5]6 Esther answered, “The adversary and enemy is this evil Haman.” Haman stood terrified before the king and queen. 7 Angered by this, the king arose from where they were drinking wine and [went to]* the palace garden. Haman remained to beg Queen Esther for his life because he realized the king was planning something terrible for him. 8 Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Would he actually violate the queen while I am in the palace?” As soon as the statement left the king’s mouth, Haman’s face was covered. 9 Harbona, one of the royal eunuchs, said: “There is a gallows 75 feet[6] tall at Haman’s house that he made for Mordecai, who [gave]* the report that saved[7] the king.” The king commanded, “Hang him on it.” 10 They hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.[8] Then the king’s anger subsided.

This brings us to our last scripture.

Let’s read Esther 8:3-8: Use Your Influence in Godly Ways:

3 Then Esther addressed the king again. She fell at his feet, wept, and begged him to revoke the evil of Haman the Agagite, and his plot he had devised against the Jews. 4 The king extended the golden scepter[3] toward Esther, so she got up and stood before the king. 5 She said, “If it pleases the king, and I have found approval before him, if the matter seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his sight,[4] let [a royal edict]* be written. Let it revoke the documents the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews who [reside]* in all the king’s provinces.[5] 6 For how could I bear to see the evil that would come on my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my relatives?” 7 King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) said to Esther the Queen and to Mordecai the Jew, “Look, I have given Haman’s estate to Esther, and he was hanged on the gallows because he attacked[6] the Jews. 8 You may write in the king’s name whatever pleases you concerning the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. A document written in the king’s name and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.”[7]

The king gave Haman’s estate to Queen Esther. In turn, Queen Esther appointed Mordecai to oversee Haman’s estate. Only GOD can bring about such a conclusion. Mordecai wrote a law telling the Jews they could defend themselves and the bloodbath Haman had orchestrated was brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

Our study has been about influence. Influence combined with GOD’S power equals success. Notice how close pending disaster was to Mordecai and the Jewish people including Queen Esther.

In our study of Esther we see the influence both good and bad that people have on others. We also see GOD’S hand working to bring about good for those who love HIM and obediently serve HIM. Ponder the words in our first scripture, “Who knows, perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” Are you in a position of influence to come to aid, to mentor or to encourage someone? Blessings to all!!!