BOWEN UNIVERSITY, IWO

GEL 202 (GODLY DISPOSITION)

Topic: Esther: The woman who understood her times

Text: Esther 2, 4-9
Background
It was a good Tuesday morning as Yemi woke up to prepare for the day, knowing fully
well that she had only two classes for the day; enough time to get back to her room and watch
the ‘just released season finale’ of her most favourite series before the day ended.
I think good holds as long as the circumstances and surrounding facts define it to be so.
She was sent the message everyone in the school dreads: the official SDC invite, and to make
matters worse, the panel was scheduled to sit that very evening. Shock was her first bodily
response to what she could see displayed on her phone screen. The situation was not as bad as
she initially thought, because, she was only required to come appear as a witness. But the irony
of the story was this: She was to testify that her roommate had nothing to do with the hostel
raid that led to the loss of some properties, but how would she explain that they were both in
the room when Chapel service was going on, although she was very sick. The quandary became
that of helping her roommate at the expense of being found out and convicted for ‘stabbing’
chapel service, while keeping in mind that her roommate would be expelled if convicted…
When God commits opportunities, blessings, positions into our hands, there is an expectation
on us.
Question: Would you take the risk and make the decision to stand for the truth in favour
of your roommate?
This story attempts to portray, in our environmental context, the constant dilemma in which we
find ourselves as it concerns helping others at our own expense.
Introduction
Esther (also called Hadassah): the beautiful, obedient and well-mannered lady who became
King Xerxes’ choice, after Vashti. She was ready to lay down her life for her people, and was
victorious over the haters of the Jews.
Objectives of the module
At the end of this study, you should:
● be able to relate with the difficulty of the choice made by Esther;
● understand how Esther’s story can be a model for our lives; and
● see the link between God’s provisions and our assignments per time.

Notable strengths of Esther

1
 ● Consistent obedience (Esther 2:15, 20)
● Courage (Esther 4:16-17): To go in unto a King who dethroned his Queen because she
flouted his orders by refusing to show forth her beauty.
● Esther was reticent (Esther 2:10): This young lady wasn’t given to excessive talking that
could give off information she should keep a secret.
Notable weakness of Esther
● Laxity (Esther 5-7): At the slightest opportunity it seems more plausible to quickly state
your case: But what’s with Esther prolonging the issue after obtaining favour with the
king?
Excellence in the life of Esther
● Teachability (Esther 4:13-17): Imagine if Esther got angry about the statements
Mordecai made to the Queen (herself) instead of listening to the voice of reasoning.
● Adequate preparation (Esther 5:1): When Esther decided to go in unto the King
fearlessly, she adequately prepared: Prayer and fasting by all the Jews including herself.
Godly nature in Esther’s life
● Sensitivity: Esther took up the challenge to help her people and she realized that only
God could help her, thereby succumbed to prayer and fasting, rather than wailing and
mourning.
● Love (Esther 4:16)
● Wisdom (Esther 5:3-4)
● Selflessness
Impact of Esther’s life in the Immediate and the Future
The life of Esther teaches that when God commits opportunities, blessings, positions into our
hands, there is an expectation on us. It also does not matter what it looks like today, God has a
plan and it’s in motion; just believe.
Summary and Conclusion
The decision taken by Queen Esther the day she went in unto the King outlived her.
● Are you presently building a life with consistent practices (like obedience for Esther)
that will come in handy in your future?
● What are you presently involved in?
● Do they hold value for others, beyond yourself?
● Will your decisions outlive you?