Esther - 1

This week our high school ministry will start our study of Esther. As we head out of Romans 8 I can think of no better Old Testament book to study to make Romans 8:28 come alive, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Here's where we start with Esther.

- Nothing to connect it to the OT except the word Jews.
- No mention of God’s divine name Yahweh or Elohim.
- No prayer.
- No visions.
- No concern for the law of God.No miracles.

So why teach the book? First, Romans 15:4 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Every week we open this story we are going to find HOPE!

Second, to hammer into my heart and the hearts of our students that God often uses the ordinary to accomplish His extraordinary plans and purposes in our lives, in our families, in our communities and in our nations. To often we look for God in the burning bush experiences of life and we miss him working through a conversation, a sunset, bad choices, impure motives...you name it!

God may not be mentioned by name, but He is the STAR of the story! I am hoping that the very fact that God's name isn't mentioned will turn our students hearts to His work in their lives when He doesn't seem present! More to come...