Reflective Essay Assignment Esther
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NBST 610
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Feb 20, 2024
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Reflective Essay Assignment
Esther 4:1-17
Quinnton J. Lawson
OBST 515: Old Testament Orientation
November 10, 2023
Contents
Introduction
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Significance of Timing, Place, and Choice for Esther and God’s Redemptive Mission
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Timing
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Place
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Choice
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Significance of Time, Place, and Choice for Me and God’s Redemptive Mission Today
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Timing
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2
Place
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Choice
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3
Conclusion
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Bibliography
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ii
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Introduction
In Esther 4:1-17, it is witness as a critical moment in the biblical narrative where Esther is faced with a decision that could impact the fate of her people. A decree that was issued by King Xerxes, orchestrated by Haman, to annihilate all Jews in the Persian Empire. Esther, who had become queen, is approached by her cousin Mordecai
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to intervene and plead for the salvation of their people.
Significance of Timing, Place, and Choice for Esther and God’s Redemptive Mission
Timing
Mordecai’s words in Esther 4:14, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish.
And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such time as this,” emphasizes the divine orchestration of events. Esther’s rise to the throne was not random; it was part of God’s plan to redeem His people. The timing was crucial, as Esther had to act at a specific moment to prevent the impending disaster. Place
Esther’s position as queen was not merely a result of chance or her beauty; it was a strategic placement by God. Her presence in the palace gave her the platform to influence the king’s decision. That makes the palace a significant place in unfolding God’s redemptive mission.
1
Victor P. Hamilton, Handbook on the Historical Books
, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001), 536.
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2
Choice
Esther had to face a daunting choice of whether to risk her life by approaching the king uninvited or to remain silent and potentially witness the destruction of her people. Mordecai’s challenge to her was a call to recognize her responsibility in the larger story of God’s redemptive
plan. Esther’s choice was not just personal but carried the weight of taking on the role of God’s mission to rescue His people. And in the end, God’s action in history in Esther is action in the human agents of the sacred narrative.
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Significance of Time, Place, and Choice for Me and God’s Redemptive Mission Today
Timing
Just as Esther’s timing was crucial, our lives every day are a series of moments and events orchestrated by God. Recognizing the significance of each event in our lives is essential. There are moments when we are uniquely positioned to contribute to God’s redemptive mission in the world. Place
The place is not always a physical location. Place is included in areas of influence, relationships, and opportunities that God has placed in our lives. God has certainly placed me in an area to contribute to the students that I teach, leading them with compassion.
Choice
With choice, we must discern the opportunities presented to us and choose to align our actions with God’s purposes. Whether it is speaking up for justice, showing compassion to those in need, or sharing the message of redemption, our choices matter in advancing God’s mission.
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Victor Lee Austin, “Esther.” First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life., no. 263 (2016).
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Conclusion
Esther’s story teaches us about the divine alignment of timing, place, and choice the fulfillment of God’s mission. May we all be attuned to the moments that God has ordained.
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Bibliography
Austin, Victor Lee. “Esther.” First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life., no. 263 (2016).
Hamilton, Victor P. Handbook on the Historical Books
. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001.
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