Esther, Beauty from Within (5/19/13 PM)

Esther, Beauty from Within

Esther shows us a true beauty of character that we should seek to imitate in our lives.

Esther, Beauty from Within

  1. She endured difficult circumstances. She was an orphan, brought up by her cousin (2:7), but she did not allow such circumstances hinder her life. Trials can break us down or build us up (James 1:2-4).
  2. She was respectful and obedient (2:10, 20). She not only obeyed Mordecai but respected his wisdom and counsel. Jesus show such an example (Luke 2:51), such should be in-stilled even today (Eph. 6:1-4; Heb. 12:7-11; Prov. 11:14).
  3. She was beautiful in body and spirit (2:7, 9, 17). She not only possessed physical beauty but also inner beauty shown not only in the favor she received but in her actions (4:16). She was willing to risk her life for others (John 15:12-13). Will we show ourselves to have inner/lasting beauty/character (1 Pet. 3:1-4; Prov. 31:30)?
  4. She used her beauty, charm, and position the right way (2:9, 15; 4:1-4;. 4:26). When exalted she still cared for others and would use the things at her disposal, not for selfish gain or to manipulate, but to help others. How many let beauty, popularity, status, etc. destroy them? (1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; 1 Cor. 7:21; Matt. 5:16).
  5. She seized opportunities before her (4:14). Others might have been able to help, but she was currently in a position to do so and did (Eph. 5:15-16; Ps. 90:12; Eccl. 9:10).
  6. She exercised patience and wisdom in dealing with a serious problem (4:15-16; 5; 7-8). She did not react rashly, make a decision hastily, or rush to a solution. (Neh. 2:2; Lk. 6:12; Col. 4:2-6).