Esther an illustration the book of 1 Peter - How to live as faithful followers of Jesus in a secular age.

How do we live as Christians when we no longer have privilege, position or power?

The Challenges of a changing culture

A return to the early Church!

1Pe 4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

Christianity no longer the centre of our culture

And so we turn to the wonderful book of Esther.

500 years before the birth of Jesus and around 100 years after Judah had been conquered and the temple in Jerusalem destroyed.

Exiles in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire (see book of Daniel)

Powerless - but faithful in the midst of a secular power

In the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants… while he showed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness for many days, 180 days. And when these days were completed, the king gave for all the people present in Susa the citadel, both great and small, a feast lasting for seven days.. There were white cotton curtains and violet hangings fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rods and marble pillars, and also couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones. Drinks were served in golden vessels,… and the royal wine was lavished according to the bounty of the king. And drinking was according to this edict: “There is no compulsion.” For the king had given orders to all the staff of his palace to do as each man desired. (Est 1:3-8)

Maintaining faith?

What does it mean for us to live as faithful followers of Jesus in a culture that is no longer Christian?!

The place of females in Persian culture

On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded.. the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was lovely to look at. But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command delivered by the eunuchs. At this the king became enraged, and his anger burned within him. (Est 1:10-12)

“Not only against the king has Queen Vashti done wrong, but also against all the officials and all the peoples who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus...  

[So] If it please the king, let a royal order go out from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes so that it may not be repealed, that Vashti is never again to come before King Ahasuerus. And let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she.(Est 1:16-19)

And Xerxes sent letters to all the royal provinces... and to every people in its own language, that every man be master in his own household. (Est 1:22)

How are God’s people supposed to live, survive, within the mighty Persian empire?

Enter Esther…

Incredible story of God’s providence…

A story which illustrates Peter instruction: Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (1Pe 2:12)

It’s a story that demonstrates that it is not power or position or privilege that brings positive outcomes – but faithful, bold, trusting obedience .

The terrible circumstances of our Heroine!

Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known. And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her. 2:10,11

Mordecai's pain!

How do you live your faith, stay true to your values – when in a situation like this?

How do you honour God when you have no power, no position, no privilege?

What can this teach us about how to live as followers of Jesus today?

1.      Esther didn’t ruffle any feathers.  

v.15 she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king's eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.(Rom 12:18)

Live your life as an exile here with reverent fear (1Pe 1:17)

Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation… Slaves, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. (1Pe 2:12, 18-19)

Do what we can to be the best citizen we can. 

2.      Esther went above and beyond what was expected.

v.9 the young woman pleased him and won his favor. 

v15 Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her.

Jesus said: In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Mat 5:16)

What would this look like for us?

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:(1Pe 4:8-10)

3.      Mordecai acted for the best interest of those who were against him. 

In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate,… two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai. When the affair was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows. And it was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king. 2:21-23

Peter writes: Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme... For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone…Fear God. Honor the emperor. Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. (1Pe 2:13-19)

The importance of loving all - especially those who disagree with us 

And to stand up for the rights of those opposed to us.

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps…When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.  (1 Pe.2:21, 23)

CONCLUSION

Living with intent to infiltrate for the sake of the gospel.

Trusting God’s Sovereignty and power

1. Don’t ruffle feathers unnecessarily (Don’t let anyone be distracted by anything other than Jesus)

2. Go above and beyond what others expect – serve others wholeheartedly.

3. Speak and Act lovingly of all – especially those you disagree with

Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honourable, so that though they may speak against you… when they see your good deeds they will glorify God on the day of visitation. (1Pe 2:12)