“보라 네 왕이 네게 임하시나니”(스가랴 9:9)

Esther Series (2)

“She Had Neither Father Nor Mother”

Esther 2:1-23

Esther 2 describes the process by which Esther is chosen as queen among many women. Though unseen, God’s grace was evident in Esther’s life through the people He placed around her to guide and care for her. Mordecai, a Jew and Esther’s cousin, adopted her as his daughter after she lost her parents. Even after she was sent to the palace, Mordecai continued to support her with wise counsel. In a time when hostility toward Jews existed, his advice helped Esther conceal her Jewish identity and protect herself.

Additionally, Hegai, the royal eunuch in charge of the women, became a supporter of Esther, treating her more favorably than the others. Esther did not resort to manipulation, excessive adornment, or cunning strategies to gain the king’s favor. Instead, she accepted only what Hegai recommended. Despite this, the king loved Esther more than all the other women, choosing her as queen and holding a banquet in her honor.

As an orphan, Esther could have lived a life filled with hardship and lack. However, God’s guiding hand was upon her, filling her heart with His provision and making her inner being rich and whole. Because of this, she did not have to strive but instead received the king’s favor through the unique grace that God had given her. As a Jew, Esther was part of God’s covenant people, and she was held by His hand for the fulfillment of His divine plans.

As written in Deuteronomy 10:17-18, God loves and cares for orphans and widows, upholding justice for them. Therefore, when we feel alone, like orphans, He extends even greater love and care to us. Just as God’s grace guided Esther, we must remember that He is actively working in our lives today. Let us not forget this truth and continue to live with hearts full of expectation and hope.

1. Let’s Not Lose Hope!

Just as God provided Mordecai and Hegai to support Esther, He also places people in our lives—through our families, communities, and churches—who serve as our providers, protectors, and helpers. It may seem like coincidence, but these encounters are part of His divine plan. The unseen hand of the Lord has brought us to where we are today.

Even when we face difficulties and hardships, let us not lose hope. Trust that if one path closes, God has already prepared a better one. Living as a Christian means holding onto faith and expectation until the end.

This is not about a prosperity gospel that insists on positive outcomes based on our level of faith. Rather, true faith means maintaining hope and confidence even in the face of death—walking through the door of death into the eternal life of heaven. Even if we do not see everything fulfilled in this life, we trust that God will complete all things according to His will. The journey of faith is about entering into God’s ultimate fulfillment and trusting Him completely.

Even when things do not go our way, let us never let go of our expectation in the Lord. Faith is not determined by outcomes but by holding onto hope until the very end. This unwavering expectation is our mission, our calling, and the key to entering the gates of heaven.

Discussion Questions:

1. Share an experience of God’s grace in your life through the providers and helpers—like Mordecai and Hegai—whom He has placed in different seasons of your life. Also, discuss how you can be a good helper and advisor to your family and neighbors.

2. Is there something you are currently seeking in faith with great expectation? Share what it is and how you are trusting God for it.

Application:

1. A single word of wise counsel can save a life. Seek and recognize good counselors in your life, discerning their wisdom and considering their advice. When God stirs your heart, follow their guidance. Likewise, your words of advice have the power to either harm or uplift others. Instead of offering counsel based solely on your own thoughts, emotions, or desires, strive to share God’s wisdom. Continually cultivate spiritual insight through prayer and discernment so that you can be a source of life-giving counsel—a spiritual mentor to those around you.

2. Meditate on Hebrews 11:8-10 and trust that even now, God is watching over you and guiding you with His providence and grace. May you remain in His peace, always expecting His good plans to unfold in your life.