"For Such a Time as This" / Esther 4:1-17 / Jim Rosenquist

1. Why was Mordecai sitting at the King’s gate in sackcloth? See v 1-3.

2. What does Mordecai ask Esther to do? Why is she reluctant? Is she correct? See v 9-12.

3. In v 13-14 Mordecai says, “If you don’t help, God will use someone else.” What does he mean? What does this tell us about Mordecai? What covenant has God made with the Jews that gives Mordecai such confidence? (See Gen 12:1-3). Mordecai says that Esther may have come to her position, “for just such a time as this.” What does he mean? Is he right? How does this demonstrate God’s providence?

4. In v 15-17, how does Esther’s answer display her growing character? How has the author developed Esther? How has she changed?

5. In what way might God be placing you in just the right place and time? What decisions do you need to make so that God can use you in, “such a time as this?” What makes it difficult to act courageously?