October 04, 2019: SOAP #3592:  Esther 1-2; Psalm 150; Luke 17

Scripture:  Esther (NIV) 2:7 Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This girl, who was also known as Esther, was lovely in form and features, and Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.

Observation:   Mordecai had no idea of what God had in store for Hadassah/Esther.  But as her relative, He accepted the responsibility to care for and raise her.  It was the right thing to do.  Her parents had died, and she was left alone.  Maybe someone else could have taken her into their family, but without any guarantee of how things would turn out, Mordecai accepted the responsibility.

Surely Mordecai received some joy of having Esther as a part of his family and household.  Esther obviously received good training.  Even as Queen, she honored Mordecai by following his instructions and checking on his welfare.

Not only was Esther and Mordecai blessed in this relationship, but later all Israel was to benefit.  Mordecai and Esther became heroes people celebrate 2,400 years later!

Application:   We never know how one of our decision will change the lives of others also.  It is like a stone thrown into the water which makes a very small circle at first that then grows as it moves through the water.   Today I am influenced by things that someone started as a small circle.  Tomorrow and next week people may be influenced by growing circles that I start today.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, guide my words and actions today that will start circles of influence effecting people in the coming days.  Use me to spread the influence of your Kingdom! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!