Esther 1: A Little Respect
ONE OF MY favorite and most influential teachers was a high-school English teacher. His class was extremely difficult and challenging, but I loved it and worked diligently in order to do well. The reason I respected this teacher so much is that he listened to me and valued me. We would all like to be respected by others, and so we try many ways of gaining that respect. Some try to gain it through controlling others or by demanding it. However, one of the ways respect is gained is by appreciating others and showing them respect.
Warming Up to God
Think of one person whom you respect. What are some characteristics of this person? How did he or she gain your respect?
Read Esther 1. »
Discovering the Word
- Describe the celebration given by King Xerxes (vv. 2-8).
- Why might the king have given such an extravagant party?
- Why does King Xerxes ask Queen Vashti to come to him (vv. 10-11)?
- Why did the wise men perceive Queen Vashti's refusal to be so dangerous to the kingdom (vv. 16-20)?
- The wise men mention respect several times in this chapter. In their view how was respect gained and maintained?
Applying the Word
- In what ways have you been shown appreciation and regard by those around you?
- Describe one thing that you can do this week to show someone respect.
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to teach you how to give respect and to make you a person worthy of respect.
For Further Study
Gracism by David A. Anderson