September 13 – 19 Family Devotions
Part 2
This comes from Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s book Children of God Storybook Bible
Week of September 13 – 19
Theme: A YOUNG WOMAN’S COURAGE (Esther 1-10)
Read:
After many years, the land of Israel was conquered and the Jewish people were taken to live in Persia. One of the Jewish girls was named Esther. And as she grew up, the King of Persia chose her to be his wife. But no one knew, not even the king, that she was Jewish, a descendant of the ancient Hebrews.
Haman, one of the king’s advisors, did not like the Jews and told the king that they should be killed.
Queen Esther’s cousin Mordecai came to the palace to tell her about Haman’s plan. “Please beg the king not to kill our people,” he pleaded. Esther paced back and forth, trembling with fear.
“God has chosen you, Esther. You are our only hope,” Mordecai said, and left.
Esther prayed for courage. Then she went to the king and begged, “Please save me and my people.”
“Who wants to harm you?”
“Wicked Haman!” she said, pointing at him.
The king was furious and ordered Haman to be killed on the same gallows that Haman had made for the Jews.
Esther’s courage to confront the king saved the Jews, who were filled with great joy and celebrated with a feast to thank God for his protection.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid,
for the Lord your God goes with you; he will
never leave you nor forsake you.
—Deuteronomy 31.6
