Children’s Program, Nov 19, 8:30am

This Sunday, we read the story of Queen Esther, a Jewish girl chosen to be the wife of the King of Persia, who as queen foiled a plot to kill the Jewish people. We look closely at this unusal story about a woman, and we look for ways God, although never mentioned, is present in this story.

Children leave the 8:30am service in Pope Hall to go to their program.

The Story

The story in Esther 4-7 begins with Mordecai wailing about a plot to destroy they Jews. Haman, a major official, was offended by Mordecai, Esther’s Jewish cousin and her guardian. Haman’s resentment against Mordecai and the Jews led him to persuade the king to issue a decree to exterminate all Jews on the thirteenth day of the month. But Esther intervened. Mordecai told her, “Maybe it was for a moment like this that you came to be part of the royal family.” Esther was willing to die with her people. But the tables were turned. Haman was given the death sentence, and the Jews were permitted to defend themselves against their enemies and win victories. This began the Feast of Purim, God’s grace was with Esther; even as it was “for a moment like this” that she was able to save her people. Her people remembered her brave actions, with gratitude.

The Lesson

In our lesson, we will look closely at the uniqueness of this small book in the Bible. Our children may be interested to know how remarkable it is to have a story about a woman, and a book of the Bible where God is not mentioned! They might enjoy seeing how God is present in this story through the actions of the characters. Where do they see God’s love at work? Where is God’s concern for justice, mercy, and kindness evident in the actions of the characters? Where is it missing?