Exploring Esther: Serving the Unseen God

by Colin D. Jones

Publisher:

Day One

, 2005

Overview

The study of the providence of God is both exciting and profitable: it thrills our hearts as we see the wisdom and power of our Heavenly Father; it strengthens our resolve as we marvel at the sufficiency of his grace; and it brings comfort when we do not understand what is happening to us or around us. Esther is all about that marvelous providence. Studying it can deepen our trust, enrich our worship, and intensify our love for God. It will reassure us that though we may not always see him, he never loses sight of us. The history of Esther is one of the clearest examples of Paul's great assertion in Romans 8:28: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him."

Contents

Top Highlights

“It has been well said that ‘Without knowledge there is no concern, without concern there is no prayer, without prayer there is no action, without action there is no change’” (Page 62)

“The remarkable faith of Mordecai is seen in that his trust is not in Esther’s position of influence but in the sovereign God. He fully understands that she is only an instrument in the Lord’s hand. It is the hand, not the instrument that will deliver. If Esther is disobedient, she will suffer personal consequences but the gracious purposes of God will in no way be frustrated.” (Page 65)

“Powerful men need to demonstrate just how limitless they think their wealth and power really is.” (Page 21)

“The wise moderate their behaviour, but the foolish person embarks on a meaningless quest to ‘top’ the last experience with an even better one. Xerxes was not wise and his pride was a driving force in his extreme lavishness.” (Page 20)

“We are never indispensable in God’s plan, but we are always responsible for our obedience to it.” (Page 65)

Praise for the Print Edition

Very few modern commentaries on the Book of Esther manage to combine a high view of God's providence and the historicity of the narrative with serious exposition and masses of warm, practical application. This one does.

—Jonathan Stephen, director, Affinity

Product Details

• Title: Exploring Esther: Serving the Unseen God
• Author: Colin D. Jones
• Publisher: Day One Publications
• Publication Date: 2005
• Pages: 128

About Colin D. Jones

Colin D. Jones has been in the ministry since 1971. He became the pastor of Three Bridges Free Church, Crawley in 1996 after twenty-two years of ministry at Wem Baptist Church, Shropshire. He is a long-serving member of the Council of the FIEC and is author of Exploring Esther: Serving the Unseen God. He and his wife, Chris, have four daughters: Esther, Abigail, Tirzah and Miriam.