Esther Ch. 8 | Salvation
Sermon Discussion | Esther ch. 8
1. Haman has declared genocide on the Jews that will bring their inhalation. Even though Haman has been killed, this decree is looming over their heads. As Cory pointed out, they are living in a gap. A time of waiting for what is to come. We know what it looks like to live in fear or defeat and desire reversal. It can be difficult to wait on God to do something and live faithful in the gap. Can you share a time of living in the gap? What did it feel like to live there? Has God shown up? How did God bring deliverance? What did you learn?
2. Cory made the comment that, "The gift is in the gap." While we don't prefer seasons of waiting, hardship or suffering, God doesn't seem to mind. Do you agree that God does some of his best work in the gap?...in suffering? Is it difficult to see these times as a gift? Why or why not?
3. Read verses 11-14. We love in the gap by standing in the gap for others. We see Esther do this time and again. It wasn't enough for her, she wanted reversal for others. Do you long for the reversal of others? In what ways have you participated in this work in the past? Is God calling you now, to enter in? What great reversal do you hope for?
4. God has brought the ultimate reversal in Christ! We are “In the gap people”. Part of being the people of God, if we claim to be a disciple of Jesus, is to care for the poor and widows. Cory gave some ways we can do this work:
We use our platform as children of God to pray and intercede. We stand in between. We can lament.
Peaceful & truthful conversations. We can enter in with grace and gentleness. We can advocate for others.
Political advocacy- for the poor in our city.
Spend time reflecting on his thoughts here. Where have you seen God move through those who stand in or up for others? What places do you lament that reversal has not yet come? Pray together for these places/people.
5. Read verses 15-17. They're celebrating a policy that has gone out even though it has not been carried out, a time of "Already but not yet." It was already declared as so even though it had not yet been accomplished. Jesus proclaimed that the kingdom of God has come. He has inaugurated a reversal through his death and resurrection, and lived this out by his behavior of healing, serving, saving etc. He was living in the kingdom that had come, but has not been fully realized. We as the people of God can celebrate in this gap too! What are some ways we can live our everyday lives in the kingdom? How can we invite others into faith by sharing this coming kingdom or good news? Share some names of people you know that still need to hear this good news, then pray for them.