Myyy Queen
The legend of Esther is about a Jewish queen in the Persian empire. It’s a story of imperial power, wise beauty, and devious plots. It’s got lavish banquets, rebel queens, and conniving court officials.
The story of Queen Esther is found in the Hebrew Festival Scroll. The Book of Esther is tied to the Feast of Purim. It’s a feast that celebrates the near-miss of disaster. It celebrates all the times we are outnumbered but aren’t ruined, bullied but not overwhelmed, pushed to the sidelines only to find our voice needed at the centre of the story.
In and amongst a great story is the human predicament of what we become when we are threatened. Will we rise to become greater than we thought we could be? Or will threat turn us against those we love and those we are meant to serve?
The book of Esther isn’t explicit in its language of God. But you will find wisdom in the workings of relationships, in the challenge of power that abuses, and in the strength of a young woman who shouldn’t be anyone’s hero ... but is.
Esther 1:1-22
Discussion Notes
Today we’re setting the stage for the series and looking at the genre of Esther, how it addresses our fears and out of place stories, and how a powerful centre helps us to stay strong in the face of hardship.
Esther 2:1-23
Discussion Notes
Today we talk about interruption and expansion, how our hidden selves keep us going in the face of limitations, how limitation can be a gift, and how those feel-stuck moments form “a centre of strength” within us.
Esther 3:1-15
Discussion Notes
Today we’re looking at sinister plots fostered by hate, reflect on our own relationship with hatred and how we can say NO to it.
Esther 4:1-7:6
Discussion Notes
Today we talk about a great reversal, hidden hope and picking up our power as we find solidarity with others.
Esther 7:1-10:3
Discussion Notes
We wrap up the series today by taking a closer look at aggression, fantasy, and parties that remind us our resilience.
