Esther

This Week's Reading

This week's reading from the Book of Esther highlights how God works through ordinary people in extraordinary ways to preserve His covenant people. The narrative teaches us that Jesus Christ is the ultimate Deliverer who intervenes when humanity cannot save itself, just as He did for the Jews in Shushan. We see Mordecai and Esther acting with courage and faith, trusting that their actions align with a divine purpose even when they do not fully understand it. Their story reminds Latter-day Saints that God often uses our daily choices to bring about His redemptive plans in our lives.

Key Passages

• Esther 4:14–16 Esther realizes she may have been raised up for a specific time to save her people, demonstrating that God can use our very lives for His deliverance.
• Esther 7:3–4 Esther pleads with the king not just for herself but for her entire people, showing that true faith involves interceding for others even when facing personal peril.
• Esther 8:1–2 The king transfers Haman's ring and authority to Mordecai, illustrating how God elevates the humble and faithful to positions of great responsibility.
• Esther 9:20–22 Mordecai establishes a day of feasting and joy to remember how God turned sorrow into celebration, teaching us to celebrate our deliverance from evil.
• Esther 10:3 Mordecai is described as seeking the wealth of his people and speaking peace, modeling how leaders should serve with humility and love for their brethren.

Questions to Ponder

1. How might God be preparing you for a specific time in your life where you feel called to act courageously?
2. In what ways can you practice interceding for others today, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky?
3. What does Mordecai's example teach us about serving as a leader who seeks the welfare of his people rather than personal gain?
4. How can we turn our own times of sorrow into days of joy and gratitude through faith in Jesus Christ?

A Thought to Take Home

God often works behind the scenes to prepare us for moments where we must step forward with faith and courage. Just as Esther trusted that she was chosen for a purpose, we too can find peace knowing that our lives are woven into God's grand design of redemption. By looking to Jesus Christ, the true Deliverer who suffered so we might live, we gain strength to face our own challenges with hope and love.

Esther 4:14–16 Esther 7:3–4 Esther 8:1–2 Esther 9:20–22