If the Holy Spirit is grieved within you, then you will not comfort Him by a change of raiment, but only by a change of government. King Xerxes, the monarch of Persia was All- powerful: If someone came unsummoned with a request before him he would have the person executed. The law allowed the king to kill anyone who approached him uninvited.). And Mordecai – the man – followed her orders to gather the Jews. (6) So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king's gate. Will we obey the voice of God and speak and act for His glory or remain mute and motionless hoping that no one will notice? Have you obeyed? Well, one thing is for sure... if deliverance is to come, Mordecai (the Holy Spirit) but be obeyed. (See Daniel 3:21–27.) Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep; The Lord sends an angel to protect Daniel. It has been said that we haven't started living until we have something to die for. What challenges do we face today that require courage like Esther’s? So, she makes up her mind to do it and makes this statement in regard to it ” If I perish I perish.” Although there is no mention of God at all in the book of Esther, I see her actions and her statement as an act of faith that can be found all throughout the Bible. In the last study we were introduced to a rather unlovely character by the name of Haman. (Esther 4:14). Esther said, I have a mission; I am fighting for myself, and my people. What can the response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teach us about obeying the Lord’s commandments? If it all turns to custard she will die. If we perish, we perish. How was this declaration like the statement of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego before they were thrown into the furnace? In Matthew 18:14, Jesus says that “God is not willing that any should perish”. [4]. Each with its clays I must fulfil, living for self or in His will; Esther 6:13. That decree states of course that 'the soul that sins shall die' and it is not just talking about physical death. Joseph Smith was imprisoned and martyred (D&C 135). (See Esther 3:2–4.) Testify that the Lord will bless us as we have the courage to stand for the truth. Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. "If I Perish, I Perish" examines the Christian life through the lens of an allegorical interpretation of the Old Testament book of Esther. [2] ↩  Probably said this before but I became a Christian through reading the Bible (and behind the scenes, through family and friends praying for me). We are back at that place now. [4] ↩  I'm thinking of the following two verses: Eph 4:29-31 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. This is your moment. . Yet this seems to refute Paul's teaching in Romans 9, where Paul says God sovereignly elects some "vessels" (i.e., … And that is how it is often for us. The only exception to this is for the king to extend the gold scepter to him and spare his life. And it could potentially cost. She would ultimately lose if she didn’t stand up and expose herself as a child of God by doing the right thing. The great missionary C.T Studd wrote a wee poem that expresses this quite nicely. As you teach the following scripture passages, discuss how they apply to daily life. Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne; Esther risks her life to save her people. Actually, I am only guessing that this is the most famous verse in the Bible. Esther 4:13-14. Without a word of introduction he turned to Major Thomas and said, "Major, I'd like to ask you a question. Have class members role-play different situations in which they would need to stand up for what they know is right. What effect did Daniel’s faith and courage have on King Darius and the people of the kingdom? There are two problems that face mankind in regards to sin: Both are revealed to us through the Holy Spirit and both require some action on our part. Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, {d} I perish. I don't think I have maligned this man's name for, as we saw in chapter 3 (and in the coming chapters) he does a very good job of that himself! (See Daniel 3:16–18.). (See Esther 3:5–14. And if I perish, I perish. (See Esther 7:3–4.) This is the carnal or fleshly Christian. At the end of the last study we saw that Haman was pulling the strings in the kingdom and his puppet, the king, wrote a pretty major decree that suited Haman's purpose just nicely. If I perish, I perish.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa and fast for me. The Lord sends an angel to protect Daniel (6:18–23). Many years before Esther’s time, Jacob was unwilling to let his son Benjamin go to Egypt with his brothers. So what is required? Finally Esther begins to see the depth of the problem and the need to follow Mordecai's instructions no matter what the cost. The following suggestions may be helpful: A friend belittles someone and encourages you to do the same. The same thing turns up in John 10:28. ‘But if not,’ they said, nevertheless, they would still serve Him!” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 45; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 35). Once more, we are being asked to take a stand. And just as Mordecai instructed Queen Esther about the one who was pulling the strings in the kingdom (namely Haman) so the Holy Spirit shows believers concerning the fleshly nature that dwells and often rules within. He wrote:  'I was struck by a recent report of a conversation that occurred when a friend of mine was visiting Major Ian Thomas' Bible School in the north of England, at Capernwray. Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; For Such a Time as This: If I Perish, I Perish. It is no different with the Holy Spirit as the two passages in the footnote show us. How did the king demonstrate his belief in God? And it has to do with this incredible declaration of Esther - 'If I perish, I perish'. If I Perish, I Perish- Read Esther Chapter 4. (See Daniel 3:17–18.) When Belshazzar was slain, “Darius the Median took the kingdom”(Daniel 5:31), and Daniel rose to a position of great prominence. But I truly enjoyed playing chess against my friends, especially in study hall. The king hangs Haman (7:7–10). Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done; Don't you just want to hear God say 'Well done good and faithful servant'? How do you think Esther felt as she contemplated the possibility that she had “come to the kingdom for such a time as this”? Someone asks you to go to a restaurant on Sunday after church. … If someone ‘under the influence’ can hardly listen to plain talk, how can they respond to spiritual promptings that touch their most delicate feelings? Esther was a Jewish woman who lived shortly after the time of Daniel. A German pastor, who had just arrived with a group of young people from Germany, suddenly came up to the two men and interrupted the conversation. Esther's response to Mordecai is quick and clear so I'll keep this as short as possible... she says 'No'. It would be amazing to hear the Almighty God pleased with a little worm like me! Daniel and his friends refuse to eat King Nebuchadnezzar’s food; they are blessed with good health and wisdom. When Esther approached the king, he received her and said he would grant anything she requested (Esther 5:1–3). In examining \"the words which the Holy Ghost teacheth\" we must ever remember that the literal sense of the words is prima facie their true sense. Joseph was sold by his brothers and later imprisoned for a crime he did not commit (Genesis 37:27–28; 39:7–20). Even though we are to believe God for protection and victory, we still must "bottom line" our faith and say with Esther, "If I perish, I perish." (See Daniel 6:10.) Why was it dangerous for Esther to go in and speak with the king? See Ezra 4–6; lesson 47; and Bible Dictionary, “Darius,” page 653. If I perish, I perish." Average score for this quiz is 8 … If the following pictures are available, you may want to use some of them during the lesson: Daniel Refusing the King’s Meat and Wine (62094; Gospel Art Picture Kit 114); Three Men in the Fiery Furnace (62093; Gospel Art Picture Kit 116); and Daniel in the Lions’ Den (62096; Gospel Art Picture Kit 117). When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say; Because that must be our response when the time comes. Esther 3–5; 7–8. Exodus 21:26 | View whole chapter | See verse in context And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish… What decree did these men convince the king to sign? For example in John 3:16 it says, "For God so loved the world that whosoever believes on him shall not perish but have everlasting life." Here however we have a new picture and that is one of the Holy Spirit quenched for Esther will not agree to perform Mordecai's instruction. 2. Have you sensed the still small voice of the Holy Spirit speaking about the condition of your soul? But, Mordecai said she would pay the price by staying silent. But she went nevertheless, resigning herself to death if necessary: “And if I perish, I perish” (4:16). What blessings have you received because of the courage and faith of others? Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast in like manner; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. They knew God could rescue them from the fiery furnace if He chose. If you have, Mordecai's instruction to Esther will apply to you now as well. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. Your 'cross', that Jesus asked you to take up, is the place in your life where the will of God and your will, cross. I think we all can. Oh let my love with fervour burn, And from the world now let me turn; American Standard Version Spearing one and looking at it distastefully, he placed it in his mouth, saying, "If I perish, I perish." Esther 4:4-8 So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. -Esther As Peter says  'For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.' Can you learn from Esther in this regard who initially dug her toes in but died to her own will so that the plans and purpose of God could be activated through her? Job 3:3 | View whole chapter | See verse in context Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived. Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king. As valuable as the Word of Wisdom is as a law of health, it may be much more valuable to you spiritually than it is physically” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1979, 28–29; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, 20). In response to Mordecai, Esther agrees to go before the king – after 3 days of prayer and fasting – and she responds startlingly: “if I perish, I perish” (4:16). 4 When Mordecai learned all that was done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city crying out in a loud and bitter voice. The Bible is a thick book, as you know; but we'll get there eventually, Lord willing—this is His project, after all. (They all had the courage to do what was right, even when doing so put their lives at risk.) Encourage class members to share experiences that relate to the scriptural principles. She made this profound statement when she dared to go in to see the king who was in wilful isolation. What effect did the courage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego have on Nebuchadnezzar? How did this declaration show Esther’s devotion to her people and to God? Haman persuades King Ahasuerus to prepare a decree calling for the death of all Jews in the kingdom (3:5–14). Well, in the next study we'll see how things turned out. Major Thomas opened the door of his study and said, "Step in here a moment," and within five minutes he had led the man to Christ.'. He stood there without saying a word. What can we learn from Daniel about the importance of prayer? Elder Boyd K. Packer taught: “I have come to know … that a fundamental purpose of the Word of Wisdom has to do with revelation. What message did Mordecai send Esther when he learned of her concerns about approaching the king? She requested that the king and Haman come to a banquet (Esther 5:4–8). The following material supplements the suggested lesson outline. Fasting Bible Verses. You may want to use one or more of these ideas as part of the lesson. But those who hate me wish the worst for me, saying, “When will he die and be forgotten?” My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die, and his name perish?” My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die and his name perish?” I said, “GOD, be gracious! And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all"; The Lord blesses Daniel and his friends with good health and wisdom (1:17–21). Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave; Esther was very beautiful, and Ahasuerus, the king of Persia and Media, was so pleased with her beauty that he made her his queen. It is a huge step of faith but one she is resolved to do! Invite class members to ponder the value we place on the privilege of praying to our Heavenly Father. How did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego respond to the decree? How does the Savior help us when we turn to him during our trials? Unfortunately, many in the world turn a blind eye to the thought that a day of judgement is coming. It is a spuernatural mindset that propels us to take the necessary risks for change and breakthrough to occur. The difference between grieving and quenching is clearly seen in the life of Mordecai. Vain: He displayed his wealth for all his nobles and officials to marvel at and threw a lavish party. Stating her intent to approach the king, Esther said, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Testify that as we strive to keep the commandments, the Lord will bless us. King Darius’s men persuade the king to sign a decree that for 30 days all petitions must be directed to him rather than to any other man or to God (6:1–9). It is this literal sense which is the common, ordinary, fundamental basis of all language, and accurate communication of thought. So perishing is the alternative to having everlasting life. Esther 4. What situations today require courage for us to obey the Lord’s commandments? Mordecai knew that it was a time to speak. We shall also look at what is required of the believer as they deny themselves and follow God's will. If you have received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Redeemer, then the Holy Spirit, as we have already seen, has come to take up residence within your human spirit, and you have been born again and God has set His seal upon you as His child. The New Testament obviously speaks of both of these possibilities in your relationship with the God. (Prayer was so important to Daniel that he continued to pray even when his life was threatened for doing so.) (3) And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. If I Perish, I Perish: In Which ... actual Bible story set down in either the Protestant or Catholic accounts. 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