MEMORY SCRIPTURE
Mordecai had brought up Hadassah that is Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died. Mordecai took her as his own daughter (Esther 2:7).
Mordecai’s wisdom guided Esther from uncertainty to empowered leadership-the transformative impact of mentorship and faith.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 19: A Mentee Submits To Discipline (Gen. 14:14,15)
Tue. 20: A Mentee Needs Endurance (Heb. 12:7,8)
Wed. 21: A Mentee Must Remain Focused (2 Sam.11:1)
Thu. 22: A Mentee’s Failure Brings Disaster (2 Sam. 12:13-31)
Fri. 23: A Mentee Submits To The Master (Eph. 6:5,6)
Sat. 24: A Successful Mentee Becomes Master (Eccl. 10:7)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Parents must prioritise teaching their children about God and His ways to help them fulfil their divine purpose.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Esther 2:5-17;4:15,16
This unit, LEADERSHIP PREPARATION IN THE OT (lI), continues this week as we focus on: MORDECAI GUIDES ESTHER lN BECOMING A GODLY LEADER.
Last week, by God’s grace, our lesson centred on: ELIJAH GROOMS ELISHA FOR PROPHETIC LEADERSHIP It was a timely reminder, as many aspire to leadership roles without understanding the importance of servanthood. However, true greatness lies in service (Matt. 20:26, 27), and leadership requires training. We learnt from Elisha, who embraced faithful service under Elijah.
In today’s lesson, we will explore how God, through His divine plan, guided Esther, an orphan, to be nurtured and trained by her cousin, Mordecai. Mordecai played a significant role in preparing Esther for a better future, as directed by God. Let us not neglect praying over our children in Jesus’ name. Amen.
LESSON OUTLINE
- MORDECAI, A GODLY MENTOR
- ESTHER, AN OBEDIENT MENTEE
LESSON EXPOSITION
MORDECAI, A GODLY MENTOR (2:5-9)
And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as hisown daughter (v.7).
a) vv. 5-6: Despite captivity, Mordecai seized the chance to raise Esther a for God’s purpose. Don’t underestimate the divine opportunities in your circumstances.
b) Despite his minor position, Mordecai played a significant role. Consider your impact people on people around you, regardless of your rank or status.
c) v.6: Mordecai’s insight into God’s plan enabled him to nurture Esther for a divine purpose, highlighting the importance of understanding God’s ways in guiding others.
d) v 7a: Mordecai’s upbringing shaped Esther’s character and obedience. Your lifestyle profoundly influences those under your care.
e) v 7b: Mordecai’s life reflected his faith in Yahweh, both in speech and action. Let your faith be evident in your words and deeds.
f) . 7c: Mordecai’s role as a father figure to Esther extended beyoná physical care to spiritual guidance. Consider the depth of your care for those under your guardianship.
g) vv. 8-9: Mordecai showed sensitivity to Esther’s needs and provided her with exceptional Reflect on how you can extend suc care. sensitivity to vulnerable children around you.
ESTHER, AN OBEDIENT MENTEE (2:10-17;4:15,16)
Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged he not to reveal it (2:10).
a) vv. 10,20: Esther’s humility and obedience, as seen in her refusal t reveal her identity without instruction, were crucial to her success (cf Jas. 4:10). It also showed her wisdom and loyalty to her people (cf. Prov. 19:20).
b) Her virtuous character, including her chastity and obedienc exemplified her readiness for marriage even while remaining a virgin (cf. Prov.31:10)
c) Showing discipline and obedience to both divine and human authority, Esther embodied the qualities of a godly woman (1 Cot 15:33)
d) V. 15: Her contentment and humility were apparent as she acceptet what was provided to her without seeking more–godliness wit contentment (1 Tim. 6:6).
e) v.17: Her willingness to heed the elderly advice led to her success the beauty contest (cf. Prov. 15:22).
f) 4:15,16: Her courage and boldness, seen in her readiness to risk her life to save her people, showed her faith and trust in God’s sovereignt (cf.Jos.1:9).
g) Her fasting and prayer showed her trust in God’s help. Even though God isn’t directly mentioned in the Book, her deep faith and reliance on divine guidance are clear (cf. Jas.5:16; 1 Pet. 5:7)
LESSONS DERIVED
- Keep looking out for the well-being of the children under your care, even after they have moved on- follow-up.
- Mentees: should not act out of selfish ambition or pride.
QUESTIONS
- Can we still find a godly mentor like Mordecai who did not seize the advantage ofher vulnerability to mess her up?
- Why is it that many mentees are not patient with their mentors?
