Chosen for a Purpose - Esther 2

Chosen for a Purpose - Esther 2

Jan 12, 2025

Pastor Dan Walker, PhD, MDiv



Sermon Introduction

We are continuing our series 'For Such a Time as This' from the book of Esther. We’ve been exploring how God works behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes, often using ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Today’s message is titled 'Chosen for a Purpose,' and we’ll be looking at Esther 2. We’ll see how God uses hidden seasons and moments of preparation to align us with His plan, even when we can’t see it unfolding.
To get us started, let me ask you this—have you ever planted a seed and wondered if it would ever grow? You water the soil, ensure it gets sunlight, but for days or weeks, there is no sign of growth. Then one day, a small green shoot pushes through the dirt. The truth is growth was happening all along, just beneath the surface. Today, we are planting the seeds for tomorrow’s harvest.

Galatians 6:9 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Just like planting seeds, our faithfulness in the unseen moments of life eventually lead to visible growth. The waiting can feel discouraging, but the Bible assures us that perseverance will lead to a harvest.

John 12:24 (ESV): "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."

Sometimes growth requires seasons where we feel buried or forgotten. These hidden seasons are essential to producing lasting fruit. In seasons of waiting, it can feel like our lives lack direction. We may wonder if God sees us or if our circumstances hold any meaning. The book of Esther reminds us that even when God seems hidden, He is actively orchestrating events for His divine purpose.

2 Corinthians 9:10 (ESV): "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness."

This verse reassures us of God’s provision. God not only provides the seed but ensures its growth, aligning with His purposes in our lives. Our challenge lies in trusting His unseen hand and believing that we are chosen, not by accident, but for a unique and powerful purpose. This passage reassures us that God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways, often preparing us in the shadows for the moments when His plan will be revealed.

God’s Preparation Happens in Hidden Seasons

God is at work even in silence.

Esther 2:1-4 (ESV): "After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had abated, he remembered Vashti…Then the king’s young men … said, ‘Let beautiful young virgins be sought out for the king.’…And let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti."

In Esther chapter 1, we learned that the King had made a crude request of Queen Vashti. She refused to obey the King’s orders, which made him very angry, and he removed Vashti as Queen. This created a vacancy in the powerful position of Queen of the Persian empire. This vacancy was not random but created the space for Esther’s rise. God uses shifts in leadership and worldly circumstances to align with His eternal plan. We are positioned by providence, not chance.

Esther 2:5–7 (ESV): "Now there was a Jew in Susa … whose name was Mordecai, … He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, …The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter."

Esther was an orphan, both her father and mother dying at an early age. Certainly a traumatic experience for a young girl. Mordecai, her older cousin, took custody of her as his own daughter and raised her in a godly home. Esther’s background and connection with Mordecai were critical pieces in God’s plan. Our heritage and experiences, no matter how simple, are part of God’s equipping.
Obedience in the Ordinary

Esther 2:8–9 (ESV): "… when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king’s palace … And the young woman pleased him and won his favor."

When Esther was selected for the King’s contest, there was no option for refusal. She was taken away from Mordecai and taken into the king’s palace along with many other young women. We see that Esther chose to please Hegai, her supervisor, and won his favor.

Esther 2:10-11 (ESV): "Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known. And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her."

Now we learn that Mordecai had given Esther some instructions before she was taken into the palace. She was not to make known that she was a Jew, the daughter of Jewish exiles. Esther’s obedience to Mordecai’s instructions demonstrated her humility and trust. We also learn of Mordecai’s ongoing care for Esther as he kept in touch with her, even though he could not go inside the court of the harem. Faithfulness in small things leads to favor and greater responsibility.

Application

Trust that God is moving in your life, even when you feel unseen or overlooked. Believe that even when difficult things happen, like the death of Esther’s parents, God is using those events to prepare you for the next season of your life. Remain faithful to God in the mundane, knowing that persistence in small areas is part of God’s plan for you. Often it leads to greater responsibilities and opportunities.

God’s Favor Opens Doors of Influence

Favor Comes Through God’s Timing

Esther 2:12-14 (ESV): "Now when the turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus…she could take with her whatever she desired…In the evening she would go in, and in the morning she would return…unless the king delighted in her."

The women who had been chosen were prepared for 12 months under the direction of Hegai. The women would see the king one at a time to see if he would select them as queen. There would be one chance, and the answer would be yes or no. Esther’s beauty and character found favor, but it was God who prepared and positioned her. God’s timing ensures that we arrive at the right place when the moment is right.

Esther 2:15-17 (ESV): "When the turn came for Esther…she asked for nothing except what Hegai, the king’s eunuch, advised…The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight."

We learn that Esther again listened to and followed the counsel of Hegai, who was her supervisor. When the king met Esther, the contest was over, and she was chosen as queen. God softens hearts and aligns the hearts of leaders to fulfill His will. God’s favor elevates His people, not for their own glory, but for divine assignments.
Promotion with Purpose

Esther 2:18 (ESV): "Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity."

As we saw in Esther 1, this king loved to give great feasts, and this one was for Esther. He also reduced taxes and gave gifts to his officials and servants. Esther’s promotion led to the blessing of others. God’s favor benefits more than just the individual; we are blessed to be a blessing.

Application

Be patient as God aligns His favor with your season of life. God calls each of us to be influential with others for His purpose. As we are faithful to follow authorities over us, God will open new doors for us. He can direct the decisions of those over us for His purposes. We must use the influence God gives us for His plan.

God’s Plan Protects and Provides

Be Faithful and Watchful

Esther 2:19–20 (ESV): "Now … Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate. Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him."

Mordecai held an important position under the King and was publicly seen sitting at the king’s gate. For the second time, we learn that Esther has not revealed to anyone that she was a Jew. As we’ll see, God’s plan for Esther included Mordecai, not just to raise her, but to continue to be faithful and watchful over her.
God Places People in the Right Place at the Right Time

Esther 2:21 (ESV): "In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, … two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus."

The two eunuchs who were officials under the king were making plans to assassinate the king. This would certainly have upset God’s plan for Esther. But nothing can thwart God’s plan, and Mordecai was in the right place at the right time, by God’s providence.
Small Acts Lead to Significant Impact

Esther 2:22–23 (ESV): "And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king … When the affair was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows. And it was recorded in the book …"

Mordecai overheard and someone told him of the plot to kill the king. Mordecai told Esther of the plot, who told the king. An investigation confirmed that the men were guilty of the plot, and they were executed. Mordecai’s part in saving the king’s life was recorded in the book of the king’s chronicles. Mordecai’s vigilance preserved Esther’s position and safeguarded the king.
God places key people in strategic positions to ensure protection. Mordecai’s act of loyalty to a pagan king seemed minor, but as we’ll see, it led to the saving of the Jewish people. God uses seemingly insignificant acts to accomplish His larger plans.

Application

God calls us to be vigilant in our current activities, looking out for others, as well as ourselves. Stand up for the truth, even if it may be unpopular. Offer counsel to a friend who may need godly direction. Small faithful actions today can lead to future breakthroughs. Trust that God uses your faithfulness to influence and protect others in ways you may not immediately see.

Conclusion

As we reflect on Esther’s story, let it remind us that God’s hand is at work even when we cannot see it. Like planting seeds, our faithfulness, obedience, and trust in hidden seasons will eventually bear fruit. Continue to sow seeds of kindness, integrity, and diligence in your daily life. God is preparing you for opportunities you cannot yet imagine. His purposes are often greater than what we see in the moment. Be encouraged – your small acts of faithfulness today are cultivating a harvest of influence and blessing for tomorrow.


Message Study Guide