February 24, 2025
The Story | Where Are You? | Chapter 20
Hope: The Return of the Exiles
The story of Esther is surprising—not once is God mentioned. Yet God’s silence is not the same as his absence. He works for good, even through ordinary events and with flawed people.
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Chapter 20: Esther 4:10-17
- How would you compare the Persian culture to our culture today? Why do you think some Jews chose to stay there instead of returning to Israel?
- Esther hid her identity when she entered Xerxes’ harem. When have you witnessed someone make moral compromises to blend in? Has that ever been a temptation for you?
- When in your life have you wondered where God is? How does Esther's story speak to that experience?
- How have you seen God working in the ordinary events of your life to bring good?
- Esther and Mordecai were imperfect, maybe even disobedient. God still used them. How do you feel about that? Is it the same for us today?
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1 Samuel 24:1-22 - David chose inconvenience and risk when he could have chosen an easier life. Jesus calls us to do the same—to “Go!” even when it costs us, because sometimes our inconvenience helps someone else find Life.
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1 Samuel 23:14-18-Using the life of David, we’re taking four weeks to look at four essential practices that Christians have devoted themselves to for two thousand years: Gather, Grow, Give and Go. These practices are what Jesus has always called his church to do. This week we’re talking about growing … together.
