Esther 10 King Xerxes imposed a tribute throughout his empire, even to the distant coastlands. His great achievements and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai, whom the king had promoted, are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Media and Persia. Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants. 1. God has prepared good things for each of us to do. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” 2. Our purpose in life is to glorify God. 3. our presence in a dark world. Now what? Choose to be a bearer : What can I do? Questions for Discipleship Groups or Personal Study Opening Questions: Do you feel that the world has become darker when you consider international conflict, the economy, affordability, spiritually (where people are with God)? How is this “darkness” impacting people in society? How is it impacting you, your family, relationships, work, etc? What words would best describe how you feel about this sense of “darkness on the horizon” (elated, worried, anxious, concerned, indifferent, “whatever," no impact whatsoever, etc.) Read Esther 10 What do you glean about God’s hidden role, and Mordecai’s response to a dark time from this passage? What two things did he do (v.3)? Darkness impacts our thinking, emotions, and behaviours. How do you think people think and respond emotionally, and habitually when darkness prevails? (think war, pandemic or recession) How do these things impact your own responses? Read Matthew 5:14-16 What is God saying to us through this passage? How does Jesus' positive words empower us, and shape our identity? “It is better to light a candle, than curse the darkness.” - Chinese Proverb How has God equipped you to be the change you want to see in the world? Read 1 Peter 2:9-12 What is God saying to us through this passage? How and where should believers be living as light? “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” St. Francis of Assisi Resource: “Natural Connections” will help you to connect with the people around you. It is available from the church or you can email steve@gracepoint.ca to request a copy.