bravery

Esther: Courage and Faithfulness

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Bible Verse: Esther 4:14

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Esther’s story in the Bible is about a courageous and faithful Jewish girl who becomes queen of Persia. Despite initially hiding her Jewish identity, she finds the courage to approach the King, risking her life to save her people. Her bravery shines through when even though it’s daring to approach the king without being called, Esther decides to speak up. In time, she reveals her Jewish identity and asks the King to spare the Jews and stop the evil plans of Haman. Esther’s courage isn’t just about facing danger; it’s about embracing her role and taking the opportunity to make a difference and stand up for what is right. Her courage comes from trusting in God and believing He will provide help and guidance. Her faithfulness is actively displayed as she carefully plans and makes wise, timely decisions while advocating for her people. In the end, because of Esther’s courage and faithfulness, the Jews are saved. Esther’s story teaches us about the power of faith and courage, even in difficult times, and how standing up for what’s right can make a big difference.

The Lesson: The main lesson of the story of Esther is that even in times of great difficulty, God is present and working behind the scenes to fulfill His purposes. It’s also important to recognize that God may have placed individuals in specific circumstances for a purpose. Esther’s courage and faithfulness demonstrates the importance of trusting in God’s wisdom and standing up for what is right. It teaches us to remain committed in our faith, to trust in God’s plan, and to advocate for justice in our own lives and communities trusting in the Lord’s help to triumph over evil.

Miriam: Loyalty

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Bible Verse: Exodus 2:4-8

4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. 5 Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. 6 She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said. 7 Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” 8 “Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother.

Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, played a crucial role in the story of Moses’ infancy. At the time of Moses’ birth, the Hebrew people were enslaved in Egypt, and the Pharaoh had issued a decree to kill all Hebrew baby boys. Despite this danger, Moses’ mother managed to hide him for three months. When it became too risky to keep him hidden any longer, she placed him in a basket and set it adrift on the Nile River, entrusting his fate to God.

Miriam, displaying remarkable loyalty and bravery, followed the basket as it floated down the river, ensuring her brother’s safety. Eventually, the basket was discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter, who decided to raise the baby as her own son. Taking a bold step, Miriam approached Pharaoh’s daughter and offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. Through Miriam’s intervention, Moses was reunited with his own mother.

Miriam’s actions were instrumental in fulfilling God’s plan to use Moses to lead the Hebrews out of bondage in Egypt, as well as in other significant events such as the parting of the Red Sea and the receiving of the Ten Commandments. Her loyalty and courage played a vital role in preserving Moses’ life and ensuring that he would fulfill his destiny as a leader chosen by God.

The Lesson: Miriam’s loyalty to her brother Moses teaches us the importance of standing by our loved ones in difficult times, even when it requires courage and sacrifice. Her unwavering love and support is an example of the power of family bonds. It’s so important to demonstrate loyalty, empathy, and care for those we cherish, especially in challenging circumstances where our actions can make a crucial difference in their lives.