Esther was the Queen of Ancient Persia even though she was of Jewish descent. She did not seek the position, but through an improbable turn of events she became queen, and also became the source of salvation for the Jewish people living in Persia.

Being duped by an evil and vengeful Haman, the King agreed to and ordered the execution of all of the Jews living in Persian at that time. Mordecai, Esther’s elder cousin and adoptive father, went to her as queen to seek her help in delivering her people. In Esther 4:13-14 we read his plea, “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Even though approaching the King without his summons could lead to her death, she chose to act. A trap was set by Esther for Haman in the King’s presence and it was successful in not only eliminating Haman, but in saving her people as well. To this day Purim is celebrated by Jews around the world as a remembrance of Mordecai’s faithfulness, Esther’s courage, and God’s deliverance of His people.

At that point in time it was Esther’s turn to step up, speak out, and take action for the sake of God’s Kingdom. In Hebrews 12:1-2 we are reminded that someday it will be our turn to run our race. May we be found faithful and courageous when our turn comes around.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

~Hebrews 12:1-2~

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, January 11, 2026. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons is How Great Is Our God: Passing the Faith Along. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/how-great-is-our-god-old-testament-digital-study-guide/. Handouts with class presentation content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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