Quick Reminder Regarding Our Next Study
Just a quick reminder about our next study: Jonah: The Inescapable Love of God.. This new study will kick off on October 9th and will continue for five weeks. To prepare your hearts, I encourage you to pick up a copy of the journal on Amazon. It’s a story that will challenge us to face our own reluctances and embrace the overwhelming, relentless love God has for each and every one of us.
Karissa will be back to bless us with her insightful videos. Together, we look forward to a deep dive into God’s Word and fostering an even closer fellowship among us all. Your participation has been the heartbeat of this group, and I can’t wait to see how God uses our collective thirst for wisdom to draw us nearer to Him and to one another.
Are you looking for the other posts in this study? Click here for the table of contents.
My Closing Thoughts on Chapters 9 & 10
As we conclude our study on the Book of Esther, I’m struck by a particular detail that could easily be overlooked. In Chapter 9, after the Jewish people, led by Esther and Mordecai, secure a profound victory over their enemies, they rest. Remarkably, the word ‘rest’ appears four times in this chapter alone, emphasizing its spiritual significance. It serves as a warm reminder that in the midst of life’s battles and victories, rest—both spiritual and eternal—is at the heart of God’s providence and grace.
This simple act of resting resonates deeply with the words of Hebrews 4:9, “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.”
Rest, in the Christian life, manifests in two significant ways: as a state and as a place.
A State of Rest
Many of us yearn for peace that calms both external and internal chaos as we navigate life’s complexities. This is not some distant dream but an attainable reality. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we’re freed from the exhausting endeavor of trying to earn our salvation. This gift of spiritual rest is our secure footing in a world that can often feel unstable.
“As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” (Psalm 71:14 NIV)
A Place of Rest
Beyond a state of being, rest also implies a destination—an eternal rest in heaven where sorrow and pain cease. This ultimate promise elevates our gaze from today’s struggles to the hope of an eternal tomorrow.
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4 NIV)
The Two Intersect
How do these dimensions of rest intersect in our lives? Our current spiritual rest serves as an earnest, or a down payment, of what awaits us in eternity. It begins here and now, offering not just personal refuge but an invitation to a life rich in giving and loving. As the Jews gave gifts during Purim, God’s grace flows through us, enriching the lives of those around us.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34 NIV)
In the context of Purim, as celebrated in Esther, the idea of rest gains another layer of meaning. The feast serves a dual purpose: it’s both a retrospective celebration of God’s past deliverance and an anticipatory one, pointing us toward the eternal rest we’ll experience fully in heaven. The act of giving during Purim serves as a poignant reminder that our rest in Christ leads us to share generously with others.
As we bring our study of Esther to a close, let’s carry with us the enduring message of rest—a rest that transcends time and circumstance. Our journey through this extraordinary book invites us to embrace God’s providence, His peace, and the deep, soul-nourishing rest that only comes from a relationship with Him. What a fitting way to wrap up our time in Esther, a story that beckons us to discover the richness of God’s grace and the peace that awaits us, both now and forever.
You are loved by an almighty God,
Darlene Schacht
The Time-Warp Wife
Here is this week’s printable. Click the image to view and print a higher resolution.
When you purchase a copy of the study guide, you’re actively supporting and strengthening our ministry as we spread the empowering message of the gospel to women across the globe!
We understand that not everyone can purchase the study guide, which is why we provide a printable version exclusively for those facing financial constraints. By subscribing below, you’ll unlock access to these downloadable materials. As part of our community, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the content at your own pace. Plus, as an added treat, you’ll receive periodic devotions from Time-Warp Wife, delivered directly to your inbox. Together, we can grow in faith and discover the abundant blessings of our shared journey. Join us in spreading the empowering message of the gospel to women all around the world.