INTRODUCTION: It is great being able to learn from other people’s successes and failures especially when it comes to the task of honoring God in your marriage. We are going to learn from some seasoned mentors in the following weeks. Please prayerfully consider these married couples from the Bible. Study them, discuss them, and learn from them.
Ahasuerus and Esther
1. Read the following passage together.
Esther 5:3-8 And the king said to her, “What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you—up to half the kingdom!” 4 So Esther answered, “If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.” 5 Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, that he may do as Esther has said.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared. 6 At the banquet of wine the king said to Esther, “What is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!” 7 Then Esther answered and said, “My petition and request is this: 8 If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, then let the king and Haman come to the banquet which I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.”
2. This passage is obviously talking about a conversation between a king and a queen in a very different culture but I think there is something to be said about the display of respect and grace in this conversation. How do you see respect and grace being displayed in Esther 5:3-8?
3. Do you talk to each other with respect and grace?
4. Plan a date night where you intentionally treat one another like a king and queen the whole evening. Have fun with it.
Conclusion: We will be adding Ahasuerus and Esther to our ALFC lovescape as an example of a married couple that locked in their love and were faithful to their marital commitment. Stop by the display in front of the church and remember the lessons learned from their lives.