Today’s reading of Esther is Esther Chapter 7. I am sorry I was unable to post yesterday’s SOAP and reading. You can always access the reading schedule here.
Here is what grabbed me this morning using SOAP:
Scripture: Esther 7:3
“Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, O King, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life– this is my petition. And spare my people– this is my request.
Observation:
Esther waited for the king to ask what her request was and then once she did ask, she asked in a very respectful way for him to save her life and the lives of her people.
Application:
Esther was making a very serious, life or death request. And she did so respectfully. As far as we know, she didn’t tell the king what to do, she honored him and acknowledged that the decision was in his hands to make.
If she can do that for such a massive decision, then I can certainly do that for the more minor decisions that are made in my marriage. When I’ve got something big to ask or share I often just blurt it out. Instead I need to honor my husband with my words before asking. Not to ‘butter him up’ to get a better response, but to be respectful and also show the gravity of the request coming, if it is a big one.
Prayer:
Lord, you are an amazing, loving God. Thank you for teaching us better ways to behave through your words in the Bible. And thank you for still loving me when I miss those messages and mess up, too!
Please guide me in showing more respect towards my husband. As I said on my wedding day, I believe him to be a gift from you. Please guide me in treating him so that he understands that I do still feel that way.
Also, Lord, thank you for showing me Esther’s courage in this passage. What she did was no easy task. She was wise to ask others to pray and fast for her. Although it is not directly mentioned, she must have sought your direction before proceeding. Help me to follow that example, as well.
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