The Story
Apr 7, 2019 • Chris Reighley
The Story:
The Bible As One Continuing Story of God and His People
by Mac Lucado & Randy Frazee
The Story tells the grandest, most compelling story of all time!
God goes to great lengths to rescue lost and hurting people. That is what The Story is all about: the story of the Bible, God’s great love affair with humanity. Condensed into 31 accessible chapters, The Story sweeps you into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events from Genesis to Revelation. Like any good story, The Story is filled with intrigue, drama, conflict, romance, and redemption—and this story’s true!
While God’s name is never mentioned in Esther, His fingerprints are everywhere—from palace intrigue to Jewish deliverance. Esther’s bravery and Mordecai’s wisdom preserve the people of God “for such a time as this.” Meanwhile in Jerusalem, Nehemiah rebuilds the walls amid fierce opposition. Ezra and Malachi call for spiritual renewal. God uses faithful men and women—both in palaces and construction zones—to preserve His promises and prepare His people.
Passages:
- Esther 1–9
- Ezra 7; Nehemiah 1–2; 4; 6–8; Malachi 1–4
Main Idea: God’s providence is often hidden but never absent.
Lesson 13: The Queen of Beauty and Courage & Rebuilding the Walls
I. Esther Replaces Vashti (Esther 1:1–2:18)
- Vashti Refuses the King – removed from her position (Esther 1)
- Esther Crowned Queen – God positions her strategically (Esther 2:1–18)
II. Mordecai Overcomes Haman (Esther 2:19–7:10)
- Mordecai Saves the King – a loyal deed recorded (Esther 2:19–23)
- Haman Plots Genocide – targets the Jews for annihilation (Esther 3)
- Esther’s Bold Intercession – “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4–5)
- Mordecai Honored, Haman Humbled – divine reversal (Esther 6–7)
III. Israel Survives Haman’s Genocide Attempt (Esther 8–10)
- Esther and Mordecai Write a New Edict – Jews can defend themselves (Esther 8)
- Victory and Celebration – the origin of Purim (Esther 9)
- Mordecai Elevated – second in command under the king (Esther 10)
IV. Sent on a Mission – Ezra & Nehemiah Begin the Work (Ezra 7; Nehemiah 1–2)
- Ezra Returns with Authority – to teach the Law (Ezra 7)
- Nehemiah Prays and Receives Favor – then surveys the broken walls (Neh. 1–2)
V. Opposition … Again (Nehemiah 4, 6)
- Mockery and Threats – Sanballat and Tobiah attack morale (Neh. 4:1–8)
- Strategic Defense and Perseverance – “sword in one hand, trowel in the other” (Neh. 4:9–23)
- Plots to Distract and Discredit – Nehemiah stands firm (Neh. 6:1–14)
- Wall Completed in 52 Days – despite opposition (Neh. 6:15–19)
VI. Reformation Begins (Nehemiah 7–8; Malachi 1–4)
- Census and Community Organization – Nehemiah 7
- Ezra Reads the Law Aloud – and the people weep and worship (Neh. 8)
VII. Malachi’s Message of Confrontation and Hope (Malachi 1–4)
- God’s Love and Israel’s Indifference
- Priests Rebuked – for dishonoring God’s name (Mal. 1:6–2:9)
- People Confronted – for unfaithfulness and spiritual apathy (Mal. 2:10–16)
- A Coming Messenger & Day of the Lord – future judgment and blessing (Mal. 3–4)
- Hope for the Faithful Remnant – “The Sun of Righteousness will rise…”
Key Themes & Takeaways
- God’s providence often works behind the scenes—He’s never absent.
- Courageous obedience—like Esther’s and Nehemiah’s—changes history.
- Worship without reverence is worthless—God sees the heart.
- Leaders must combine bold vision with spiritual discernment.
- God calls His people to build walls and hearts—to defend truth and live it.