- In our continuing series of the Top 10 Lessons I want to share to my congregation – this is Lesson #2: Character Affords the Opportunity!
The Word of God gives us ample information and background on many of the heroes of our faith. We can consistently see that the character of the individual opens the door to the opportunity that God has for them. Here are three Biblical examples:
Esther. The Bible tells us that Esther made a very positive impression on Hegai (2:9), the one appointed to look after the young women chosen to be presented before King Ahasuerus. She was not vain or needy by evidence of her refusal of complimentary items(2:15). The Bible also tells us that even as Queen she listened to Mordechai, her cousin that raised her, just as she always had (2:20). Is it any wonder then that the King was so pleased to see her when she presented herself at his court? Any wonder that he “hasted” to her dinner both the first night and the second? Her character in the little things opened the door when things looked dire.
Nehemiah. In chapter 2 of Nehemiah we see that this cup bearer for the King was troubled by the information he had just received concerning the tragic condition of the city of Jerusalem. Nehemiah’s countenance was fallen because of this news. Verse 1 of chapter 2 tells us that the King noticed his demeanor because he “had not been beforetime sad in his presence”. Wow! He had never shown up to work sad before. This was so out of character for Nehemiah that the King of the largest and most powerful empire in the known world at that time stopped all of the business of King’s court to find out what was troubling him.
David. In 1 Samuel we see the story of young David in the familiar showdown with Goliath in chapter 17. David’s attention to detail cannot be understated. In verse 20 we see him rise early and leave his foremost duty (tending to the sheep) in the hands of someone else. He makes his way to the battle as his father had commanded him to do and leaves his dad’s carriage in the hand of another keeper. He is coincidentally berated by his older brother Eliab in verse 28 for showing his interest in the events of the battle. Eliab even questions why he abandoned his sheep to come to the battle. Of course, the Word of God had already told us that he had not abandoned his duties. Isn’t also interesting that even though David was not watching sheep this day – he still had his sling and his pouch to carry the ammunition?
Esther, Nehemiah and David. Why did God chose these servant for the tremendously important events for which we know them? Perhaps much can be said for their character in the little details of life which mattered so much to God. So much so that He recorded these little details in His precious Word.
