What steps can we take to share God's influence, as seen in Esther 8:17? Esther 8:17 (BSB) “In every province and every city where the king’s command and his decree reached, the Jews had joy and gladness, feasting and celebrating. And many of the peoples of the land professed themselves to be Jews, because fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.” Setting the Scene • God reversed an irreversible death sentence. • Joy overflowed so tangibly that outsiders wanted in. • The Lord’s protection over His people became a living testimony. What the Verse Shows About Influence • Celebration of God’s rescue was public, not private. • Unity and gladness were contagious. • Outsiders were moved to identify with God’s people because they saw real power and favor. Steps We Can Take to Share God’s Influence Celebrate God’s Works Openly • Speak of answered prayers and changed lives (Psalm 105:1–2). • Mark victories with gatherings, meals, or testimonies, just as the Jews feasted. • Joyful celebration counters a culture of complaint. Live Attractively Consistent Lives • Let your “light shine before men” so they glorify the Father (Matthew 5:16). • Integrity and kindness draw interest to the God who empowers them (1 Peter 2:12). Stand Boldly in Your Identity • Esther and Mordecai stopped hiding their heritage; we likewise name Christ openly (Romans 1:16). • When pressure mounts, courage itself becomes witness (Philippians 1:27–28). Leverage Every Available Platform • The Jews used the king’s decree to spread good news; we share through conversations, social media, hospitality, and church gatherings (Acts 5:42). • Consistent messaging reinforces God’s story of redemption. Foster Community Joy • Joy in Christ is magnetic; practice shared meals, worship, and service (Acts 2:46–47). • A glad, unified church family gives the world a living picture of God’s kingdom. Model Holy Reverence • Outsiders feared the God who protected His people; reverence still opens eyes (Hebrews 12:28–29). • Balance love with awe—both reveal the full character of God. Extend Genuine Invitations • Many “became Jews”; we invite others to repentance and faith in Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Personal stories of salvation make the invitation relatable. Pray for God’s Confirming Power • Protection and favor in Esther’s day were unmistakable signs; today, pray for healings, provisions, and transformed hearts that confirm the gospel (Mark 16:20). Keep the Memory Alive • Purim was later instituted to remember this deliverance (Esther 9:26–28). • Establish rhythms—annual testimonies, communion, baptisms—that keep God’s acts fresh in collective memory (Joshua 4:6–7). Putting It Together When we openly celebrate God’s works, live with integrity, stand unashamed, maximize every platform, cultivate joy-filled community, walk in reverent awe, invite others, pray for confirming power, and keep fresh memories of His deliverance, we mirror the influence seen in Esther 8:17. Outsiders notice—and many will choose to follow the God who so clearly works among His people. |
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