Esther, A Person of Courage
Esther
Introduction
- Opening remarks and a recounting of Air Florida Flight 90 crash
- Mention of heroic acts in history and their celebration
The Higher Priority of Moral Courage
- The scriptures place a higher priority on moral courage over physical courage
- Introduction to the principle that "moral courage is always the product of spiritual commitment"
Examples from the Bible
- Joshua
- Transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua
- God's command to Joshua to be strong and courageous because He is with him
- The inseparable link between commitment and courage in the scriptures
- Esther
- Introduction to Esther as a model of moral courage
- Historical context of the Book of Esther within the timeline of the Book of Ezra
- Summary of the Book of Esther: the threat to the Jews and their eventual triumph
- Esther's background and her rise to the position of queen
- The plot against the Jews and Mordecai's role in alerting Esther
- Esther's decision to act courageously despite the risks
Components of Moral Courage
- Intellectual Component
- Moral courage is based on intelligence, not ignorance
- Importance of informed decisions, using Esther's secrecy about her background as an example
- Emotional Component
- Importance of being gripped by the true value of life
- Mordecai's message to Esther about the significance of her position and timing
- Esther's response to the challenge, indicating her understanding of the value of life and death
- The role of fasting and prayer in her decision
- Behavioral Component
- The need for knowledge and emotional conviction to be translated into action
- The principle of continuity: concern for the next generation
- Example of the Feast of Purim instituted by Esther
Modern Application
- The challenge to individuals to make significant commitments based on the knowledge and opportunities they have
- The importance of living a life of significance and making an impact in one's generation
Conclusion
- The necessity of understanding and practicing the will of God to develop moral courage
- Final remarks and a prayer for the audience to be galvanized by the Spirit and make a permanent difference in their generation
*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.
About the Contributors
Howard G. Hendricks
Dr. Howard G. Hendricks, known simply as “Prof,” directly or indirectly touched millions of lives in the evangelical community and beyond. For more than sixty years Prof served on the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), where he taught more than ten thousand students. He served as the chairman of the Center for Christian Leadership for over twenty years. He also ministered in person in more than eighty countries. Through speaking engagements, radio, tapes, films, the sixteen books he authored and coauthored, countless journal and popular-market articles, his service on numerous boards, and his work as a chaplain to the Dallas Cowboys (1976–1984), his reach was and is worldwide.
His legacy, in partnership with Jeanne, his wife of more than sixty-five years, includes four children and six grandchildren. Holding large audiences enthralled at venues such as Billy Graham’s conference center or Promise Keepers’ stadium rallies, Prof would confide, “It’s wonderful to be here with you, but I have a group of delicious students waiting for me back at the seminary.”
Contributors
