esther audio (1)

The story is about Queen Esther, who was taken from Israel to live in the kingdom of Persia after her parents died. She was raised by her cousin Mordecai, who saved the king's life by uncovering a plot against him. Years later, Esther became queen and lived a lavish lifestyle. However, when a plan to kill all Jews was made, Mordecai urged Esther to speak up for her people. Esther was afraid, but she trusted God and approached the king, who accepted her and saved the Jews. The story teaches the importance of using your voice and remembering who you are. are you ready? As you settle into bed, I'd like to invite you to now close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths in and out, breathing nice and slowly. Let your mind relax and let go of any worries or concerns from the day. Now, imagine yourself in a beautiful palace surrounded by people adorned in gold and precious stones like dark green emeralds, apple red rubies and crystal clear diamonds, colourful tapestries and Persian rugs littered across mosaic floors. Imagine the smell of spices from India, the sound of laughter and music and the sight of jubilant dancing. Everyone eating and drinking as much as they want until their hearts are content. This is the Persian King's Palace and this is the story of Queen Esther. Only, the story doesn't start as colourful as this. In fact, it begins with heartache. Esther's parents unfortunately died when she was just a child and she was taken abruptly from her beloved country of Israel to live in the kingdom of Persia. She was raised by her cousin Mordecai who loved her dearly and treated her as his own daughter. Mordecai was a tall, noble and kind man who was obedient to God. He always sought to do what was right. Once he even helped to save the King's life. One day when he was hanging about the King's Palace grounds, as he often did to check up on Queen Esther, he noticed some shabby looking men with what looked like bows, arrows and even a curved sword. He drew closer as the men continued to whisper. Mordecai hid sneakily around the corner behind a tall, dark tree and listened intently to their conversation. They were plotting to kill the King and overthrow him. Mordecai walked away discreetly but swiftly and notified Queen Esther. Um, Esther, he said, I'm not sure if you're aware but those shabbily clad men in your garden have an evil machination and it has the King's name on it. Oh dear, Queen Esther exclaimed. She thanked Mordecai for his loyalty and notified the King immediately. That day, because of Queen Esther and her faithful cousin Mordecai, the King's life was saved. Now you may be wondering, but when did she become Queen? Some years prior to this, Mordecai was sitting on a wooden bench in his humble bleak house, trying to ignore the sound of dripping coming through a hole in its roof. Drip, drip, drip and suddenly they received a letter. A decree had gone out into all the kingdom. The King is searching for a new wife, Mordecai excitedly said to Esther. Would you like to marry the King? I mean, yeah, but he wouldn't choose me, Esther replied. I'm just an orphan girl with no parents. Why would he choose me? Taken aback by Esther's response, Mordecai's face differed. Then his eyes softened as he looked at Esther. With one eyebrow slightly raised and half a grin on his face, he said, Oh, but you're not just an orphan girl. Let me remind you of who you are. Your name is Esther. You are a child of the living God. You are kind, you are intelligent and you are loved. As he spoke, Esther's eyes began to swell with tears. He continued, You work hard and are courageous. She started to sit up in her chair as those very words that anchor in her. And not only are you these things, my dear, but you are beautiful. Esther, at this point, sat chest high, chin up with a twinkle in her eyes and a deep smile hidden tightly under pressed lips, said, Then I'll do it. But there's one more thing I need to tell you, dear Esther. You must promise me one thing. If the King chooses you to be his wife, you must never, ever reveal to him that you are a Jew. If you do, he may seek to kill you. Confidently, with a determined look in her eyes, she replied, I promise. Well, that was that. Out of hundreds of women who came from all over the kingdom, the King saw Esther and instantly he knew there was something very different about her. He stretched out the golden scepter and chose Esther to be his wife and queen. Many years went by and they were very happy. Esther was now the Queen of Persia and she lived a very, very lavish lifestyle. But it was during a time of great danger for her people. One day, infuriated by Mordecai, the King's advisor, Haman, decided he wanted to have all the Jews killed. As Mordecai had refused to bow down to him, Haman was a very proud and deceitful man with a lot of power. He came up with a plan to trick the King into believing that the Jews were planning to attack, overthrow him and advise the King to order for them to all be killed. Mordecai heard of this and told Esther she had to speak up for the people and reveal to the King who she truly was. The truth is, Esther was terrified. If I tell the King who I am, he will kill me. Mordecai responded, God has put you in the palace for such time as this. Will you use your voice? Esther knew that she had to do something to save her people, even if it meant risking her own life. Her cousin Mordecai's words came back to her that day many years ago. You are kind, you are courageous and you are loved. Never forget who you are. Now, try and imagine how Esther felt in that moment. The courage, the determination, the fear. However, she knew that she had a purpose to fulfil and she trusted that God would guide her every step of the way. As Esther approached the King, she bowed her head, awaiting to see if the King would stretch out the golden scepter. There was silence. She swallowed hard. Heart beating like a drum in her chest. Boom, boom, boom. It got faster and louder in her ears. Boom, boom, boom, boom. Then suddenly, the King reached beside him and picked up the golden scepter. Then he stretched it to Esther. My love, what is your request? But Esther didn't make a request. She said, I would like to throw you a banquet and invite some distinguished guests like Haman and Mordecai. He said, anything for you, my love. So Esther threw a banquet for the King. She knew better than to ask about first giving. Then she threw another. The King was so pleased with her generosity. What is it, my love? Anything you ask, I will give you. First you and your uncle saved my life. Now you throw me these wonderful banquets and honoured me in the presence of my distinguished guests. Esther swallowed hard, stood up straight and told the King everything. I am a Jew, my King, and Haman plotted this evil plan to kill us all. Haman gasped. No, my King, she is a liar. Silence, the King shouted. He stood up immediately and ordered the guards to take Haman away. I now therefore decree that no Jew shall be touched or harmed in all the kingdom and all my colonies. Everyone rejoiced. Queen Esther had saved the King's life once before, and now she had used her voice and saved her people. Imagine yourself as brave as Esther, using your voice to speak up for yourself and for us. As you begin to drift off to sleep, remember, even as Esther did, who you are, that you are loved and that you are a child of God, which makes you royalty. And through faith in God, you too can walk with courage. Sleep well. you you