Faithfulness Rewarded

Background Scripture: Esther 2, 6
Lesson Scripture: Esther 2:21-23; 6:1-10

Introduction

Another new book of Sunday school lessons has been placed in our hands. Sunday school—what really is it? A thirty-minute discussion before the worship service, a forum in which to share an opinion, or a period in which to silently let others contribute? The word school implies learning, study, and the effort that goes into acquiring knowledge and skill. Sunday suggests worship and that which pertains to God’s business. Putting these two words together, Sunday school is a course meant to educate us about God and the plan of salvation.

In order to master a subject, those attending school will not find it optional to apply themselves; rather, they must make an application to learning. This involves time and diligence in order to properly comprehend the lessons and receive a passing grade. Would we receive a passing grade if each of us were to be tested on the Sunday school lesson week by week? How well are we learning? If these lessons are only read once on Sunday morning or not even at all before class, they are not being used to their full potential. This little manual should be a guide to aid in the study of each week’s lesson that can be accompanied with meditation and other background subject material. Without any other study, effort, or application being employed besides a casual review of the lesson, the discussion will likely not be as vibrant and edifying to the class or the individual as it could be. Maybe we need to rethink our definition of Sunday school; it is not just a room where a discussion takes place but a session of learning and study.

This quarter’s lessons are taken from the books of Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah, and many of the minor prophets: Joel, Amos, Micah, Habakkuk, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Much can be learned in studying the history of these books. Ezra and Nehemiah issued a call to revival that we need to study and apply today. The messages from these minor prophets that were clearly fulfilled are both a warning against wrong and instruction for the narrow way. These lesson titles convey a confirmation of God’s providence. They offer us a deeper understanding of the manifold ways the Lord reveals the gospel kingdom: the work of the Holy Spirit, admonition and reproof, meekness and generosity, and mercy shown by the almighty God.

Faithfulness Rewarded

Lesson 1

September 5, 2021

Background Scripture: Esther 2, 6

Lesson Scripture: Esther 2:21-23; 6:1-10

Introduction

A Christian’s heartfelt desire to be faithful is prompted by his devotion to God, and this devotion to Him is based in a deep thanksgiving for his salvation. Faithfulness is made possible by the Master’s benevolence and grace, so rewards are not payments for good performance and should not be reckoned as compensation for good works. Willing obedience to God is not born of fear nor to bargain with Him for his benefits. God rightfully expects faithfulness from his children because He is their Father and Savior. Being faithful is our duty and responsibility, and God lovingly rewards us for holy living. “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2).

Key Verse

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord (Matt. 25:21).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The lives of Mordecai and Esther are intertwined and filled with drama, intrigue, and inspiration. This account has held the attention of Bible-believing people for centuries and continues to do so today. The setting is estimated to have been about 460 years before Christ. Mordecai, Esther, and the Jews of Shushan were descendants of the Israelites carried to Babylon as captives. Ahasuerus was king of the great kingdom of Persia. Haman was prime minister to King Ahasuerus, and it is supposed that Haman the Agagite was a descendant of Agag, a king of the Amalekites. It was expected that all people would respect him. Mordecai refused to honor Haman, perhaps because of a residual memory of the long-standing enmity between the Amalekites and Israel, dating back to King Saul.

Mordecai’s fidelity as a loyal subject became apparent when the king’s life was threatened. Likely Mordecai did not expect recognition; he had only performed a service as a responsible citizen. This act of faithfulness may not have been widely known, and with the passing of time perhaps Mordecai himself did not place much importance on the incident. But one day his gesture of goodness came to light, and he was honored in an extraordinary way. How unexpected this must have been! Not only was Mordecai rewarded, but all the Jewish people were beneficiaries of his faithfulness. Faithful deeds of love done in the Lord’s name may be passed over and counted insignificant, but God never forgets (Heb. 6:10).

Esther came into favor with the king even though she was a Jew. The king chose her to be queen; meanwhile, Mordecai, her cousin and guardian, sat in the palace gate. Haman’s pride caused him to hate the Jews, and he devised a plan to exterminate them throughout the kingdom. We can only imagine the turmoil and anguish Mordecai felt when he learned of the plot. His proximity to Esther and the king gave him an opportunity to express his distress.

When Esther learned of the pending tragedy, she feared to make an unauthorized approach to the king, yet with Mordecai’s urging, she braced herself against the unknown and entered the king’s presence. She remained true to the cause committed to her because she loved God’s people. She was resigned to give her life for her people. The king honored her plea for mercy and administered justice on her behalf. Haman’s scheme against the Jews was exposed, and he perished in the gallows he had planned for his enemy. “And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them” (Esther 8:17).

Practical Truths for Today

We may not think our choices in daily life have the same pivotal consequences as those of Mordecai and Esther; however, the importance of our choices, though seemingly insignificant, is revealed with time. Even small decisions can have far-reaching effects and alter life’s outcome. Because of the law of sowing and reaping, those who are faithful will always be rewarded, just as those will be punished who are not faithful. It is an immutable principle founded in God’s law. God is faithful; we can with confidence expect Him to judge the works of man in righteousness.

Mordecai, in exposing the plan to harm the king, put himself at risk. If the king’s two doorkeepers would have learned of their treachery being uncovered, Mordecai would have been in danger of their wrath. Faithfulness to God seldom brings public acclaim or commendation from secular society. The Christian quietly carries a commitment to God in his heart, knowing that God sees everything and will remember him for good. Eternity will reveal the untold story of all those who are being faithful today. One’s faithfulness may not be realized until after his life has been spent. Faithfulness is not dependent on how well one understands God’s purpose.

Faithfulness to God is seldom easy or convenient but rather difficult and only made possible by crucifying self. We want to be faithful, but are we willing to die in the effort? Mordecai’s understanding of faithfulness persuaded Esther to enter the king’s presence, putting her life at risk.

The blessings of faithfulness may be obscured by the surrounding activity and noise of living. Young people with plans and expectations for the future may think faithfulness can be postponed until later in life, believing that to really live means focusing on today and not tomorrow. But faithfulness in the present has much to do with tomorrow; if we want to ensure a blessed future, we must be faithful today. Obedience to God transcends all the pleasure, popularity, and affluence the world offers. The peace God gives to the faithful is reward enough and will cause all the allurements of the world to fade. More attention should be given to dedicating our lives to God.

The church of God continues to teach and practice sound doctrine. To be faithful to God includes carefully adhering to the teachings of Christ and the apostles. In our present day, some seek to negate the need to follow difficult practices contained in the Word, but the necessity of obedience remains undiminished. Obedience is the only way that we can be counted faithful. The comfort of the Holy Spirit, with his security and assurance, and the blessing of being counted worthy to pass on the truth to those following are among the rewards of being faithful. Those called out to be leaders in the church are from among the faithful followers of Christ.

We are admonished to obey those that rule over us (Rom. 13:1). To submit to the state, inasmuch as it is not contrary to the Word, and respect those whom God has placed in authority is required of the Christian. We have the privilege of being subject to the laws of our land. To live free of guilt and condemnation is a reward of being a peace witness. Mordecai and Esther were living in a pagan environment; however, by being supplicants, they found favor with the king. Their example is for our learning and for us to follow.

Godly parents will take the responsibility of faithfully caring for their families. They will teach their children obedience and submission at an early age. Children who learn to live at peace with their parents and siblings will be rewarded in this life and much more in eternity.

True believers will be faithful at all costs. Although faithfulness may bring pain and persecution, there is never a just reason to be unfaithful. Those who gave their lives for the faith may have died without an apparent reward; however, they knew the joy of eternal salvation.

One’s faithfulness comes into sharp focus when life comes to an end. Then, faithfulness or unfaithfulness matters more than all other considerations. All that has been sacrificed or suffered for the sake of being faithful will seem insignificant. Mordecai and Esther’s example beckon us to be faithful even in the darkest hour. “And when I stand on the shores of that country, with my dear Savior who showed me the way, I’ll be so glad that I have been faithful, when I’ve gone the last mile someday.” 1

Illustration

“And the Syrians . . . had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife. And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy” (2 Kings 5:2-3). This account is an example of a faithful young girl who had been stolen away from her country and people. She was disadvantaged in many ways, yet God used her for his purpose. We do not read of her being rewarded by those who benefitted from her faithfulness. She likely was a household servant who simply did her work and obeyed her mistress—no honor or recognition came her way, but God rewarded her. What a difference her witness made in the life of Captain Naaman, which in its own unique way was a reward for her faithfulness.

Questions

1. How is faithfulness to God exemplified in community living and citizenship?
2. Is being faithful more difficult for young Christians than for parents or grandparents?
3. Is it acceptable to speak of our personal faithfulness and rewards?
4. 1 Faith Nightingale, “When I’ve Gone the Last Mile Someday,” Songs of the Soul III
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).