We know that Northview people love to be in God’s Word and often ask for direction on different devotional apps and reading plans.

While there are several good options available through various sources, we’d like to encourage you to join in our Northview Devotional Plan which will guide you to read and reflect on the passages preached in our weekend sermons!

We hope this will unite our congregation around the study of God’s Word, and help us to more readily absorb and apply the great teaching provided by our preaching pastors.

Each week we’ll be providing a suggested schedule for working through a passage slowly (15 minutes a day). You’ll need a Bible and a notebook or blank paper to record your observations.

WEEKLY READING PLAN :: ESTHER 3:1-15

Esther Devotional Printable PDF

Read & Reflect on Esther 3:1-6

CHARACTERS AND CONFLICT: The first six verses of this chapter introduce Haman (the antagonist) and begin the conflict which form the main storyline of this book.
List what you learn about Haman in these verses.
  • His position, his nationality, his character
Read 1 Samuel 15:1-9, 32-33 for information regarding Haman’s lineage.
  • What might a descendant of King Agag hold against the people of Israel (the Jews)?
Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication:
  • What can you praise God for today?
  • What thoughts / attitudes / actions might you need to confess to God today?
  • What will you ask God for today?

Read & Reflect on Esther 3:1-6

CHARACTERS AND CONFLICT CONTINUED: List what new facts you learn about Mordecai in these verses.
  • Note what the narrator tells us in Esther 3:4, and compare this information with what the narrator says in Esther 2:10 and 2:20.
  • Does the discrepancy between Mordecai’s instructions towards Esther and his own behaviour give you any additional insight into Mordecai’s character?
Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication:
  • What can you praise God for today?
  • What thoughts / attitudes / actions might you need to confess to God today?
  • What will you ask God for today?

Read & Reflect on Esther 3:7-15

THE CONFLICT CONTINUED: Write down everything you learn about Haman’s plans.
  • When does he approach the king? (compare this with Esther 1:3 and Esther 2:16 to see how much time has gone by in the story so far.)
  • What plan of action does he put in place?
  • What ‘reward’ does the king receive for going along with his plan of action?
  • When is the decree written? When will it be enacted?
Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication:
  • What can you praise God for today?
  • What thoughts / attitudes / actions might you need to confess to God today?
  • What will you ask God for today?

Read & Reflect on Esther 3:7-15

THE CHARACTERS CONTINUED:
Write down everything you learn about both Haman and the King
  • Their actions, their attitudes, and their apparent motivations
How do the people in Susa respond to this edict?
Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication:
  • What can you praise God for today?
  • What thoughts / attitudes / actions might you need to confess to God today?
  • What will you ask God for today?

Read & Reflect on Esther 3:1-15

REFLECT ON THE CHARACTERS:

Haman is potentially motivated by racism (He is descendant of King Agag, who was an enemy of Israel).  He is easily offended and decides to take out his anger on an entire group instead of confronting the one person who offended him. He is calculating and crafty.

The King appears to be gullible, lazy, and motivated by money, while disregarding the impact of his decisions on people’s lives. He doesn’t think for himself, but is easily influenced by Haman.

Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman and defies government orders. The narrator doesn’t divulge Mordecai’s motivations, although he hints that his actions may be related to his Jewish beliefs.

  • Do you see any of these positive or negative attributes in yourself? 
  • Does reflecting on these characters help you see any of your own blind spots that you might need to confess, or give you ideas of what you can ask God for as he shapes your character?
Pray in Adoration / Confession / Supplication:
  • What can you praise God for today?
  • What thoughts / attitudes / actions might you need to confess to God today?
  • What will you ask God for today?