Purpose Driven Classroom

The purpose of this blog is to encourage Christian Educators to recognize their high calling as a teacher. We will be studying the Book of Esther for the next few months. Join us for this ten part study and don't forget to comment on how you think this applies to the classroom. May God help you to see your purpose for Him as a missionary in our schools in America.

The Book of Esther - Part 6 of 11

The Book of Esther
"For such as time as this"
Chapter 5

Esther was a huge risk taker.  Did you know that most people cannot imagine how we walk into classrooms everyday?  Many would consider it just too much of a risk. However, as a Christian Educator, you walk into the classroom empowered by the Truth, the Life and the Way.  Like Esther, once you really understand that you have been purposed “for such a time as this.” the risk does not go away, it becomes purpose. In Chapter 5, Esther risks her life to go before the king and he grants her favor.  He was delighted to see her and was willing to grant her anything she wanted - up to half his kingdom.  Now that’s favor!  What really impresses me is how Esther begins her request to the king (even though she knew he would give her just about anything).  Esther said, “If it pleases the king…..”  She asked if the king would consider granting her request at a dinner that she had prepared. The king quickly called Haman and they went to the dinner with Esther.  The king again asked her how he could grant her request and she asked if they could attend a dinner that she would prepare the next day. How clever.  She had his compete attention and his desire to give her anything and yet she delayed gratification and bought some time.  What did she do during this time? It is never said, but since we know that she and the Jews prayed and fasted before she went into the king, I am imagining that she prayed for wisdom and the right way to approach the king about Haman.  He walked away all puffed up and continued his devious plans to get rid of Mordecai and the Jews.  Esther was able to win the king’s favor and probably peaked his curiosity.  This is quite an example in our classrooms.

Very often we are called to present ideas, purpose change or to mediate peace on our campuses.  As Christian Educators, it is very important that we have a biblical worldview when we enter the presence of the king.  In our environments, it is most likely the principal to whom we will address our requests and concerns.  Have you ever thought about beginning the conversation with, “If it pleases you, I would like to…….” or “If it pleases you, would you consider…….” Esther’s approach to the king is an amazing model for important requests to authorities over us.  It would also be an excellent idea to delay the request a bit also.  Like Esther, it would lay the groundwork, give you some time to pray about the matter as you petition God for wisdom and favor in the “kings” eyes.  My husband always reminds me to “keep them wanting more.”  What better way is there to request an future audience in order to have the full attention of the one from whom you are making the request.  This diffuses any emotions and gives dignity to the conversation.  Depending on the importance of the request, consider a dinner.  There are very few times that I ever invited an administrator out to dinner, but one time in particular, I had a request of my principal and over a quiet dinner, we shared many family, school and success stories and then I made my request.  Later, she told me that she was so relieved that it wasn’t something more serious that she was so happy to grant my petition. Special time with special people can only be a benefit.  Guard those opportunities to represent our Lord, particularly with those who are in authority over you and try beginning your requests in the manner of Esther, “If it pleases you…..”

Please read Chapter 6 for next time! Don’t be shy. You can enrich this study with your own voice in the comment section.

As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

Karen

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