Bible Poetry Reading Plan: Ecclesiastes 11-12
Esther 7:3-4a (NIV); Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it
pleases your majesty, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request.
For I and my people have been sold for destruction and slaughter and annihilation.”
Esther is known throughout history as the brave queen who risked her life to save the Jewish people.
The events surrounding her story describe an impending holocaust for the Jews; Haman wanted to
see the destruction of the entire race.
Esther was a beautiful woman and it was this trait that God used to gain her a favourable position
in the palace as queen. When Esther’s cousin Mordecai hears of Haman’s wicked plot he entreats
Esther to go before the king and make a case for her people. She is afraid of being killed but
Mordecai’s response is persuasive: “Do not think that you’ll be safe in the palace!” he says, “You are a
Jew like the rest of us. If you do not do this, God will deliver us another way, but you will die. And who
knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” This is convincing enough
for Esther and she calls the Jews to fast for three days after which she will appear before the king.
Her infamous words: “And if I perish, I perish.” Empowered by the Spirit she finds favour with the king
and the Jewish people are saved from destruction.
Mordecai’s words were inspired and they teach a valuable lesson: God is sovereign and His will
will be accomplished; His plans will succeed; His promises will be fulfilled. His desire was to use
Esther, but had she backed down help would have come through another avenue. His will was for His
people to be saved and because Esther submitted herself to God she became an active ingredient
in the fulfillment of His will. God wants to use us to accomplish His will. If we refuse, it will still be
accomplished but we will miss out on the blessing.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask God to point out an area of your heart where your will differs from His will. How can you
submit your will to His today?
2. God will often ask us to do things that cause us to go out of our comfort zone. If we are not
feeling challenged it could be that we’ve gotten lazy in listening prayer or in obedience. Ask God
how He wants to challenge you today.
