READ: Esther 4
The Jews
hear of the edict for their destruction and they grieve. Imagine the death
sentence! Being told that in a year you and your family and your people will be
slaughtered! When, in the first month, he cast lots to determine a date, Haman
might have been disappointed that he had to wait so long for the date of
destruction, but certainly he would have used his twelve months to prepare by trying
to turn the hearts of the Persian people against the Jews. Haman wanted a
bloodbath on the 13th day of the 12th month.
We see
now that the sovereignty and strategy of God was behind Mordecai’s earlier command
for Esther to keep quiet about her identity. Her silence has allowed her a key
position in the palace. But the time for silence is over; she must now use her
position to intercede for her people. Mordecai is adamant and convincing,
clearly anointed throughout this conversation with Esther. Though Mordecai does
not mention the name of God, His presence is clear as crystal. With extreme
faith, Mordecai declares what He knows about God – that He will always protect
a remnant of His people. He also understands that those God chooses to fulfill
His purposes will be held accountable to how they respond to His calling – he
is convinced that if Esther remains silent, she will die.
Esther,
like Joseph and Daniel before her, has been given a position of power in a
pagan society. Like Daniel, she has the opportunity to step out in courage or to
hide in a closet. She is a courageous woman and she readies herself to rise up
to the call, knowing that to appear before the king uninvited is a risk of
death itself. She calls her people to fast for her and resolves to rise up to
her calling, even if it means death.
This is
an incredibly important chapter for the church today. God is calling for
Esthers and Mordecais to rise up within their spheres of influence. None of us
is in the position we are in because God needs us and can’t find anyone else to
do our job. God doesn’t need us. God can use a donkey to fulfill his purposes –
and he did (see Numbers 22)! God has purpose for His people and He will hold us
accountable to what He calls us to; if we don’t obey, He can easily raise up
someone else, but we will miss out on the blessing that comes with our
obedience. We don’t have to be queen or king’s official to make a difference –
we can lead others wherever we are, no
matter our position.
Our
society is becoming increasingly anti-Christian. This shouldn’t surprise us;
Jesus said that the world would hate us because of Him. We cannot continue to
blend into those around us; as God’s people, we are called to be different, to
stand for what Jesus stood for, to care about what God cares about. Are you
ready to be an Esther?
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Ask
God to show you clearly what He has called you to – what He is asking of you – in
your sphere of influence (job, friendship groups, roles, etc.). Ask Him how He
wants you to walk that out, even today.
2. Are
you stepping out in boldness, or are you shirking your calling and trying to
blend into the background? Take some time to write out your fears, the things
that keep you from being bold and stepping out. Ask Jesus to take these fears
from you. Ask Him to tell you His truth about each of your fears.
3. Joseph,
Daniel and Esther were God’s people working in high places within pagan
societies. Take some time to think about the following:
a. Think
about the things they did – the decisions they made and the ways they refused
to compromise.
What
kind of suffering did they endure?
What
blessings did they receive?
What
legacy did they leave?
b. Be
inspired by these people of great courage! Ask God to give you that kind of
courage and faith. Thank God for the incomprehensible blessings that await you
in heaven.
