Women of the Bible Series: Esther

Women of the Bible Series

Esther (Esther 4:13-16)

Esther 4:13-16, “Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”

We see Mordecai’s charge to Esther. Mordecai tells Esther that although she is in the king’s house, she should not feel safe from this decree to exterminate all Jews. In other words, he was telling her that although she is queen, she is still a Jew. He tells her that she and her father’s house will be destroyed. If Esther hesitated too long, she might lose out on her providential moment. Mordecai's message was urgent and procrastination could mean the death of Esther, her family, and the nation of Israel. It was vital that Esther learn there is no time like the present.

Mordecai believed that it was God’s purpose to use Esther to save Israel and that she had become queen for this very reason. However, Mordecai knew that Esther could miss being used at her most important time if she did not do her part in God’s plan. If she refused to help the Jews, she too would perish. Even though God has all power and authority to do as He chooses, His highest purposes most often include much human involvement and responsibility. This passage reveals the book’s basic message: God is involved in world events in order to save His people from its evil so that He can accomplish his purpose of bringing spiritually lost people into a relationship with Himself. God can give ordinary people extraordinary influence at just the right time. God knows how to accomplish great things. All followers of Christ must remember that God is active in the events that surround our lives in order to protect us, work through us, bless us and bring us to be with Him forever. Esther was willing to give her life in an attempt to save her people. She would do what was right and trust the outcome to God.

Mordecai had confidence in an unstoppable God. Mordecai saw the possibility of God using Esther to deliver the Jews. This could only happen if she was willing to have enough faith in God to risk all, even her own life. Mordecai encouraged Esther with these words, “For such a time as this”. This was Esther’s opportunity to do something great for God. Mordecai was certain and confident of deliverance by the Lord.

This was Esther’s one opportunity in life to make a difference. In Esther 4:16, she stated, “if I perish, I perish”. Esther had an attitude of submission to a mission. Her attitude was that if she died, then she died. She was willing to die doing the right thing and trying to make a difference. If she died, she was going to die promoting the truth, and die trying to salvage her people. She was willing to give her life to fulfill it. She was determined to fulfill God’s will for her life even if it meant giving her life. God's grace has no time limit, but God does have a very definite timeline. He has a plan for the work that must be done in each of us.

Esther’s instructions were to fast for three days and then she would go the king. Researchers have studied the effects of prayer for decades, and one of the more interesting aspects is its influence on human emotion. There is mounting evidence that prayer helps people become more forgiving, especially towards people they are praying for. Another great quality that people can benefit from prayer is that of self-control. People who spend time in prayer are more likely to keep a cool head when faced with anger inciting situation.

Esther chose to abandon her place of comfort and safety for the sake of the lives of others, embracing the divine appointment God had scheduled for her. Esther had a challenge before her and wisely she entered the throne of the Lord with her dilemma. Not only was it forbidden to approach the palace where the king was without an invitation from him, she could have been executed for such an act. Due to the urgency of the situation, she was willing to take this risk; but not without fasting and praying. Prayer strengthened Esther and gave her wisdom to save her people. With courage, she boldly advanced and demonstrated how the Lord would be with His children every step of the way when they are doing His will. Are you facing an intimidating incident? Remember Philippians 4:6-7, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Point to Ponder:
Don’t miss your window of opportunity.
You can be confident that nothing can stop God from loving you (Romans 8:38-39).
God not only had a "such a time as this" moment for Esther's life, but He has a plan for your life as well.

Question to Consider:
Is God calling you to show courage right now?
How will you answer the call?
Are we willing to give our life over to fulfilling the Lord’s will?

PRAYER: Almighty Father, thank You that You are always sovereign and in control. Help me to see that my life is simply a way for You to display Your glory to an unbelieving world. Forgive me for fearing what I should be turning over to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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