TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
A CUE FROM ESTHER – Pastor Chris
Go and get all the Jews living in Susa together. Fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, either day or night. I and my maids will fast with you. If you will do this, I’ll go to the king, even though it’s forbidden. If I die, I die (Esther 4:16 MSG).
In the 4th chapter of the book of Esther, we read how Esther had become queen, enjoying a wonderful life in the palace. However, she was unaware of a decree issued by Haman- a prominent but wicked figure who held a high position in King Ahasuerus’s cabinet. Haman’s plan was to exterminate the Jews, including Esther herself.
Esther’s perspective changed when her uncle, Mordecai, sent her a message to convey the dire nature of the situation. He warned her not to be complacent as she herself, despite being queen, wouldn’t be spared should Haman execute his wicked plan.
Here was Mordecai’s thought-provoking question to Esther, “and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Perhaps, Esther had been divinely positioned in the palace to make a difference at that critical moment. She decided to take advantage of it and do something that’ll save her people.
She decided to go before the king to intercede for her people even though it was against the law and carried the risk of death. I love her resolve; she said, “..if I perish, I perish.” In other words, “I’m going ahead with this, even if it’s going to cost me my life.” That was the moment she won!
There comes a pivotal moment when you must make crucial decisions about the Gospel and your role in it, just like Esther. Until you learn to make such decisions, fear may keep you in bondage. It’s in those moments that fear must not hold you back.
Irrespective of the daunting challenges and the imminent perils or danger, stand your ground on the truth of God’s Word. Recognize and take advantage of God’s grace in you to win for others. Have the courage to act on the truth. Make bold choices, and be willing to face anything in pursuit of what is right. Hallelujah!
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PRAYER: Dear Father, I thank you for the doors of opportunity you’ve opened for me to make a difference in this world and win for others. I acknowledge and embrace the abundant grace you’ve bestowed upon me to lead others in victory and fulfil their purpose in life and ministry, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 15:1 We who are strong [in our convictions and of robust faith] ought to bear with the failings and the frailties and the tender scruples of the weak; [we ought to help carry the doubts and qualms of others] and not to please ourselves.
Esther 4:14-16 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion? 15 Then Esther told them to give this answer to Mordecai, 16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast for me; and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I also and my maids will fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 & Ecclesiastes 1-2
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 22:35-43 & 1 Samuel 31
