April 27, 2023

WHO KNOWS?

Esther 4:13-16

And Mordecai said to Hathach, “Go and say to Esther, ‘Do not say to yourself that you alone will be saved in the kingdom apart from all the other Jews. For if you choose not to heed this request at this time, help and deliverance for the Jews will arise elsewhere, but you and your father's house will perish. Besides, who knows whether it is for this occasion you reign as queen?’ ” Then Esther dispatched the one who came to her to Mordecai, saying, “Go and assemble together the Jews in Susa. Fast for me; do not eat or drink for three full days and three full nights. I and my maids will also fast. Then I will go to the king, contrary to the law, even if I am to perish.”

Personal Challenge

This story about Esther is such an important one for all of us who proclaim to be followers of Christ to be aware of. In a nutshell, Haman, a person high up in the court of King Artexerxes, had just convinced the king to make a decree to kill all of the Jews in his kingdom. Haman hated the Jews, especially Mordecai, who also had a presence in the king's court. What Haman did not know was that Queen Esther was not only a Jew, but Mordecai's niece. Now come to this passage and we see Mordecai asking Esther to go to the king on behalf of the Jews. There is one "small" problem. Anyone that sought the presence of the king without him first asking for it, was subject to being put to death. This was a heavy penalty. The power of this passage is both Mordecai and Esther recognizing that God always orchestrates things so that His will is accomplished, but He never forces anyone to do what He wants. We must always look for God's work in our lives and wonder if we are in our current situation so that He can use us and always be ready to answer "Yes!" when He calls. Glory be to God.