Resurrection/Alliance Baptist Church

Read: Esther 4:1-17

TODAY IN THE WORD

Throughout history in Scripture, God raised up nations and rulers to accomplish His will. He used Egypt to provide for Jacob’s family during famine, and used Moses to rescue the Israelites from oppression in Egypt. The prophet Habakkuk puzzled over the power of Babylon to destroy Judah, but the Lord assured him that Babylon was His tool of judgment and they too would receive His judgment at the hands of the Persians.

We'’ve seen how the godly king Josiah delayed God’s judgment on Judah through his repentance and desire to obey the Law. Today we read about the young Jewish girl Esther, who became Queen of Persia at a time when the Jews faced annihilation.

Our reading opens with Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, publicly bewailing the edict to destroy the Jews signed by the king of Persia at the urging of Haman. Esther, who seemed not to know of the edict, tried to cheer up Mordecai, until he informed her of what was about to happen.

Mordecai urged Esther “to go into the king’s presence to beg for money and plead with him for her people” (v. 8). Esther reminded him that being queen didn’t entitle her to an audience with the king. In fact, entering the king’s presence unbidden was a suicide mission (v. 11). Mordecai responded that inaction was also tantamount to suicide; her position as queen would not save her from the destruction to be unleashed on the Jews (v. 13).

Next, Mordecai revealed the heart of his faith: he believed that God would bring salvation in some way for the Jews, but he also believed that Esther was in her position for a reason. Esther, in great faith, was willing to accept the challenge and act boldly for her people; she requested that Mordecai and the Jews in the capital city fast, and then she would risk her life and go before the king. As the rest of the book of Esther recounts, the faith of Mordecai and Esther was validated as Esther’s actions resulted in protection for the Jews in Persia.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews was rooted in his jealousy of Mordecai (see Esther 3). We’ve seen other accounts of jealousy leading to great sin and destruction. Today, ask the Holy Spirit to weed out any roots of jealousy in your heart. Surrender your desire to advance yourself—whether it’s financial advantage, reputation, or a promotion—and seek to serve others. As Haman learned, attempts to elevate ourselves end up destroying us, but selfless actions like that of Esther will win the reward of God’s blessing.