Week 2
Esther would be considered one of the more fortunate Israelites while living in exile in Babylon.
After the Persians conquered the Babylonians, Esther was made a Queen for the new King
Xerxes. She would have had a prosperous life living in the palace. Yet, keeping her Israelite
traditions would be difficult to do in the palace. Unfortunately, the difficulties were going to
become much worse.
Her cousin, Mordecai, became the target of an important official in the King’s court. He was jealous of Mordecai and planned to not only have him hanged, but to wipe out the entire Israelite people. The king agreed to it. Mordecai asked Esther to go to the King to plead not only Mordecai’s case, but for all their people. The King did not know that Esther was an Israelite, and he had not called for her. Esther was afraid for her own life. If she approached the King without his permission, he could have her put to death. This is what Mordecai said to Esther.
Her cousin, Mordecai, became the target of an important official in the King’s court. He was jealous of Mordecai and planned to not only have him hanged, but to wipe out the entire Israelite people. The king agreed to it. Mordecai asked Esther to go to the King to plead not only Mordecai’s case, but for all their people. The King did not know that Esther was an Israelite, and he had not called for her. Esther was afraid for her own life. If she approached the King without his permission, he could have her put to death. This is what Mordecai said to Esther.
Esther 4:13-14 (NIV)
[13] he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. [14] For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”
[13] he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. [14] For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”
What would Esther do? She could die either way. To seek courage, she asked Mordecai and the
other Israelites to pray and fast with her for three days, then she would go to the King seeking
help. The King pardons Esther’s life, and also provides a way for the Israelites to protect
themselves. Esther was placed in the King’s palace for such a time as this.
Being in the Father’s house brings great blessing and joy. Yet with great blessing comes great responsibility. Why are you placed where you are right now – for such a time as this – in your home, work, school, and community? You are there for a reason, and God can use you right now. You may end up in a different place in the future, yet God can use you right now where you are. How is God calling you today?
Time of Prayer:
1) 1 min – What is God saying to me through this devotional?
2) 1 min – What am I going to do about it?
3) 1 min – What do I want to say to God?
4) 2 min – Listen for what God wants to say to you now.
Being in the Father’s house brings great blessing and joy. Yet with great blessing comes great responsibility. Why are you placed where you are right now – for such a time as this – in your home, work, school, and community? You are there for a reason, and God can use you right now. You may end up in a different place in the future, yet God can use you right now where you are. How is God calling you today?
Time of Prayer:
1) 1 min – What is God saying to me through this devotional?
2) 1 min – What am I going to do about it?
3) 1 min – What do I want to say to God?
4) 2 min – Listen for what God wants to say to you now.