Esther.4

Esther, For Such a Time as This

Bible Passage: Esther 4:1–3, Esther 4:4–5, Esther 4:6–11, Esther 4:12–14, Esther 4:15–17

Summary: Esther's response to Mordecai highlights her journey from fear to courage as she learns to embrace her role in God's plan for her people amidst adversity.

Application: For the believer God is always working behind the scene. It is His plan and good pleasure we are working out. No matter what things may look like remain faithful and watch God work. It may take any length of time, but it is always the work of God.

1. Mordecai's Bitter Cry

Esther 4:1–3 “When Mordecai learned all that had happened, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city. He cried out with a loud and bitter cry. 2 He went as far as the front of the king’s gate, for no one might enter the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth. 3 And in every province where the king’s command and decree arrived, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.”

Mordecai's grief and public mourning for the situation.

It would seem Mordecai had caused all this. Why was he crying, and mourning. For whom or what?

It is of interest to note that God’s name is not mentioned in the entire Book of Esther. He is “invisible”, “absent”, “working behind the scenes”.

Even if His name is not mentioned, He is always in control and working to deliver His people.

Einstein’ quote on coincidence, “Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous” When was the last time a coincidence made you smile? - How often do we overlook divine surprises?

2. Esther's Compassion Leads to Courage

Esther 4:4–5 “So Esther’s maids and eunuchs came and told her, and the queen was deeply distressed. Then she sent garments to clothe Mordecai and take his sackcloth away from him, but he would not accept them. 5 Then Esther called Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs whom he had appointed to attend her, and she gave him a command concerning Mordecai, to learn what and why this was.”

Esther's initial confusion and concern for Mordecai showcases her caring character even before her courageous decision. These verses suggest that compassion can be the first step towards courage. Esther seeks to understand the predicament and direct communication is established, paving the way for her commitment to act.

Matthew 9:36 “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” Stepping out in courage often begins by simply opening our hearts to those who need help.

Every Good Samaritan in society doesn’t wake up and say today I’m going to be a hero. They are usually average and quiet, but often a challenging situation leads them down the path that results in great courage.

3. Esther's Hesitation

Esther 4:6–11 “So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square that was in front of the king’s gate. 7 And Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king’s treasuries to destroy the Jews. 8 He also gave him a copy of the written decree for their destruction, which was given at Shushan, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her, and that he might command her to go in to the king to make supplication to him and plead before him for her people. 9 So Hathach returned and told Esther the words of Mordecai. 10 Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave him a command for Mordecai: 11 “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days.””

Esther's apprehension in responding to Mordecai’s request is honest. She weighs the risk of approaching the king uninvited.

This hesitation is a relatable human moment, yet it serves as a prelude to courage. Fear is a part of the process leading to courageous faith. Hesitance can lead to greater trust in God's provision.

Remember the day you learned to dive into the pool. In might have seemed like a long time you stood there looking at the deep end before you took the leap of faith. It wasn’t until after you overcame your hesitation that you learned to enjoy diving. By the end of summer you were an accomplished diver.

It is said, “only a fool rushes in’, but the need was dire. Esther stood at the edge of history and needed a bit of encouragement.

Doctrine of Fool and His Words: Pr 19:2 Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet.

Pr 29:20 Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Pr 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

Pr 14:29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly.

James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

Pr 18:13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.

Eccles 5:2 Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few.

Pr 14:15 The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.

We have a throne of grace (Heb 4:16)

4. Mordecai's Humble Encouragement - “For Such a Time as This”

Esther 4:12–14 “So they told Mordecai Esther’s words. 13 And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?””

James 4:17 “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

Silence can be a sin. Esther was challenged to speak out. Mordecai knows that God could and would raise up help from another source. God’s people will be delivered, but Esther may not.

Mordecai issues a challenge to Esther, urging her to recognize her divine placement 'for such a time as this.' Mordecai's faith in God's sovereignty and his plea for Esther’s intervention inspired a pivotal decision.

We are not helplessly drifting as believers. God has a plan. “Bóg ma plan”. We need to see our life's situations as opportunities for God’s work. We often forget that God equips us with abilities and provisions even though we may feel we lack them.

5. Esther's Response - “If I Perish, I Perish!”

Esther 4:15–17 “Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” 17 So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him.”

Let’s reflect on Esther's resolve as she calls for a fast, demonstrating her submission to God and preparation for action. Fasting is clearing your mind to receive from God. It is a denial of carnal desires and a grasping for divine thoughts. Fasting represents her desire to be centered in God's will. She wanted wisdom, strength and clarity. Esther’s courage mirrors Christ’s decisiveness in face of sacrifice, suggesting that we too can courageously obey God's call, trusting in His divine purpose. And resting in Him for the results.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a pastor in Nazi Germany who was martyred before the end of the war. He wrote the book, “The Cost of Discipleship”. He bravely made this declaration, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him, ‘come and die’”. It defines our willingness to pick up our cross. Sometimes the path of discipleship is perilous.

This is the pivot of the Book of Esther. It is here that good overcomes evil and God is revealed as the Deliverer.