Be Careful What You Wish For

Esther 5.

We finished chapter four with a challenging proposal from Mordecai to Esther-

“ ...Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

And Esther’s response-

“...I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

As we begin chapter five, an OT mirror image of the coming actions of Esther and the ultimate act of courage and sacrifice by Jesus Christ.

Esther approached the earthly throne of her king to plead for the lives of her people.

Her actions put into motion the deliverance of the Jews in the Persian Empire.

Jesus, through His death on the cross, resurrection and return to Heaven-

Approached the Heavenly Throne of God the Father

Bringing a lasting opportunity for eternal salvation for all of mankind.

In Summary-

Esther now approaches King Xerxes to set in motion a plan to trap and expose Haman and his evil plot of genocide against the Jewish exiles.

So much of Persian pageantry circles around large feasts and banquets-

Esther uses this cultural norm to put her plan in motion.

Using the pride and ego’s of both Xerxes and Haman to expose the plot against her people.

Esther’s plan and approach to Xerxes is an excellent study that emphasizes the importance of using Godly discernment and trust in God’s timing and sovereign plan-

Instead of just plunging ahead towards what might seem to be the right thing to do in the moment.

Scripture is replete with both good and bad examples of this-

In 1 Samuel 8, the Israelites wished for a king to lead them, desiring to be like other nations.

God granted their request, but the consequence was heavy- the king would impose taxes, take their sons and daughters for his service, and they would ultimately regret their choice.

This story serves as a solemn reminder that our desires can lead to significant consequences, urging us to reflect carefully on what we wish for in life.

In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the younger son wishes for his inheritance early, eager to live a life of indulgence.

His wish leads him to squander everything and face dire consequences.

When he returns to his father, he learns the value of humility and repentance.

This story highlights the dangers of pursuing our desires without considering the potential fallout, reinforcing the importance of discernment in our wishes.

1- Boldness and Bravery

Esther 5:1–2 ESV

On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in front of the king’s quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

We left chapter 4, with much unresolved tension.

Chapter 5 now begins to solve some of that tension-

While still having much uncertainty packed into every step.

Much of the remaining tension can be found in the fact that-

For all the good intentions by Esther and Mordecai-

Success is in no way guaranteed.

Dressed for success has become a buzzword-

But Esther had it down perfect.

Because of the potential for catastrophe-

Esther does everything she can to avoid a conflict with King Xerxes.

Presenting herself as desirable as possible AND positioning herself close enough to the King to get his attention-

But not so close as to violate palace protocol.

This is quite literally the do or die moment of the story-

The moment she was observed by the palace guard

Everyone in the throne room would be on alert and all eyes fixed on the king.

Mercy and Esther’s life were in the hands of Xerxes.

All he had to do was glance away and Esther’s fate would be sealed.

The outcome hangs on the phrase-

“When the King saw Esther standing in the court...”

God melted Xerxes heart and Esther found favor in his sight.

Extending the royal sceptre towards her was the kings gesture of acceptance.

Following very strict protocol, Esther stepped forward and touched the tip of the sceptre.

Esther was not only accepted, but welcomed warmly by the king.

Esther spent 3 days preparing herself, spiritually, for this moment.

Giving us an example of how seek our our own spiritual guidance before acting on important decisions.

Our priority in this must always be-

To ensure that we are not only in God’s will

But in His right timing as well.

When we can align our lives on those two foundations-

We can see dynamic things happen for God’s glory.

2- An Invitation With a Twist.

Esther 5:3–8 ESV

And the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.” And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.” Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, so that we may do as Esther has asked.” So the king and Haman came to the feast that Esther had prepared. And as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king said to Esther, “What is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled Then Esther answered, “My wish and my request is- If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my wish and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come to the feast that I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.”

Gaining an audience with the king is but the first step-

In a society draped in protocol and prestige-

Proper decorum must still be maintained.

Many a modern, well meaning missionary outreach venture have failed to succeed just on the inability to follow proper cultural sensitivities.

It is good for Christians today to always be aware of the context in which we may find ourselves in.

Esther keeps her wits about her throughout-

Instead of simply diving in to