When Queen Esther was challenged by Mordecai to speak to king Ahasuerus on behalf of her people the Jews, I do not believe he expected the resolute response he received. According to the narrative, “Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, ‘Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish'” (Esther 4:15-16, KJV). In other words, bolstered by three days of fasting by the Jews, she would put her life at risk for an audience with her husband the king.
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There are a number of lessons to be gleaned from the text and one that stands out is the determination to what is right in spite of the cost. Back in the day it was not lawful for the queen to appear before the king on such matters, yet Esther realized that Mordecai was right. Her place as queen, replacing Vashti who had displeased the king (Chapter 2), was divinely orchestrated “for such a time as this” (3:14). Nothing happens by chance in the life of the child of God. Even if we find ourselves in places and positions that are not to our liking, let us not forget that God may have placed us there for a reason. As Christ’s ambassadors we are called upon to represent Him everywhere and doing so is the highest possible calling. Â With that comes great responsibility (see Ephesians 4:1-2). Everyone around us may be doing the questionable thing, but we are called upon to do what is right, regardless of the cost. Esther resolved, “If I perish, I perish,” but she would see the king.Â
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Today’s believers are called upon to show the same resolve in standing for the cause of Christ and fellow Christians everywhere. We do not have the luxury of sitting back and being indifferent. In our respective spheres of influence, God expects us to stand up for what is right, to speak up on behalf of those who are oppressed, and more importantly, to be bearers of the good news no matter the cost.
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What is it that you are being called upon to do?
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