Have you ever felt as distressed as Mordecai and all the Jews? Things may have gotten really bad but I can't imagine any of us have even thought of having to deal with someone scheduling your annihilation. No wonder they mourned, ripped their clothes and wore sack clothe and ashes. I can only imagine how scary that must have been. However, this chapter, under all the doom and gloom, is underlined with hope...
Mordecai believed the Jews could be saved. Esther may have been in a royal position for such a time as this. I think it is interesting that Esther had to be told by Mordecai what was happening. That just shows us how sheltered her life was and also the distance she had from the king and the city.
Esther knew the consequences of approaching the king could be death. I love her wisdom in having Mordecai, all the Jews and even herself and her maids fast. There could have been no better plan to do in the midst of such an important decision. Really a life altering or possibly ending decision. What a great example for us to remember to fast and pray when we have something important going on and need to hear from the Lord. There is no better way than to thirst and hunger for the Lord 's direction in our lives.
This chapter eludes to God. Verse 14 says " For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place," That "other" place is God. Mordecai knew the Lord would deliver his people as He has always done.
Has the Lord delivered you from a bad situation? from destruction? from the darkest time in your life? He is so faithful and even if right now happens to be one of those dark times, don't forget that He is faithful. He is good ALL the time and He loves you more than anything. Cry out to Him and He will give rest, as well as the answer or help you need.
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Susan Said: Somewhere I read that when the Jews fasted that meant that they also were praying. I liked that they immediately went into fasting and "prayer". And that Esther did as well, asking them to fast and pray with her and her servants. Wow!
ReplyDeleteMy sentiments exactly Susan. She knew what her fate could be to go before the king, but she knew going before the lord in prayer will show her guidance in how to go before the king.
ReplyDeleteEsther is one of my favorite woman characters in the bible. Not only was she beautiful, but she knew the scripture, which means she was smart, and she was very brave. Fasting seems to be dying away in the church of today. It is sad to me because fasting has really changed my life, as well as my family's life. When we fast and pray, and even tithe, we get God's attention in a mighty way. I never want to be a believer that says what if. What if I only would have prayed or what if I would have fasted for my kids when they were little. We all need to go to God and ask, Lord what are the sacrifices you want me to make in order for you to move on my behalf or my family's behalf or someone in our church body. Esther was bold and God moved on her behalf!!
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