In the last devotional, I shared about Jezebel’s selfishness and the fact that she was willing to go to great lengths to accomplish her wicked schemes. She did not shy away from accusing, bullying, and destroying those who were obstacles to her whims. She was a selfish woman with an insatiable desire to be in control!
In this devotional, I will share about Esther who was humble and selfless and was willing to risk her life to save her people!
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. 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?”
Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: “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!” Esther 4:13-16
Esther had humble beginnings. She was raised by her cousin Mordecai because Esther had lost her parents at a young age. The scripture does not indicate that she grew up in wealth or status, but this young lady grew up as a woman of character and honor. She knew how to listen to the advice of those in authority over her.
Esther found favor with King Ahasuerus, and he picked her to be the new Queen of Persia. Esther was kind and respectful to others, and she had the favor of those around her including the eunuch who served her. Becoming a queen didn’t make Esther heady. Her humility and love for Mordecai allowed her to remain alert and sensitive to the dangers lurking around her. When Mordecai alarmed her of the impending doom by Haman, she knew that it was time for action! She could not allow calamity to come upon her beloved Mordecai and her countrymen.
Do you have trusted people who are not afraid to tell you the truth about you and your situation?
Esther knew that her life was in danger along with the other Jews, but she took the risk to go before the King even though it was against the law. When the King saw her, he extended his scepter to her and offered her half of his kingdom! If Esther had any selfish ambition or vain conceit, this offer could have derailed her from her original plan. She could have enjoyed and relished in all that the King offered her, but she was willing to give it all up for the sake of safety and security of her people. Esther was not swayed by the King’s offer, and she continued with the strategy that God had given her.
Does wealth and status sway you to be quiet or passive? Are there areas in your life that you have been favored? Are you willing to risk your favor to advocate for others?
I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.
