Reading through Esther has lead to some comparisons to what is going on in the world today. Little by little Christians are being silenced either by choice or force, choosing to renounce conviction for convenience, choosing what they think is “best for mankind!” But forgetting the Man who died for mankind. In Esther 3-4 Haman is angered that Mordecai will not bow to him. Haman then sends out a decree to have the Jews destroyed.
“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.” vs.1
Soon after Esther would learn of this decree that had went out and she became deeply distressed. Mordecai then told one of Esther’s eunuchs to go and deliver a message to her…
“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. 8He 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.”
The penalty for going into the inner court before the king was death!This was Esthers reply back to Mordecai- I will die if I enter the inner court uninvited. Mordecai’s response was so assured in the promise of his Lord.
“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?”
Mordecai Knew that the Lord would deliver him and the Jews out of this time of trouble. But Esther was not to certain- she was already claiming that she would perish, and that if she did, that would be just that. But, Mordecai knew that relief and deliverance would come! And it did!
So, as there are thing’s going around in the world that are set as decrees to make things better or bring change. just because someone says I’m going to bring change doesn’t mean it’s a good thing
“For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3-6
Let us be cautious and watchful for those thing’s that try to creep in. Not only concerning world issues, but also in our personal lives and with our church families. We should always strive for unity within the body of Christ! Are we weeping as Mordecai did when he learned of the fate of his people? We are here to pray and make a stand and be set apart – “for such a time as this!” I am needing and wanting to walk in this more and more, let’s do it together!
Much love!
Amber Jade 