Dangerous Calling – Esther 4:11
All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that for any man or woman who comes to the king to the inner court who is not summoned, he has but one law, that he be put to death, unless the king holds out to him the golden scepter so that he may live. And I have not been summoned to come to the king for these thirty days.
Terrified, Queen Esther send a message back to Mordecai in response to his instruction for her to plead with King Ahasuerus for her people, “You know the law. If I go before the king and do not find favor with him, I will be condemned to death.” Mordecai, her loving cousin, who had adopted her when she was orphaned, who watched over her, wishing only the best for her, offered her no reprieve. Rather, he told her, “Fulfillment of God’s good purposes does not depend on you; however, you have been given an opportunity to serve the cause of justice. Therefore, should you not use it well for your own welfare and for the welfare of your people?”[1]
By grace, Esther summoned the courage to trust God even should she die on her mission.[2] Resolute, ready to sacrifice her life if necessary, she walked boldly into danger, but she was not without a shield, for she protected herself with the prolonged, fervent, dedicated petitions offered by her people and herself.[3] She went with bravery, empowered by fasting and prayer, and she went in wisdom, for along the way from frightened girl to determined queen, she had the astuteness to develop a brilliant plan to bring down her enemy.[4]
Esther did her part, but she did not stand alone against so formidable an adversary, for God was working on her behalf. Was not the king’s sleepless night divinely ordained, and did not Esther’s Keeper direct the servant who read the chronicles to the specific passage about Mordecai’s service on the king’s behalf?[5] Surely, we do not discount these events as coincidences. Rather our faith assures us that the Lord perfectly orchestrated the opportunity for Esther to weep before the king for the lives of her people after having inclined the king’s heart toward her.[6]
Is the Lord calling you into scary territory? Do not be prideful, thinking that you are essential for the Lord to accomplish His purposes,[7] and conversely, do not miss the opportunity He offers you to be of service to Him. Rather, in humility and faith, trust the Lord to give you wisdom and provision to perform miracles as you allow Him to use you in spectacular ways.
Obey the Lord’s leading, and you,
as was Queen Esther, will be successful, coming to know light, gladness, joy,
and honor.[8]
[1] Esther 4:14
[2] Esther 4:16
[3] Ibid.
[4] Esther 5:4, 7-8, 7:3-6
[5] Esther 6:1-3
[6] Esther 8:1-8
[7] Daniel 4:35
[8] Esther 8:16
