Return from Exile: Esther 1-5 (5)

Pray Psalm 52.1, 2.
Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man?
The goodness of God endures continually.
Your tongue devises destruction,
Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

Sing Psalm 52.1, 2.
(Warrington: Give to Our God Immortal Praise)
Why do the mighty boast in sin? God’s love endures, it knows no end!
They with their tongues vain boasts repeat, and like a razor, work deceit.

Read and meditate on Esther 4.1-17.

Preparation
1. What did Mordecai instruct Esther to do?

2. How did Esther respond?

Meditation
Mordecai’s wailing was not of remorse or regret. He was not wishing he hadn’t provoked Haman. He was lamenting the wickedness of the world against his beloved people (vv. 1, 2), and he was not alone in his weeping and wailing (v. 3). Mordecai was not ashamed or afraid to make his lamentation known publicly, and we rather suspect he hoped his cries might reach the ears of the queen.

Which they did. By the intermediary, Hathach, Esther learned what the problem was (vv. 4-8). Mordecai instructed her “to go in to the king to make supplication to him and plead before him for her people” (v. 8). She responded by saying she didn’t think that was a very good idea, indeed, that it might even be deadly (vv. 10-12). Mordecai warned her not to think she would escape this purge; and he insisted that if she did not do her part, “deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place” (v. 14)—that’s as close as the book of Esther gets to acknowledging God’s sovereign care for His people.

Mordecai asked her to consider whether she had not been set in her place for just such an occasion, to do what she could, as needed, to advance God’s plan for His people. When she considered the situation in that light, she agreed to appeal to the king, even if it meant she must die (vv. 15-17). She asked Mordecai to arrange for prayers and fasting on her behalf.

What about us? God is working a plan of deliverance for the world. He has multitudes of chosen ones yet to reclaim and restore. And He has placed each one of us in a place where we can further His plan and bring the blessings of grace to our world. Can telling others about Jesus be a little scary at times? It can. Might we not be laughed at, ridiculed, scorned, or worse? Quite possibly. But knowing that God’s promises can never fail, that He is with us always, and that we have been placed where we are for such a time as this, let us not hesitate to obey the Lord, whatever the cost.

Treasures Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
Who knows? God knows that He has put each one of us in our Personal Mission Field for such a time as this (Esth. 4.14). This very time, this day, always. No one else, like Esther, can reach the people we have been called to serve. No one. We are where we are because that is exactly where God wants us to be. And we must say with Esther, “If I perish, I perish!” (Esth. 4.16).

Paul had this very same attitude about his service in the Kingdom of God. When he was told that his life was in danger, and that he would be imprisoned: What was his response? “And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20.22-24).

Circumstantially, things looked a little perilous for Esther. She was now 5 years into her marriage to the king and it seems that maybe the thrill was wearing off a bit for Ahasuerus. As she explained, “Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days” (Esth. 4. 11). God’s timing for everything is impeccable. If this had happened early on in their marriage, she would have felt confident in herself, her beauty, and the king’s desire for her. But now, she must trust God. And that is exactly where God wanted Esther to be; and us, as well. Always dependent upon Him. As Jesus said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” And Paul responded, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12.9 10).

That kind of perspective comes directly from the mind of God to ours. We cannot think those courageous thoughts on our own volition. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit to see things from God’s victorious vantage point.

Now here we all are. In our own sphere of work. Needing God’s power to overcome the obstacles in our path. But how exciting to be part of God’s wonderful plan for His world and His people; seeking the Lord’s help, and the prayer support of our fellow-travelers. We pray for them; they pray for us. And we all work.

For just such a time as this.

For reflection
1. How does Esther’s decision encourage you in your Personal Mission Field?

2. What was keeping Esther from acting at once? Do you ever experience this?

3. Whom will you encourage today with the truth of “for such a time as this”?

Having solemnly commended our souls and our cause to God, we may venture upon his service. All dangers are trifling compared with the danger of losing our souls. But the trembling sinner is often as much afraid of casting himself, without reserve, upon the Lord’s free mercy, as Esther was of coming before the king. Let him venture, as she did, with earnest prayer and supplication, and he shall fare as well and better than she did. The cause of God must prevail: we are safe in being united to it. Matthew Henry (1662-1714), Commentary on Esther 4.1-17

Pray Psalm 52.3-9.
Pray for believers who are being persecuted, that God will protect and keep them, shame and foil their persecutors, and make Himself and His glory known in the midst of their trials.

Sing Psalm 52.3-9.
(Warrington: Give to Our God Immortal Praise)
Men more than good in evil delight, and lies prefer to what is right.
They utter words, both harsh and strong, with their devouring, deceitful tongue.

God will forever break them down, uproot, and cast them to the ground!
He from their safety tears them away, no more to know the light of day.

The righteous see and laugh and fear, and say, “Behold, what have we here?
Such are all who at God conspire, and wealth and evil ways desire.”

But as for me may I be seen in God an olive ever green!
Ever in God, most kind and just, shall I with joy and gladness trust!

Thanks evermore to our Savior be raised! His faithfulness be ever praised!
Here with Your people, loving God, I wait upon Your Name, so good!

Two books can help us understand our own captivity and lead us to seek revival and renewal in the Lord. The Church Captive asks us to consider the ways the Church today has become captive to the world. And Revived! can help us find the way to renewal. Learn more and order your free copies by clicking here and here.

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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (Williston: Waxed Tablet Publications, 2006), available free by clicking here.