Esther Series – part 14

Pastor Eric A. Green

Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape more than all the Jews.  For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish.  And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”    Esther 4:13,14

Every biblical imperative has a turning point, and that point can be capsulated in one word – “if”.  Esther stood at the crossroads of her life and the lives of her people, and her purpose would only be realized if she obeyed the voice of Mordecai. 

The “if” principle is true for every saint.  You see, the blood of the precious Lamb of God saves us in order that we live righteously before God and the world.  We must declare His praises boldly and take the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the world so that others may come into the heavenly family.  Our Christianity must be lived “out loud” so every creature can hear and be saved.  But this can only happen through us if we embrace the strict, costly terms of discipleship. 

Remember, Jesus told the rich young ruler,
“ If you want to be perfect, go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”  (Matthew 19:21)

Perhaps we preachers ought to read our congregations the small print in our “contract” with God.  This and every other invitation to walk with Jesus is preceded by “if”.  The Lord is seeking those who no longer count their own lives and aspirations dear, only His will. The pursuit of our destiny, empowerment, riches, and wealth are one day going to be tested by our willingness to lay them all down for “the least of these”.

Esther had to decide whether she was simply a Jew by birth (a fact that was still hidden), or was she a Jew in spirit. If Esther’s relationship with God was a peripheral fact, she would not feel the compulsion to put her life on the line or to intercede for her people.  But if she was related to God and her people in the spirit, she had no choice but to sacrifice her life for their sakes. 

What was true of Esther is true for us.  I pray that God doesn’t have to bring deliverance from another source, but that you and I will hear the Holy Spirit’s plea for us to lay down our prerogatives, our pursuits, and our very own lives. If we do, we will find life for many others and ourselves as well . . .  just as Esther did. 

Love and blessings,

Pastor Eric