TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”
Esther 4:13-16
DEVOTIONAL
by Marian L. Ang
The passage today centers on Queen Esther, who was nestled safely in the palace of King Xerxes. She could have minded her own business and left the Jews to perish. However, Queen Esther chose to risk her own life to defend the Jews and foil the evil plot of Haman. Queen Esther began a prayer and fasting campaign for God to intervene on behalf of His people. As a result, Haman was hung on the very gallows that he had constructed for Mordecai.
Because Mordecai and Esther dared to risk their own comfort to get involved in exposing evil and defending the innocent, God honored their actions and courage. Queen Esther was honored in the Bible because of her prayers and bravery.
Imagine what could happen when Christians fast, pray and get involved to help people, even if it entails inconvenience, risks, danger, and sacrificial giving of time and service! I am not suggesting that we meddle in the domestic affairs of other people or that we try to poke our fingers in things that do not concern us. But when we are indifferent to the injustice, unrighteousness, evil, and wickedness that we see around us, we relinquish our role as Christians to make a difference in this world. Who knows we have come to our position and influence for such a time as this?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, inspire us to follow the courageous example of Esther and Mordecai, who risked their comfort and safety to defend the innocent and stand against evil. Grant us the strength to engage in prayer, fasting, and actions that positively impact those in need. Help us to recognize the opportunities You have placed before us and empower us to fulfill our purpose in making a difference for such a time as this, in Jesus’ name, amen.
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