Esther's Petition Part 2 Esther 5:8 - Equipped for Battle

There is nothing quite like a pause or a delay. Waiting is not usually one of our better traits, and as we watch this dialog between King Ahasuerus and Queen Esther we might wonder why Esther doesn't come out and ask to save her people. Patience is a virtue, and when we look into chapter five and verse eight we will find ourselves and King Ahasuerus delayed once again. We read:

If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king has said.

Let's notice the way this verse begins, “If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request,...” Esther employs the word “if” two times as she positions herself in a place of obeisance to the king. Rather than exploit her position, she humbles herself to his direction - “If I have found favor” and “if it please the king”. When we are dealing with those who have authority over us we should take a few lessons from Esther as to how to approach them.

The verse goes on to say, “let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them,...” This is yet another invitation to a banquet. As though one was not enough, Esther is willing to prepare another feast for the king and Haman. Sometimes the wheels of progress turn slowly, but they do indeed turn. Esther is wise enough to slowly place herself in a good spot for asking what she really wants. After one feast we might think the preparations for the request were enough, however, Esther thought two would be even better.

Finally we read, “and I will do to morrow as the king has said.” This is where the further delay takes place - “I will do tomorrow”. The anticipation of the king had to be growing as he wondered what Esther was going to request. King Ahasuerus was perceptive enough to know that Queen Esther had not provided her real request as yet, and he was quite willing to go along with her banquets. This further delay only heightened the anticipation that the king and Haman had as we can be sure they were thinking of all kinds of scenarios in their minds. Nonetheless, on the following day Esther promised to give her request to the king.

How are we with delay tactics? How do we feel when we are delayed? Do we grow more anxious, or do we call upon God? Do we employ delays in our actions with others, and rather than immediately comply with their desire, do we have them wait for our response? Sometimes the Lord Jesus delays His answer to us, and it makes us grow closer to Him. When we relay our desire to know from God like King Ahasuerus requested from Esther, perhaps the delay will have the same effect in us as it did in the King...he grew more and more passionate toward Queen Esther, and we will grow more and more passionate toward God.

Next time we will learn how Haman reacted to Esther's request, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Esther's Petition Part 1 Esther 5:7 - Equipped for Battle

King Ahasuerus and Haman were attending a banquet held by Queen Esther who invited each of them to come. While the festivities were being enjoyed, the king asked Queen Esther for the second time what her request of him was even up to half the kingdom. In chapter five and verse seven we see the beginning of her answer and we consider her pause. We read:

Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;

The verse begins, “Then answered Esther, and said,...” What if she didn't? What if Esther decided she was never going to answer the king's question? What if she had no regard for his desire to fulfill her wish, and she decided to keep her mouth closed? Those questions are vain because she did “answer” and she “said”. Although it is a small point, the fact that she answered became an important one. Because she answered, the process of God continued through her, and God's divine will kept going forward.

The verse continues, “My petition and my request is;” It is interesting how the division of the verses came to pass in the Bible, and this is one of those places that leaves us hanging. If we never looked at the next verse, we would forever be held in suspension and wonder as to what Esther's petition and request were. However, let's consider this for a moment. Often there is what seems to be a pause, a vacant period of time, a quiet moment, before an answer is given. Sometimes when we pray there seems to be a pause between the request and the answer. This can often leave us feeling stranded, abandoned, and we sometimes wonder if our petitions and requests are heard. One of the delightful parts to going through a study like Esther verse by verse is because we consider moments of pause like this. Esther began, “My petition and my request is;”..., and we learn the benefit of the...........pause.

Next time we will see the remainder of Esther's petition, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

What is Your Petition? Again Esther 5:6 - Equipped for Battle

King Ahasuerus and Haman were invited to a banquet hosted by Queen Esther. Although there was an edict given by the king that all the Jews throughout the kingdom were to be killed upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the well kept secret by Queen Esther that she was a Jew was unknown to both King Ahasuerus and Haman at the time. The undergirding and wisdom of Almighty God is with Esther even though He is not mentioned by name, and in chapter five and verse six we see more of how the king's question to Esther plays into His eternal plan. We read:

And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is your petition? and it shall be granted you: and what is your request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

Our verse begins, “And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is your petition? and it shall be granted:” Once again we see King Ahasuerus ask Esther for her petition, and we learn this banquet was a “banquet of wine.” We might imagine King Ahasuerus, Haman and Esther sitting together perhaps with a few servants as they dined and had beverages together, and while the festivities were in full swing the king asked Esther what she desired once again. He also confirms his wish to fulfill her desire by assuring her that it would be granted. It is almost as though he knew there was more to her request than that he and Haman attend this banquet, so he once again asked her what she really wanted. We can almost envision the king's countenance as he pleaded with Esther to make her request known.

The verse goes on to say, “and what is your request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.” As a reassurance that he was serious about making Esther's request come to pass, the king adds that he is willing to give her anything she desired up to half the kingdom. This is the second time he has offered such a gracious gift, and we might wonder what he was thinking that she could want. His vow to fulfill her request was a telling sign of how much he cared for Esther and what she desired.

Sometimes it is good for us to hear questions and vows more than once. As it was in the case of Esther, when the king asked her once again for her desire it was reassurance to her that she could get what she truly wanted which was to save her people. We must keep in mind that Almighty God is behind the scenes of this story and as Esther desires to save her people, so does He. The messiah was to come through the Jews, and these small factors within the story only enhance the plan of God to save His people. As we get closer and closer in the story when Esther asked for what she really wanted, let it be reassurance to us that we too are under the mighty hand of God, and even the repeated things are working for His purpose, plan and will in our lives.

Next time Esther will begin her answer to the king's question, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

To the Banquet Esther 5:5 - Equipped for Battle

Esther's plan was underway. She appeared before King Ahasuerus and was accepted by his outstretched scepter. She was given an opportunity to ask for anything from the king up to half the kingdom, and her request was that the king and Haman come to a banquet she prepared. In chapter five and verse five we see the king's response. We read:

Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Our verse begins, "Then the king said, "Cause Haman to make haste,..." The king quickly developed a plan after hearing Esther's request, and he immediately acted upon that plan. We can use our imaginations as see the king say to his servants, "Cause Haman to make haste." In other words, tell Haman to hurry, be quick and not to delay. The urgency of King Ahasuerus to follow Esther's words shows his anxious desire to fulfill her request.

The verse goes on to say, "that he may do as Esther has said." If we back up in our story and think about this for a moment, we might have a chuckle. Here is the king ordering Haman to follow the desires of a Jewish woman whom Haman wants to destroy. Although Haman is not aware of this yet, God Almighty is, and it is just like God to use this man's own evil ideas against him. King Ahasuerus told his servants to command Haman to hurry so he would do as Esther desired.

Finally we read, "So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared." Not only was the command given from the king to the servants to call for Haman, but the king's command was obeyed. Both the king and Haman came to the banquet, and let us note once again that Esther "prepared" it. We should note that Esther could have easily just told King Ahasuerus the situation with the order to execute the Jewish people, but she used wisdom and came up with this plan for a banquet.

When we think about this plan of Esther's, we cannot help but remember that God Almighty is governing over this whole situation. The boldness, the appeal, the wisdom, and the planning of Esther is greatly to be admired because she has been given these traits by the Heavenly Father. When we have difficult situations not even close to the one Esther had to endure, do we rely upon Almighty God for the resources and tenacity to endure or repair them? If we do, wonderful, but if we don't, let us use this story of Esther as inspiration the next time we need to "hold a banquet" for the trial we are enduring.

Next time we will see King Ahasuerus ask Esther for her petition once again, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Let Haman Come to the Banquet Esther 5:4 - Equipped for Battle

Queen Esther stood before King Ahasuerus after being accepted into his presence by his signal of the extended scepter. As they gazed into one another's eyes, the king asked Esther what she desired up to half of his kingdom. In chapter five and verse four we read Queen Esther's answer:

And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.

Our verse begins, “And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king,..” Esther very wisely entreated the king rather than directly make a request to him. She employed the word “if” which meant that he should have a choice in the matter she would present. The king could say “yes” or the king could say “no” because Esther deferred the answer to him - “If it seem good to the king”. In doing so she gave him respect and honor required of a king, and she more than likely influenced the answer he would make.

Next we see her request, “let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.” There are several things to look at in Esther's request. First, she used the word “let” which means allow, cause, certify or commission, and it once again gives the power of choice to King Ahasuerus. Secondly, she included “the king and Haman” in her invitation. She could have easily just invited the king, and it would have been quite suspicious to simply invite Haman alone. Rather than invite one of them, she invited them both. Finally Esther gave the time and purpose of the invitation - “come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.” She let the king know that there was a banquet already prepared, and now all it needed was their attendance.

Esther's request was well thought out and wisely given. Although the answer she gave the king may not have been what we would have requested, it is interesting to note Esther's answer in light of what she could have said rather than the words she used. She could have easily disregarded the king's authority and not employed the words “if”, “let”, or “come” which all denoted choice. She could have implicated Haman directly and given the real reason for her appearance straight away. No, rather, she entreated, respected, and patiently developed the beginning of her plan. Her ways were wise and without anxiousness, and because she had immersed herself in fasting before she made her appearance, her ways were no doubt directed by God Himself.

When we are before authorities, do we have the wisdom to entreat them and defer choice to them? Do we prepare in advance spiritually so that our answers are not anxious and ill-given? Are we wise enough to make preparations ahead of time to fulfill any request that we make? As we ponder this verse, perhaps our thoughts and prayers should be that the Lord Jesus will make us as wise as Esther was in this part of our story, and the next time we are before those who make decisions over us, our answers will be governed by God in the same manner as it was for her.

Next time we will see King Ahasuerus' quick response to Esther's request, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

What is Your Request? - Esther 5:3 - Equipped for Battle

As Queen Esther stood before King Ahasuerus, she touched the end of his extended golden scepter which meant she was accepted in his presence even though she entered uninvited. In chapter five and verse three we learn that as he looked upon her he asked her some important questions. We read:

Then said the king unto her, What do you wish queen Esther? and what is your request? it shall be even given you to the half of the kingdom.

Our verse begins, “Then said the king unto her, What do you wish queen Esther? and what is your request?” Let us imagine being in Esther's place for just a moment. There she stood before the raised scepter of the king, and perhaps her head was lowered and she was only looking up at him from moment to moment. As he gazes upon her and she upon him, he perceives that she has a desire, and he wants to know it. He simply asks and then repeats, what is it that you wish? We can almost hear his desire to fulfill her request even before she asks it. Let us not forget that he is the king and his resources are quite extensive. Not only is he interested in her wish, but he is more than likely able to fulfill it.

The verse goes on to say, “it shall be even given you to the half of the kingdom.” As if to encourage Queen Esther not to hold back on her request, the king offers her “up to half of the kingdom”. This is quite the offer when we think about how large the “kingdom” was. One hundred and twenty-seven provinces, palaces, riches, etc. filled the Persian Empire, and surely Esther's desire could be fulfilled by all of these. King Ahasuerus' liberality toward Esther's bold move of faith was an extensive reward compared to the manner in which he managed his former queen, Vashti, who would not appear before him even when he requested her appearance.

Jesus said in the gospel of Luke in chapter eleven and verses nine and ten:

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.

When we make an invited appearance before Jesus Christ, He not only receives us but He also asks what we desire. As an Almighty resourceful God, Jesus can fulfill any desire that we may have. Alignment with Him is our first responsibility, and after we comply with His will, we will only desire that His purposes be done. As we humbly approach our King of Kings Jesus, may He ever more extend to us His scepter of grace that we may find help in our time of need, and may we continue to discover what His purpose and will is for our lives that we will not be desirous to ask him for anything that is outside of His will.

Next time Esther will give her answer to the king, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The King Holds Out His Scepter - Esther 5:2 - Equipped for Battle

We left our story with Queen Esther making an unannounced appearance before King Ahasuerus. The bold move could cost her her life, and as she stood before him in her royal apparel her fate would now be in his hands. In chapter five and verse two we see the reaction of the king to Esther's courageous act. We read:

And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter.

Our verse begins, “And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight:” The tension for Esther must have been insurmountable. She didn't know her fate, and she didn't know if the king would accept her entrance or not. However, let's notice, “when the king saw Esther”. We should remember that Esther was chosen above all the other contestants throughout the Persian Empire to be queen. She was beautiful, and her ways were far above all the other women who appeared. When King Ahasuerus “saw” her, the natural result could be none other than that she “obtained favor in his sight”.

The verse continues, “and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand.” As a demonstration of his favor, the king made the gesture of acceptance and held out his golden scepter. We recall earlier that this was Esther's concern to Mordecai because if he did not hold out the scepter, she would be killed. This wonderful symbol of acceptance was exactly what Esther hoped for when she appeared, and this is what she was willing to risk her life to see. She must have had an overwhelming sense of relief when his scepter was held out.

Finally we read, “So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter.” We can almost picture the scene in our minds as Esther withstood a mountain of tension, found relief when King Ahasuerus holds out his golden scepter, and walked over to touch the top of it in a gesture of gratitude. The favor of the king was extended to her, and when she knew it, she desired nothing more than to draw near to him and acknowledge it. By touching the top of the scepter, Esther received the king's favor and the king received his queen.

Proverbs chapter twenty-two and verse one says:

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.

To receive the favor of the king is as wonderful as it is with anyone who has authority over us. There is no greater favor than the favor of God Almighty, and we can see His favorable hand at work in Esther's situation. Although she did not know if she had the king's favor or not, God did, and as He orchestrated His will and purpose in her situation we can be assured that He is working in ours. If we know Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we too shall receive the favor of the King of Kings, and His golden scepter will be raised toward us with His words, “Well done though good and faithful servant.” May God extend his grace to us to live to hear those words.

Next time we will see King Ahasuerus inquire of Esther and make her an offer, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Third Day Esther 5:1 - Equipped for Battle

The fasting of food and drink had begun by the Jewish people throughout the Persian empire. All who participated were denying themselves on behalf of Queen Esther who was to make an uninvited appearance before King Ahasuerus, and her life might be in jeopardy because of it. In chapter five and verse one we begin to see what happened when Esther finally appeared. We read:

Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

The verse begins, “Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel,...” As we use our imaginations to place ourselves within Esther's shoes, we might think about this moment. For three days she and her people have been fasting, and now the time for her to make her move had finally come. We imagine as she woke up that day or perhaps she didn't sleep the night before, and now she must lay aside her fasting clothes and put on her royal apparel. We can think about her mood, her thoughts, and her anxiousness as she may be dressing for her final breath. This must have been a daunting and yet purposed resolve to ready herself for her fate.

The verse continues, “and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house:” After dressing in a manner that would likely please her husband, Esther entered the inner court of the king's house which was located in front of the king's throne. Notice that she “stood” there. She entered the court, stood in her place, and waited to see what the king would do. She was in full vision of the king, and her anxiousness was probably at its peak at this point.

Finally the verse concludes, “and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.” We can imagine the king was sitting upon his royal throne in the royal house which was in front of the gate where more than likely Mordecai was outside. Perhaps the Jews were still fasting, and now the moment had arrived for which Esther had great concern. What would the king do? Would he lift his royal scepter and save her life, or would she be killed for this uninvited appearance? We shall have to wait until tomorrow's verse to discover what happened to the queen.

Next time we will see King Ahasuerus' reaction to Esther's appearance, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Mordecai Did Esther 4:17 - Equipped for Battle

As we complete the fourth chapter of the book of Esther, we have come to a pivotal point in our story. The Jews have an edict hanging over their heads that if not intervened will mean their extermination. Mordecai has commanded Esther to take action by going in before King Ahasuerus and making an appeal for their lives. Although he has warned her that neither she nor her family will escape this judgment, Esther knows that appearing before the king uninvited could cost her her life. She has requested a fast both of food and drink for three days and nights to spiritually intercede on her behalf, and she has resolved that if she perishes, she perishes. In chapter four and verse seventeen we see Mordecai's reaction to her request. We read:

So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

We see two responses from Mordecai in this verse. First, “So Mordecai went his way,...” The conversation and appeal on his part was complete, and there was no need for further discussion. His beckoning to Queen Esther no longer needed persuasion or argument, so he simply “went his way.” There is time for continuance, and there is another time for activity. Once all the dialog is finished, action is required. Although some might like to continue in conversation, at this point Mordecai knew that he was to respond with his feet and move from the scene.

Secondly, Mordecai “... did according to all that Esther had commanded him.” Rather than sit around and continue to talk about, wonder, and plan about an idea of fasting, Mordecai “did” what Esther requested. In the book of James in chapter one and verse twenty-two we read:

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

This is how Mordecai responded to the word of Esther. His activity proved his belief in her instructions, and rather than sit around and listening, he acted upon it. In other words, Mordecai “did”, and he “did” so completely. He followed every instruction Esther “commanded” him.

There are times when we should be listening and have dialog with others, and then there is time for activity. There are times when we pray, and then we act upon the prayers we have made. If Mordecai had simply continued conversation until the deadline of extermination, the Jews would have died. But he didn't. He “went” and He “did”, and that made a difference in the outcome. Perhaps as we ponder this idea in today's verse we should ask ourselves, “Are there areas in our lives for which it is time to move and “do” rather than continue to have conversation about it?” Has the time of prayer been made and now it is time for action? Remember that we must be “doers of the word and not hearers only” and as we proceed within the will of God may He make it clear to us which time it is.

Next time we will begin a new chapter and see Esther's preparation to appear before the king, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Esther's Fast Esther 4:16 - Equipped for Battle

The tension is mounting as Esther has been charged by her older cousin Mordecai to appear before King Ahasuerus in an attempt to save her people the Jews. Although there is great risk to her personal life, Mordecai has let her know that perhaps she has been chosen “for such a time as this.” In chapter four and verse sixteen we read Esther's final message to Mordecai before she goes into the king. We read:

Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

The verse begins, “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day:” Esther calls for a fast throughout Shushan. Her idea is that they should not eat or drink for “three days, night or day.” It is interesting that she realizes that she must not attempt this potentially life threatening move without others backing her with a spiritual practice. She knows that she needs the help of God, and she is willing to risk everything for this special calling. She only desires that others be with her in this venture.

The verse goes on to say, “I also and my maidens will fast likewise;”This is not a desire that Esther wishes upon everyone else and not herself. She knows it is a “we” thing and not just for others. She includes herself and her maidens in the spiritual practice of fasting. The seriousness of what she is about to undertake requires not only the commitment of others, but also of herself.

Finally we read, “and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” Esther realizes how significant this move will be in her life. It could actually cost her her life, and the risk is monumental for her. However, her resolve is to go in unto the king regardless of the law that is given that those who appear uninvited will be killed. She is willing to take the chance that the king will hold out his scepter to her and spare her life, yet she does not know for sure that he will. Her resolve is, “if I perish, I perish.” Regardless of the outcome, which would eventually cost her life anyway, she was going to go in before the king.

As we consider this verse today, we might ask ourselves when was the last time that something was so important to us that we called for a fast concerning it? A fast is simply the denial of fleshly desires such as eating and drinking so that spiritual matters take priority. There are many examples of fasting throughout the Bible, and Jesus Himself spoke of fasting, however, do we ever fast about anything? Also, is there a venue in our lives whereby we might do as Esther did and risk it all? Are we willing to put our lives on the line to save others? May the Lord Jesus lead us to walk in His will in such a manner that obedience to Him will take priority over every preservation of life we appraise as important to us.

Next time we will see how Mordecai responded to Esther's request, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Esther's Answer Esther 4:15 - Equipped for Battle

Mordecai's words to Esther the queen was to consider that she may have been put into the position of queen for “such a time as this”. In other words, God may have placed her in a convenient and powerful situation just because He knew there would need to be salvation for the Jews. In chapter four and verse fifteen we see the beginning of the reaction that Queen Esther had to her older cousin. We read:

Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,

We note in these very few words, “Then Esther bade them return...” The word “them” is italicized in the King James version of the Bible which denotes that it was added by the interpreters. However, we saw earlier in verse twelve of this chapter a reference to “they” which was not italicized. The only difference between whether it was a they or a “him” was that Esther's chamberlain Hatach seems to not be working alone to deliver these messages back and forth at this time. Whichever the case, Esther asked them to return.

The verse continues, “...return Mordecai this answer,” It almost seems cruel to end at this part of the story, nonetheless we shall take advantage of this stall. Let's put ourselves in Esther's place for a moment. Imagine her fears, her wonder of the future, her thoughts about her own fate and the purpose she may have obtained unwittingly. She now probably thought that it was quite the advantage to be the queen, and the royal treatment she enjoyed both before and after she became queen had to be very pleasant. Perhaps she just thought being the queen was her destiny and after losing her parents at such a young age and being torn away from her native land, it was a blessing to now be in such an advantaged position. Regardless of her thoughts about where she was in life, she was now having to consider that the reason she was in this position was to be an intervening figure for the Jewish people.

What position or positions do we hold that have put us in an advantaged place? Do we have a voice because we have been set up in a situation of influence? Are we somehow in charge of others in small and large venues that would allow us to save them should it become our place to do so? Would we be willing as Esther to be used by God in intercessory ways that might affect both temporary and eternal destinies? As we ponder this verse, and pause in the middle of the thought to consider it, perhaps we should push the pause button in our lives and consider what answer we would give for “such a time as this.”

Next time we will see Esther request prayer and fasting, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

For Such a Time as This Esther 4:14 - Equipped for Battle

The dialog between Queen Esther and her older cousin Mordecai was concerning the salvation of the Jews who were destined to be destroyed by an edict from King Ahasuerus and promoted by Haman. Esther was concerned that if she were to appear before the king uninvited that she might be killed, and Mordecai's answer to her was that she should not think that she would escape the carnage even though it was hidden that she was also a Jew. In chapter four and verse fourteen, we see a pinnacle phrase in Mordecai's comments that places Esther in a God given destiny for this situation. We read:

For if you altogether hold your peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but you and your father's house shall be destroyed: and who knows whether you are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

The verse begins, “For if you altogether hold your peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place;” After sharing with Esther about not thinking that she would escape this edict, Mordecai warns her about what would happen if she were to “hold your peace” at this time. In other words, if Esther decided that it was too much risk to go before the king uninvited, and there was no way she was going to jeopardize her life, then God would send “enlargement” which means “relief” and “deliverance” which means “escape” to the Jews from somewhere else. Esther was in a prime position to affect the salvation of the Jews, but if she should choose not to go before the king, God would save the Jews in some other manner.

The verse continues, “but you and your father's house shall be destroyed:” Now this is a heavy warning. Not only would Esther be killed, but also her relatives as well. We remember that her dad and mom were already dead which was the reason Mordecai adopted her in the first place, but now Mordecai tells her that the rest of her family would die as well if she did not go before the king. Can we imagine what Esther felt like when she heard those words?

Finally we read, “and who knows whether you are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Now we see the climatic question of this message from Mordecai. Let us remember that Mordecai does not have the advantage of knowing how this story ends at this time. He is not sure about why Esther became the queen of Persia, but he considers that divine providence has orchestrated her in this manner just because of this edict. “For such a time a this” might be the very reason that Esther was queen. God in His eternal knowledge knew there was going to be an effort to destroy the Jews, and behind the scenes He was moving Esther to the position that could alter the entire outcome. There was an answer to Mordecai's question “who knows” - God knew.

What situations has God put us in the middle of that might be our “such a time as this”? Has the culmination of the events in our lives been directing us to a specific purpose whereby people will be saved? Are there special situations that have arisen that require that we risk our lives, our status, and our all to be used to affect a change? As we ponder today's verse, let us open our hearts and lives to the Lord Jesus Christ and ask Him where we may be used “for such a time as this”, and may He give us the courage to step out in faith to do so.

Next time we will look at another answer from Esther, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

You Won't Escape Esther 4:13 - Equipped for Battle

The exchange of messages between Queen Esther and her older cousin Mordecai have become more and more serious. First Esther wondered what Mordecai was doing in such a state of mourning, and why was he doing it. Secondly, Mordecai answered her with the daunting news of an edict from King Ahasuerus which gave permission for the extermination of the Jews, and Mordecai desired that Esther appear before the king to stop it. In chapter four and verse twelve we read where Esther sent back a message to Mordecai about the dangers of appearing before the king without being invited, and in chapter four and verse thirteen we see Mordecai's response. We read:

Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that you shall escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.

Our verse begins, “Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther,...” After hearing the response from Esther, Mordecai could have decided that there was no hope for the Jews, and that he might as well succumb to the fate that lie ahead of him. He could have thought, “Oh well, I guess it would be too dangerous for Esther to appear before the king, and maybe I shouldn't ask her to do that. I mean, it's only all these Jews and myself that are going to be killed. Why should I even try to convince her of the importance of all this anyway?” But Mordecai did not think that way. No, rather he answered, better yet, he “commanded to answer Esther” in the manner of words he is about to say.

The verse continues, “Think not with yourself that you shall escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.” Mordecai went directly after Esther's personal position in all of this. She was a Jew, and although they did a great job at hiding it, she was not going to be able to hide it forever. Mordecai warned her not to think that she would escape this edict just because she was in the king's house. Although she was positioned as queen, she probably needed reminding about how quickly a queen could be replaced. Perhaps she would think about Queen Vashti in this process. Nonetheless, Mordecai's commandment to the messengers was to let Esther know that this judgment was coming, and as sure as it would come upon the rest of the Jews, it would come upon her as well.

There are times when we should make a stand against resistance. Even though there may be good reasons as to why someone would be at risk if they took a particular stance, God Almighty uses those who are willing to suffer for His purposes. If Mordecai would have folded and not responded to Esther's reason to not appear before the king, then perhaps the elimination of the Jews would have occurred. Mordecai stood on the basis of righteousness, and although Haman desired that he and the Jews were to be exterminated, Mordecai was not willing to accept his desire. As we ponder this verse today, let us ask ourselves the question, “what are we willing to stand for today that might cause us to suffer because of it?” Does it have eternal ramifications, and if we do not stand, will it make a difference? May the Lord Jesus give us the courage to take a position against the places where we will not escape if we do not make a stand.

Next time we will see Mordecai tell Esther about God's purpose being worked out whether she does it or not, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Another Act of Obedience Esther 4:12 - Equipped for Battle

As we have studied this story in the book of Esther, we have noticed the dialog between Esther and Mordecai through Esther's chamberlain named Hatach. He has been faithful to convey both Esther and Mordecai's messages thus far, and in chapter four and verse twelve we see not only him but possibly others who were involved in the process. We read:

And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.

There seems to be a little difference in our verse today from those which spoke of Hatach's obedience. The verse reads, “And they...” which generally denotes more than one. It could be that there is a plural pronoun used here for the Hebrew word “nagad” which means “to be conspicuous, tell, make known”, and it might mean that there could have just as easily been the pronoun “he” that was used. However, it might be that there was a delegation sent with Hatach this time as he shared the message with Mordecai. We do read an italicized “them” in verse fifteen of this chapter which also denotes more than one, but rather than get hung up on that, the main point is that “they told to Mordecai Esther's words.”

Once again obedience is the operative word that shows Hatach's action to this plan. Mordecai now knew what Esther's concerns were if she were to enter the inner court of King Ahasuerus uninvited.

Sometimes there are parts to the scriptures to which we are best to “file away for further information”. Whether this was Hatach alone as the first times or whether it was a delegation is not clearly known but really isn't the most important part of this verse. We may think these “small stuff” items are of no concern to God as well, but we can be assured that they are important to Him. He uses every word, every action, and every plan to move toward the direction that He knows is best. The obedience of those who brought this message was used by God to save not only the nation of Israel as we shall see in future chapters, but also we who read these words and ponder them today. May we all come to realize this awesome God of the details who is complete in every plan He develops to save people through Jesus Christ.

Next time we will see Mordecai warn Esther, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.