Thanks for all your prayers for my mom. She’s stable, they are running more tests, and in her own words “I am weak as a cat!” However, she is improving and we appreciate all your love and concern.
Our scripture this morning is Esther 4:14 (NIV).
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?
Esther was placed in a difficult position. Through court intrigue and treachery, a decree to exterminate the Jews had been issued. Her cousin Mordecai advised her to go to the king, uninvited, which was a crime punishable by death. Her people needed an intercessor, someone to speak for them but it will put her at great risk.
The statement “and who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” shouldn’t surprise anyone who has seen God work before. God uses His children as resources for His work here on earth. He certainly doesn’t need our help, but He gifts us with the capabilities necessary to accomplish His purpose.
Jesus tells us “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:12-13). Jesus did exactly that, and Esther faces a similar situation. She reacts with faith and courage and goes to the king in spite of the danger. We may not be called to risk our lives, but we are all called to give our lives to Christ and stand with Him in the good fight.
Loving Lord, we know that You didn’t promise our walk would be easy, but You promised to be there with us at every step. Help us to do right things even when they are hard, and to love one another as You first loved us. Amen.
