2006-07-14 - What Would You Decide?

Esther 4:6-5:2

Esther had a choice to make. Each decision could lead her to the same fate: death. Other than a miracle, King Xeres was the only one who could lift his sanctions against the Jewish people. A person couldn't just approach the king, not even his wife Esther. The king had to do the approaching. If Queen Esther attempted to contact the king, and he didn't hold out his gold scepter, she would surely die.

The last time the king called for Esther was a month ago. If she didn't try to talk to him, she would have to escape and hide from death. Mordecai, Esther's surrogate father and an employee of the king, had confidence in Esther. Mordecai gave Esther a copy of the king's decree against the Jews, and advised her to go to the king and plead for her, him, and their people's safety. Esther wasn't that keen on the idea.

Mordecai tried a different approach and posed a question to Esther. "And who knows, but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:13) The idea of being God's catalyst had merit, and Esther asked Mordecai to gather all the Jews of Shushan for a three day fast, and she and her maids would do the same. Then Esther would go see the king "And if I perish, I perish." (Esther 4:16).

Esther didn't fast for verification if it was a good idea to see the king. She had already decided she would go. Fasting was a means of getting God involved. She asked her fellow Jews for support in her preparation and purification before the king. If she was to face opposition, she wanted God's protection and presence with her.

God showered Esther with His favor. After three days of fasting, Esther stuck to her word and went to see King Xeres, who was seated on his throne. The king welcomed her and held out the gold scepter.

Esther made the effort, and God rewarded it. Once her decision was made, she didn't sway or hesitate. She went into the king's inner court confidently. Esther's choices were grim; death faced her on either side. She could have tried to escape the palace and save her own skin. Instead, she boldly faced the king and came clean regarding her background, and persuaded King Xeres to stop the decree against the Jews.

God, Provide me with confidence instead of fear. I am afraid to make this commitment, but if I don't make a decision soon, one will be made for me. I don't know what to do. I am determined to put aside time and spend it with You. I will not back away from what You have called me to do. It is in Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Lisa

lisa@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org