Well, I am thrilled that I am getting a response to this blog in just a few short weeks. I'm very glad to know that not only do some people like it, I've actually been told it is helpful to them (thanks, Amy). So, with renewed confidence, my latest installment:
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:15, 16
Honestly, this has been one of my favorite verses for a few years. I love the whole book of Esther because it's more of a story like you would find in a bookstore somewhere. Here's some background on her life.
Esther was a Jewish girl, named Hadassah by her parents. She was raised by Mordecai, her cousin, who had taken her as his own daughter when her mother and father died. Mordecai's family had been carried into exile, from Jerusalem, by king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Babylon had since fallen to Persia and Mordecai and Esther now lived in the capital city of Susa. The king decides it is time to find himself a wife so he has all the hotties brought from all over the empire to the royal palace. Each girl received a twelve month beauty make-over, (really, it's in the Bible), and then she was taken to the king for one night. She would not return to him unless he was pleased with her and summoned her by name. Lo, and behold, Esther won his favor and approval more than any other girl, and she was made queen.
Now the king had an official named Haman who disliked the Jews and sought to destroy them. He contrived a plan to rid the entire kingdom of all Jews. Mordecai learns of this plot and sends word to Esther asking her to speak with the king and intervene on behalf of her people. Up to this point, she had kept her nationality hidden from everyone. She sends word back to Mordecai that approaching the king without being summoned was against the law and she would be put to death. Mordecai again sends word to her saying, "If you remain silent, deliverance will come from another place, but you and your family will die. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Yeah, he did! He called her out. It is then that Esther calls for a fast, and decides to approach the king even if it means her death. "If I perish, I perish."
OK, let's get real specific. Confrontation. Do you have a hostile audience to confront? Maybe there is a friend or loved one you need to talk to about a delicate subject. Regardless of what the circumstances are, Esther provides an inspiring example of stepping up in the most difficult personal affairs. We can follow this by trusting God, knowing that He has our best interests in mind, and that He will accomplish His purposes. Setting aside our fears and putting our faith in Him will free us to "face the king", so to speak. God knows our human frailties. He is faithful to give us His strength to overcome them and He will go before us, preparing the way and softening the hearts of those we must confront.
Oh, and by the way, the Bible says that when the king saw Queen Esther, he was pleased with her and told her he would give her anything she requested, even up to half of the kingdom. The Jews were saved and Haman was hanged. Man, I love a happy ending.
