February 28 Faithful Courage

Esther 4:9-11 And Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. 10 Then Esther spoke to Hathach and commanded him to go to Mordecai and say, 11 “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law – to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.”
 
MORDECAI has urged Esther to intercede for her people – and her own life – before the king. He knows, of course, Esther is the Jews’ best hope. Esther is favored in the king’s mind above almost everyone in Persia. In addition, Esther’s own life is at risk. She is the perfect candidate with the best reasons to intercede to the king for the Jews’ salvation.
     But she hesitates. She speaks of the king’s rules as fearful obstacle. As she has submitted to the king’s authority, she knows there is only one proper and secure way to go to him. One must wait for King Ahasuerus to call. Otherwise, King Ahasuerus could quickly execute the uninvited person. Esther surely has a good reason to stop and consider Mordecai’s directive, doesn’t she? Even as she is becoming aware, “I must do this very difficult thing for my people.” Esther is now face-to-face with the king’s rule.
     Yes, caution and reason are good traits as we faithfully follow Jesus. God gave to us a mind to be aware of dangers. We must know the right way to live under the government and society’s rules. We must be cautious to consider our actions against those rules. This helps us to live in peace and protect our lives for our Lord’s good work.
     God also gave us minds to know when we must boldly, even to the cost of our lives, stand before someone who is determined to do great harm. Esther has been called to help the king see he is wrong in his decree. She considers Mordecai’s request. She gives a reason for saying, “No.” She will then – as we all must do – consider the reason(s) for saying, “Yes, I will do so. Even at the risk, even at the cost of my life.”
     Around the world, people are daily confronted with such faith obstacles. Consider refugees who flee deadly rulers. Think of a battered woman who needs to leave the house in order to save her children and herself. Be mindful of Christians who are called to denounce Jesus or be killed. Remember pastors and counselors who must intervene to save a family from destruction. Perhaps someone sees evil at a job they need to feed their families. What must one do?
     We all have to make decisions affecting our lives and those we love. Be mindful of the right way to respond. Have the courage and the faith to do as God directs you. Esther will have to trust God, and so will you.
 
Prayer: Help us, Lord, to know when we must confront wrongdoing. Help us to have wisdom and grace. Help us to seek the truth found surely in you. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.