Our scripture this morning is Esther 4:12-14.
When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 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?”
I must admit, I haven’t written many (if any) devotionals from Esther. It is a wonderful story with great lessons for us but other than the main phrase from today’s passage, I probably couldn’t quote anything else. Perhaps I need to spend more time in scripture I’m less familiar with to gain new understanding.
Queen Esther learns of a plot to kill the Jews and is asked to go to the king unbidden to speak for them. There was a law that said any who appear before the king without an invite would be put to death, and his queen was no exception. Mordecai, her cousin tells her “who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” and even though there is personal danger, Esther goes to the king for her people.
She could have ignored the plea and avoided the penalty, but she trusted in God and went to the king anyway. We are called to stand up for those in danger as well, risking our popularity, reputation and if needed our lives to protect the oppressed. Esther is an example to all of us that what is right is more important than what is comfortable.
Heavenly Father, give us strength to go in Your name to stand up for those who are in danger. Help us to speak in love, not anger, even when we encounter evil. Amen.