BOLD WHEN IT COUNTS
Today’s Scripture: “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14, ESV
Theme: Your position, prestige, and reputation are useful and must be sacrificed to God’s plans and purposes.
EXILED BUT EXALTED
The Persian Empire was the largest empire the ancient world had seen. God placed Esther, a Jewish exile living in Babylon, into one of the highest positions any Jew had ever held in that Empire. She was no longer an orphan girl; she was a person of royalty. This was no coincidence; it is apparent that God knows who is best suited to carry out His plans.
TEMPTING
How tempting it would be to use this kind of position for our own pleasures. Imagine being provided with all the food you could eat, cosmetics, perfumes, and oils to bathe in. Esther was given seven maids to help care for her and grant her every need. She was given regal clothing and her choice of jewels. Yet she was willing to give all this up in one selfless act that would change history forever.
SACRIFICE OF LIFE
When the Jewish people were threatened, Esther’s uncle made her aware of the plot. He challenged her to risk everything. Entering the king’s presence without being summoned could easily have meant her death. But she did it! She risked her life to save her people. Her willingness to sacrifice her life and her position made her useful in God's plan. She was in her position “for such a time” as that crisis.
Make It Personal: What about you? Are you in a position of influence at work to be used by God? As a parent, do you see your role as crucial to His plan? Maybe you are the student who lives sold out for Jesus and are the only godly example your fellow students will see. Be certain that your sacrifice to honor and obey God will lead to His greater purposes!
Pray: Lord, I want to live for you. I sacrifice my reputation and prestige to bring honor to Your Name. Help me to lay down my life, my time, and my resources to save other’s lives eternally. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: Esther, Chapters 5 and 7
Weekly Memory Verse: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1 (NIV)