ESTHER’S FAITH
Today’s Scripture: “Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, ‘Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.’” Esther 4:15-16, ESV)
Theme: Following good leaders helps us be brave and wise to step out in faith when God calls us.
HERITAGE OF FAITH
Mordecai, who raised Esther from the time her parents were killed, was "a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin." Obviously, he was still practicing and following his faith, even in captivity in the Persian Empire. And he had a great deal of influence on Esther's heritage. The Jewish people had suffered through many hardships. Several times in the Bible, we read of the near destruction of their entire population.
PERSONAL COMMITMENT
Esther would have carried with her a tremendous appreciation of the mighty ways God had intervened in their history, and she would have had an immediate example and the heritage of faith from her adoptive parent, Mordecai. Though many of the Jews may have been tempted to lay aside or hide their religious beliefs, Mordecai did not. He did, however, instruct Esther to keep her faith quiet for a time. Yet because of her commitment to her God and His chosen people, there came a time when she had to make her faith and her commitment to God public. When it was time to put her life on the line for her beliefs and her people, she was “all in.”
Make It Personal: Do you have a heritage of faith from parents or others? Do you remember a time when you made it your own by asking God to be your Lord and Savior? Has there been a recent instance where you had to make your faith public or in some way or reveal your trust in God? Ask God to give you the courage to stand by your commitments, no matter who is watching.
Pray: God, thank You for providing mentors and teachers who instruct and lead the way for us. Help us to respect and honor them while following You wholeheartedly. Please protect us when You call us into dangerous situations. Please provide courage and faith to continue to endure, no matter the personal cost. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: Esther 8
Memory Verse of the Week: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12, ESV