8. Such a Time as This

Esther 4:15  Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai,  16 “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.”  17 So Mordecai went away and did just as Esther had commanded him.

Esther had learned about a plot to wipe out all the Jews. She asks her uncle Mordecai to hold a national fast while she prepares to put her life on the line. If she shows up to the king’s court uninvited he could have her killed on the spot. Things were very serious back then but Esther is unmoved by what could happen to her. She is going to intercede for all of Israel.

In the next few verses the tension is high. She gets dressed appropriately and walks into court. Not all the way to the king but he indeed can see her. He looks at Esther. Pause reading Scripture.

Esther arrived at the court of the king with her life on the line. She was ready to die. We are not told if she was scared or bold or dizzy or nauseous. All of that isn’t quite the point.

Resume reading Scripture. The king extends his scepter and Esther is safe. In the following verses and chapters the Israelites are saved. The point is truly whom Esther trusts. She has placed her life squarely in the hands of Almighty God. She has asked her people to pray and fast and she goes forth.

Proverbs 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.  6  In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.