The Jesus Bible Reading Planনমুনা

GOD PROTECTS HIS PEOPLE

Mordecai trusted God to protect his people. Since Mordecai was a devout Jew, we can be sure that his faith and resolve stood on the firm foundation of what the prophets of God proclaimed. God had previously said through the prophet Isaiah, “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Isa 43:4 – 5). Mordecai could see how God had allowed Esther to become queen so she could be used by God to save her people and fulfill the promises of God.

As her adoptive father, Mordecai would have taught Esther how to put her trust in God, take a step of faith and believe God would give her favor. Mordecai advised Queen Esther to “go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people” (Est 4:8). Likewise, in each struggle, trial and pain, believers “have an advocate with the Father — Jesus Christ, the Righteous One” (1Jn 2:1). Every presented request is an opportunity for Jesus to intercede.

Believers can be sure that God wants to use his children to do great things. The words of the prophet Isaiah are a rallying cry: “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch” (Isa 62:1). If Esther kept silent, Mordecai was sure that deliverance would “arise from another place” (Est 4:14).

Queen Esther undoubtedly found courage in the promises of God. Her faith became greater than her doubt. “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (4:16). Ultimately, she was willing to sacrifice her own life, foreshadowing the willingness of Jesus to die for us (Lk 22:42; Ro 5:6 – 11). As the body of Christ, the church has the assurance that whatever the circumstances, no matter how awful it seems, nothing will be able to separate us from God’s love (Ro 8:38 – 39).

Jesus, help me to find courage in the promises of God. Help me to follow Esther’s example—to live boldly, selflessly and faithfully. Amen.