Bolder: A Look at the Audacious Faith of Imperfect PeopleSample

Day 2: Esther

We’re jumping into the middle of the story in chapter 4, so let’s catch up (Feel free to read all of Esther if you want!): Esther, a Jew, had been made queen after the Persian King Xerxes (or Ahasuerus depending on your translation) was displeased with his previous wife. Haman, King Xerxes’ right-hand man, hated Mordecai, Esther’s uncle because Mordecai had refused to bow to him (as Jews would only bow to God). Haman extended that hate out to all Jews and stretched some truth to convince King Xerxes that they should all be killed off. The king, due to some misplaced trust and bad information, agreed.

In Esther 4, Mordecai challenges Esther to use her position as queen to save the Jews. Her hesitation makes sense since she was only in her position because the king had dismissed his last wife, and he hadn’t called to see her in a whole month. Would he even let her talk to him? She could literally lose her life just by coming to see the king without being summoned.

Esther's courage in the face of potential death didn't come out of thin air. Two things seem to have convinced her to take action even though she feared for her life: a good pep talk and support from her team. If you play sports or have watched any sports movies, you can imagine the scene: The coach or captain gives an inspiring speech reminding the team of the reason they need to get back out there even when they're down. The team has a moment as a group that brings them together and assures them that however things turn out, they are in it together and can trust each other out there. Esther has a similar experience. Once Mordecai's message convinces her she needs to go to the king, she needs support. She asks those closest to her to join her in a fast to prepare for the moment she goes to see the king, and she asks Mordecai to ask everyone he can to join them too--and they do.

Mordecai’s words in 4:14 not only inspired Esther to act but have inspired many others to act despite their fears for generations after. The word “encourage” comes from the idea to give courage. We see Esther’s boldness in how she is willing to go to the king and in how she prepares (she comes up with a plan), and we see Mordecai’s boldness when he gives courage to his niece to use what she has for the good of the people.

Reflection/Discussion Questions:

1. When is a time you were scared to do something you knew you needed to and someone’s encouragement made all the difference?

2. Who is someone in your life right now to whom you could lend your courage?

3. Are you in a position right now to help someone else but are being held back by fear? What's one step you can take to seek the courage you need?