June 28, 2024

After Mordecai heard the news about the destruction of the Israelites, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, went into the streets, and wept bitterly. He then went before the king's gate, where you could only go if you were well dressed, but didn't enter to do his usual duties. Esther heard about him and sent him clothes to change into, but he refused them because his grief hadn't been relieved. So Esther sent her attendant, Hatach, to find out what was wrong, and he told him of the king's edict to destroy all the Israelites. Mordecai told Esther  that she should go before the king on their behalf. However, there was a problem with doing that; there was a law that you could only go before the king if you had been called. Otherwise, you would risk your life unless he holds out the golden scepter. Mordecai sent a message back saying that her life was in danger anyway, being she was also an Israelite. He reminded her that God had placed her the position as queen for such a time as this. If she didn't, God would sent someone else to save his people but her life would be over anyway. He stressed the importance of trusting in God's plan. She agreed to do it, saying if I die, I die. She enlisted the help of all the Israelites to help petition God on her behalf by fasting and praying for three days. Mordecai did what she said. 

Observation: Why did these Israelites stay when Cyrus released them from captivity to return to Israel? They had put themselves in danger by not obeying God. 

Reminder: We are all called to go before King Jesus, and He holds out his scepter every time; we do not need to fear Him. Only those who reject Him need to fear Him. If you have something weighing heavy on you, petition others to help you by praying and fasting. God answers prayers. 

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14