Mordecai Warns and Persuades Esther

(Encouraged reading: Esther 4)

v. 1- 9 Mordecai Warns Esther

     Mordecai heard news of the decree and went into a state of mourning. Knowing Esther would be unaware he set out to the king’s gate in hopes of sharing with Esther the news of their coming demise. Matthew Henry sums up their encounter:

“Mordecai sent her an authentic account of the whole matter, with a charge to her to intercede with the king in this matter… that she might see what imminent danger she and her people were in, and charged her, if she had any respect for him or any kindness for the Jewish nation, that she should appear now on their behalf, rectify the misinformations with which the king was imposed upon, and set the matter in a true light, not doubting but that then he would vacate the decree.”        

v. 10-17 Mordecai Persuades Esther

     Though Esther mourned with her fellow countrymen, she felt helpless. In royal courts one could only be admitted if summoned, if they were not, they risked death, unless the king held out his scepter to receive them. It had been a month since the king had called for Esther, so it seemed risky to approach him. Mordecai gave a final plea declaring he knew deliverance would come for them, whether it was through her, or not. He even suggested that she may have attained the position for this purpose. Esther agreed to her uncle’s request with one favor in return, she asked him to gather the people to pray and fast.

Application:

     Verse 14 is the key verse for this ministry, and I believe it is a verse we all can apply to our lives. No matter where you are in life right now, no matter the people you are around, God has a special call on your life. As Mordecai said, God can use someone else, but He wants to use you! Today is the day to let go of whatever is holding you back from embracing His call. Today is the day to get off the sidelines and see what God can do when you let Him use you. Choose to make an impact!

Prayer:

     Lord, show us the people and places you want us to impact. Help us to learn to submit to Your callings so we don’t miss out on all the blessings and lessons You have planned.