Airbrushing God: A Devotion on the Book of EstherExemplo

Ever felt underqualified? I love that Esther is not a prophetess. Mordecai isn’t a priest. Perhaps you could call him a politician and Esther a full-time homemaker. Basically, they aren’t in full-time Christian ministry! But they step up and use what they have in order to make a difference.

Ever felt powerless to stop bad things from happening?

Haman is revealed as an Agagite. We’ve met them before – the prototype enemy of the Jews from the time of King Saul. The hate pours off the page, capturing people who are nursing more than a simple grudge. All that was needed was a way to incite those with power against the people of God, and the cunning Haman had found the way in, manipulating the king to sign off on his personal vendetta. The plan was simple. On a single day, every Jew – male, female, and specifying children – would be slaughtered. The grief-stricken Mordecai confronts Esther with the brutal truth, challenging her to reveal her identity and leverage her relationship with the king.

Leverage her position? It was complicated. She hadn’t seen Xerxes for 30-plus days – understandable given the king had 300 women at his disposal, but it also reflected the life cycle of a queen no longer desired. Stepping into his presence uninvited was a potential death sentence.

Esther pauses. This was big. When she engages, it is with courage and clarity that she is outstanding. She mobilizes prayer and fasting and steps out in front of the king.

Do you have a Mordecai? Someone who will tell you something straight, whether you want to hear it or not. Do you need to be a Mordecai to speak a tough word? Often we fear the response we might get. As you read Esther 4:7-17, take a moment to consider the consequences if you remain silent.

For such a time as this. Our lives are infused with purpose as followers of Christ. Every day has potential for the extraordinary, and we are invited to be part of it if only we have the confidence to step up in the strength God gives us.