What do we do when we feel God lead us down a path that is illegal? That is the dilemma that Esther faced.(4:11) Mordecai told Esther that she needed to speak to the king but the such an act of civil disobedience could prove fatal. Esther’s reaction of fasting presents a few attitudes that Christians need to adopt when we face similar choices.
First is to evaluate the seriousness of the situation. In 7:4 Esther points out that she would not have violated the law if there were only comfort on the line. But there were lives being threatened. So she would not suffer alone. Her intervention would potentially impact the lives of millions.
Esther would not, as Mordecai pointed out, be able to hide within the walls of the kings palace. There was no option for inaction. Esther had been providentially placed as queen so that she could be an example for all people. She was going to be a light to the world based upon her faith in God.
Esther’s next step was to humble herself before God. She may have been prevented from putting on sackcloth, but she could fast. For three days she went without food and depended upon the LORD to deliver her from the consequences of her civil disobedience. If she was going to rebel against the government she needed to be sure that she was fully in line with God’s will. Breaking the law not only needed to be an intentional choice it had to be a God-directed choice.
Finally, when she chose to break the law her disobedience only jeopardized herself. She took no one else with her as she entered the king’s throne room. No one else would bear any earthly consequence because of her choice to disobey. It was Esther and God walking into the valley of the shadow of death. I believe, even though scriptures don’t reveal this, that she approached the doorway with a godly confidence; not that she would survive but that God poured into her life.
I believe it was because of these 4 attitudes that God moved the king to extend the scepter.
It took me about 9 minutes to read this passage today. I read chapters 1-3 yesterday but forgot to post any thoughts on my reading.
Stuart
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Paul of Tarsus
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