S2 Ep2162: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 483 | New Thing Series — Part 38 | “Esther’s Courage” | Malcolm Cox

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 483 | New Thing Series — Part 38 | “Esther’s Courage” | Malcolm Cox


Introduction

A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'


We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Esther. Today we explore Esther’s courage.


Mordecai hears the proclamation to kill all the Jews. He sends a message to Esther telling her what to do:


“Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king to make supplication to him and entreat him for her people.” (Esther 4:8 NRSV)

“Then Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message for Mordecai, saying, “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—all alike are to be put to death. Only if the king holds out the golden sceptre to someone, may that person live. I myself have not been called to come in to the king for thirty days.”” (Esther 4:10-11 NRSV)

“Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.”” (Esther 4:13-14 NRSV)

“On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, opposite the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne inside the palace opposite the entrance to the palace. As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won his favour and he held out to her the golden sceptre that was in his hand.” (Esther 5:1-2 NRSV)


Esther’s Courage

• Something shifts in Esther’s heart. To begin with she seems most concerned with her own safety. However, a concern for her people develops and gives her the courage to take a risk.
• The risk to her life is very real. The fifth century BC Greek historian Herodotus mentions the Persian custom that anyone who approached the king uninvited would be put to death unless pardoned by the king.
• Esther understands the uniqueness of her position. She accepts that she is the only one who can intervene with any hope of successfully saving her people.

For Reflection

Can you imagine how nervous she felt? Did she fumble with the clasps of her royal robes? Did her mouth go dry? Did she walk unsteadily? Was her mind swimming with fear? Something studied her gait, opened her mouth and cleared her mind. Esther had a clarity of purpose and a powerful motivation. Her life, those of her family and an entire people rested on her shoulders. She found enough courage to take a risk for God. Is there anything God is calling you to for which you are lacking the courage? How about meditating on this scripture: 


“I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:19-20 NIV11)


Why not take some time today to ask God to give you ‘sufficient courage’ to exalt Christ in the work he has called you to?


Conclusion

I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless. 


Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.


Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.


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"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

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