Esther 4-5

Bible Passage:  Esther 4-5

“If I perish, I perish!”

–          Esther 4: 16

Or in Singlish: Die then die lor!

These were the famous words of Esther as she set out to do what she had to do in order to help her people.

When she and Mordecai knew that their own people would be wiped out just like that, we can see their dramatic responses.

Honestly, I was wondering how their responses could be linked with us today. I don’t think any guy in power would come out any time soon and say, “Let’s wipe out all the Chinese/Indians/Malays/Eurasians/Others!!!”. So I’m just gonna share on two things that came to my mind first.

Our Brethren Need Help!

When we know that a brother or sister needs some help from someone somewhere, how do we see this? If this person seriously needs help, do we turn a blind eye and pretend that we don’t know about it (because we don’t want to take the responsibility), or actually really feel for him or her and do what we can to help?

But they still feared for their fellow people who were not in the palace. Esther even risked her life to help them (thankfully she was a smart woman), not to mention Mordecai who openly mourned for them, as far as the king’s gates in sackcloth.

And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honoured, all the members rejoice with it…

–          1 Corinthians 12: 26

They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do…

–          Galatians 2: 10

As a church, we make up one body. And when one part of the body is hurt, the rest will feel its pain and do whatever they can to soothe that part. Even when we can’t do much for a particular person, we might know someone who can. Let us also at least continue to pray for any members who we know may be in need.

This first one is kinda direct I think. The second one is a bit more of my own opinion.

How Do You Feel About That?

Just imagine if we are faced with a predicament which could lead us to compromise our faith or moral stand. Although it might not mean an entire race of people will be in jeopardy, it does challenge us to make a choice, and it can show in how we react to it. When Mordecai and Esther knew about this plot, Mordecai mourned and wept bitterly, while Esther took it upon herself to do something as only she could at that point in time. Both could easily have shut up, especially Esther, and just go with the flow as both could very well flown under the radar not sure about Mordecai though). But they knew what they should do, because they had not forgotten their roots.

For us, when it comes to moral dilemmas or conflicts in our faith, there are times when keeping quiet could mean good things for us. Perhaps telling your boss a little lie could land you in his or her good books and get you that big promotion in the future. Or going drinking and partying with a potential client/customer could help you snag a deal. Or even not standing up for the truth could make you more popular and likeable in the eyes of your friends/colleagues. Or have we forgotten who we are? The worst thing that could happen is that we can do all of the above without thinking or batting an eyelid.

When we are faced with these challenges, how do we react within our hearts? Do we feel nothing, or maybe nonchalant such that we can do those with no afterthoughts, or do we grief inwardly, knowing that we are facing this problem and feel very conflicted within? Do we get pricked when we even think of doing the actions which would compromise our beliefs and our faith?

Do we listen to the Holy Spirit when He tells us not to do something, even when the urge to do likewise is so strong?

Remember Who We Are…

Mordecai and Esther remembered that they were Jews and that their fellow people needed someone to help, and they did. We should remember that we are the children of God, the spiritual Israelites, the elect of Christ, and when our personal faith is under attack by temptations, we need to know how to react and where we stand. If we do otherwise, I think it would be as good as betraying our own kind.

And although there was no mention of God in the book of Esther, I’m sure God did shape the events then. Likewise, God is there for us to guide us and give us strength to overcome these challenges. And as the children of God, we must always remember and keep in our hearts the teachings of our Father in heaven.

And also, if we have faith, then I think we needn’t worry about what would happen to us, so long as we do what is right in the eyes of God.

Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you…

–          Revelations 3: 3

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together…

–          Romans 8: 16-17

If faced with these problems, and knowing that there will be some risks to our own lives, whether it be passing up a great opportunity or even cause us to work harder, will be able to be like Esther who was still willing to do what was right?

How would you link Mordecai’s and Esther’s example to our lives?