Esther 5-7
"On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in front of the king’s quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favour in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the sceptre." - Esther 5:1-2
This was Esther's shining moment. By approaching the inner court of the Persian king without his summons, she could have easily died. Her act was a very brave and courageous one. She must have been a virtuous, pleasant wife, having won the full appreciation of her husband, King Ahasuerus. He knew her character, that she would not approach him unless her issue was very important. The praying and fasting during the three previous days by Esther and others also helped (Esther 4:15-17). In this way Esther was able to save the Jewish people from annihilation.
Here are some life lessons from this story. We are to: (1) be prepared for that one shining moment in our lives, when our true character will be tested to the utmost; (2) pray and fast during major events in our lives; and (3) courageously stick up for God's people, even at the risk of our own lives.
Father, may we be men and women of godly character, who are willing to die for what is good and right in your sight. Thank you for Esther's example. May we, like her, rise to the challenge in those hugely important occasions in our lives. Give us courage to do what is right, even when we are in the minority. Help us to "carry the fire." In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman