Explore the story of Esther, emphasizing her faith, sacrifice, and God's divine providence, and to inspire us to emulate her courage and trust in God's plan.
Good morning, brothers and sisters. We gather here today to delve into the rich narrative of the book of Esther, specifically chapter 4. This passage is a powerful testament to the strength of faith, the call to sacrifice, and God's ultimate provision.
As we turn to this text, let's remember the words of Philip Yancey who once said, "Faith is believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse." This perfectly captures the essence of Esther's journey as we will see.
Esther 4 reads,
In this chapter, we see Esther making a decision that could cost her everything, including her life. Yet, she makes it willingly, understanding the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences. This is the essence of sacrifice – giving up something of value for the sake of something else that is deemed more important or worthy.
Not a foreign concept: We make sacrifices every day, big and small, for the things and people we care about. We sacrifice our time, our resources, our comfort, and sometimes even our personal desires for the sake of others. However, the sacrifice that Esther was called to make was of a different magnitude altogether. She was called to risk her life for the sake of her people. This was not a decision she could make lightly, and it required a depth of courage and faith that is truly inspiring.
What was her sacrifice about?: Esther's sacrifice was not just about risking her life; it was also about stepping out of her comfort zone and standing up for what was right. She was a queen, living in the comfort of the palace, far removed from the struggles of her people. Yet, when she heard of the plot to annihilate the Jews, she did not turn a blind eye or hide behind her royal status. Instead, she chose to intervene, even though it meant breaking the law and potentially facing the king's wrath.
The willingness to stand up for what is right: Doing so even when it is uncomfortable or risky is something that we can all learn from. It challenges us to examine our own lives and consider what we are willing to sacrifice for the sake of justice, truth, and love. It prompts us to ask ourselves: Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones and stand up for those who are oppressed or marginalized? Are we willing to risk our reputation, our comfort, or even our lives for the sake of the gospel?
Communal sacrifice: Esther did not make her decision in isolation. She called on the entire Jewish community to join her in fasting and praying for three days before she approached the king. This was a communal act of sacrifice, where everyone was called to participate and share in the burden. It is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that we are called to bear one another's burdens.
Relevant in our current context: We are often called to make sacrifices for the sake of the wider community. Whether it is wearing masks to protect others from a virus, or giving up certain privileges to fight against systemic injustice, we are often called to make sacrifices that benefit others more than ourselves. This is a challenging call, but it is also a beautiful expression of love and solidarity.
Esther's faithful response is a testament to her unwavering faith and trust in God, even in the face of potential death ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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