Introduction

Good morning, brothers and sisters! Today, we're going to dive deep into a passage that speaks to the power of unity, the purpose of fasting and prayer, and the results of obedience. Esther 4:16 is our guiding scripture today, and I hope that it will resonate in your hearts as it has in mine.

Let me share it with you:

"Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."

Before we delve into this text, let me share with you a quote from Dwight L. Moody, "If you say ‘I will fast when God lays it on my heart,’ you never will. You are too cold and indifferent to take the yoke upon you."

Let's bow our heads in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we ask for your guidance as we dive into your Word today. Please open our hearts and minds to understand the lessons you have for us in the story of Esther. Help us to see the power of unity, the purpose of fasting and prayer, and the results of obedience in her story. Use this time to draw us closer to you and align our will with yours. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

The Power of Unity

When Esther says, "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me," she is calling for unity among her people. She is asking them to come together, to stand as one, and to support her through their collective fasting and prayer. This is a powerful demonstration of unity, showing us that when we stand together, we can face even the most daunting challenges.

Unity is not just about being together: It's about working together towards a common goal. In Esther's case, the goal was to seek God's intervention and protection. She understood that there was strength in numbers, and that the collective prayers of her people would have a greater impact than if she were to face the king alone. This is a lesson for us today. When we unite as a body of believers, our prayers become more potent, our faith becomes stronger, and our impact becomes greater.

Unity fosters a sense of belonging and community: Esther was not alone in her struggle; she had the support of her entire community. This gave her the courage to face the king, knowing that her people were with her in spirit. Similarly, when we stand together as a church, we create a supportive environment where each member feels valued and encouraged. We are able to lift each other up in times of struggle and celebrate together in times of joy.

Unity promotes harmony and peace: When we are united, we are less likely to engage in disputes or conflicts. Instead, we focus on our common goals and work together to achieve them. In Esther's story, the unity of the Jews was a powerful force that helped to overcome the plans of their enemies. This teaches us that unity can help us to overcome the challenges we face in our own lives.

The individual contributions of each member: Each Jew in Shushan played a vital role in Esther's story. Their individual prayers and fasts contributed to the collective power of their unity. This reminds us that each one of us has a role to play in our church community. Our individual talents, skills, and gifts can contribute to the overall strength and success of our church.

The power of unity is a theme that runs throughout the Bible: From the early church in the book of Acts, where believers were described as being of "one heart and mind," to Paul's letters to the Corinthians, where he spoke of the church as a body with many parts, each playing a vital role. The power of unity is a biblical principle that we should strive to live out in our daily lives.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about how you practice being united with other believers and why it’s powerful.

The Purpose of Fasting and Prayer

Fasting is not just a physical discipline, it is a spiritual feast ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO