Esther – God’s Queen

Out of all the women in Persia, the king chose her. Esther, the orphaned Jew who had been raised by her cousin Mordecai, caught the king’s affection and suddenly found herself queen—not just of her own people, but of the entire kingdom. Within one year, she had risen from obscurity to one of the most powerful positions possible. Was it all due to good fortune and looks, or did her calling lie deeper than surface circumstances?

Since childhood, Mordecai had raised Esther to champion her people and the One who still united them, even in captivity. She had seen God providentially provide protection, even through the pain of losing her parents. And now she was in a place better than she could have ever dreamed—until she heard about the nightmare.

Haman, another ranking official, was out for revenge. Mordecai refused to bow down before him as he required, and Haman wanted him dead. More than that, he wanted all the Jews dead, and convinced the king that Persia’s safety demanded their execution. King Xerxes sealed the decree and their outcome. Only one person was powerful enough, close enough to the king to change the course of history: Esther.

As Mordecai petitioned her for help, she knew. She could approach the king and make her request, her plea for her people. But if he refused, he could strip her of everything she loved. He could even take her life. To stand for her people, Esther had to risk it all. It was a price she was willing to pay.

Summoning all the Jews to gather, fast, and pray for success, Esther trusted the same God who had divinely chosen her as queen and appointed her for this task. In humility and wisdom, she approached the throne, and found the king’s favor once again. Since God had already answered the first prayer, she boldly invited both the king and Haman to a series of parties—the final one to expose Haman’s sinister plot.

And the rest is history. The king hanged Haman on the very gallows he had built for Mordecai, and the Jews were allowed to fight for their freedom—a victory the Jews still celebrate even today.

Esther is the story of one God, working through one man and one woman who trusted His power and His plan to save His people. Tough times call for bold faith and action. Today, are you willing to be the one God uses to protect and bless His people?

Who was Esther and why did she risk her life?

Did Esther hesitate when her uncle asked her for help?

How does Esther’s story relate to what God is calling you to do?

Are you bold in your faith?