At the Intersection of Prayer and God’s Time
The Book of Esther, specifically chapters 2-7, serves as an encouragement for all those who have chosen to follow Christ.
Although this book of the Bible is found in the Old Testament and dates back 2,000 to 2,500 years, it provides godly encouragement today for those who earnestly seek the path of righteousness. It also highlights the dangers of deceit and blind ambition.
More than 2,000 years after the events in Esther, we can see that time marches on, but the human condition remains unchanged.
In Romans 7:18, the writer testifies about his own sinful nature (American Standard Version): “For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not.” In other words, I want to do the right thing. I think about doing right. I know what is right, but my flesh is at odds with the spirit of righteousness.
Set in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, Esther tells the story of an exiled Jewish man named Mordecai who raised his young cousin Esther and sent her to the king so that she might be selected as the king’s queen.
Esther finds favor with the king, and he gives her the crown, making her the queen. Then, Mordecai uncovers a plot of treason, and the king is alerted by his new queen, Esther. The king was surrounded by men who were out to get all they could for themselves.
The main culprit of this story is Haman. He is ambitious to a fault. He wanted people to kneel to him. Mordecai refused to kneel. Haman became so enraged that he wanted to take revenge on his enemy. He not only wanted Mordecai dead, but he also wanted all the Jews in the country killed, and got the king to sign a decree to that effect.
This is where we come in with today’s scripture. Mordecai told Queen Esther that she could not consider herself exempt, just because she was in the king’s house. She had to speak now or risk being killed like the rest of her people in the country. Esther heeds her cousin’s voice and tells Mordecai to tell everyone to fast and pray for three days.
As we see the story of Esther unfold, we are presented with the following points of encouragement:
1) Esther knew she was in a place of desperate need. She did not have an army to wage war against the king. She had no outside support. She went to the source of her support, the Lord. Esther made up her mind that she was going all the way with her appeal to the king. She knew that it was dangerous. If the king did not acknowledge her and extend his scepter, she would be killed. What we can remember and hold in our hearts are the words from 2 Chronicles 16:9 (New International Version): “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him…”
2) Esther had faith in corporate prayer. Jesus gave the disciples a model prayer, and it begins with “Our Father” (Matthew 6:9-13). God is being addressed in corporate prayer. Next, we can be encouraged from Matthew 18-20 (New International Version): “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
3) Esther walked into her call to save her people with deliberation. She was going to break her silence, but she did not walk over to the palace and confront the king. She allowed the plan of God to unfold in her mind, and then she moved forward in phases.
God has a call on your life, and He has perfect timing. After all, David did not, upon seeing Goliath, begin to fight. David prepared and gathered up smooth stones! Joshua did not take his troops up to the wall of Jericho and confront the enemy. God promised Joshua victory. Joshua showed up, but waited for God’s time.
St. James AME Church is located at 360 Dorothy St. in Charleston and worship service is held on the first and third Sundays of each month at 11 a.m. You may also join on Zoom at pastorv.com.
