How can Esther's boldness inspire us to act in faith today? The scene in the throne room – Esther 5 :2 “As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight, and the king extended toward Esther the gold scepter that was in his hand. Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.” The weight of the risk • A Persian law forbade uninvited entry; death was the default penalty (4 :11). • Esther had concealed her Jewish identity—revealing it now could provoke anger (4 :13–14). • No miraculous sign guaranteed success; she stepped forward on faith alone. Four pillars of Esther’s courage 1. Identity in God’s covenant people – her lineage anchored her (Esther 2 :5–7). 2. Community intercession – nationwide fasting and prayer (4 :16). 3. Personal self-sacrifice – “If I perish, I perish” (4 :16). 4. Divine providence – trust that God places people “for such a time as this” (4 :14). New-covenant parallels that fortify us • Hebrews 4 :16 – “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence…” • 2 Timothy 1 :7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power…” • Acts 4 :29 – early believers ask for “boldness to speak Your word.” • James 2 :17 – faith shows itself through action, not words alone. Practical expressions of modern-day bold faith • Speak gospel truth graciously in hostile settings. • Defend the vulnerable—even when silence feels safer. • Choose integrity at work or school knowing reputations (or jobs) may be at stake. • Obey specific promptings of the Spirit—giving, serving, relocating—before outcomes are clear. • Intercede and fast for breakthroughs that seem humanly impossible. Promised backing from the King of kings • Joshua 1 :9 – “Be strong and courageous… the LORD your God is with you.” • Proverbs 28 :1 – “The righteous are as bold as a lion.” • Psalm 118 :6 – “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” • 1 Corinthians 15 :58 – “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Carrying Esther’s torch today Esther stepped into a throne room ruled by a fallible monarch and found favor; we approach the throne of grace ruled by the flawless King. Her story urges us to translate conviction into courageous action, confident that God still extends His scepter to those who trust and obey. |
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