In the palace, Queen Esther had no idea about the decree that had been sent out to destroy all the Jews. But her cousin Mordecai had heard all about it and he tore his clothes to show his distress and sadness. When Esther heard that Mordecai was sitting at the gate in sackcloth and ashes, she sent for him, but he refused to come.

So, Esther sent a servant to Mordecai to find out what the problem was. Mordecai told the servant to tell the queen all about the plot to kill the Jews and commanded Esther to go to the king to beg to have the Jews spared.

Esther sent a message back to Mordecai telling him that she didn’t dare to go to the king, because if anyone went to the king without permission, they would be killed, unless the king held out his golden scepter. Mordecai told her that if she didn’t try to save all her people, she would be killed anyway when all the other Jews were destroyed, so she should at least try to save her people. Mordecai said, “Maybe the Lord made her queen for this very reason.” Mordecai believed that God was going to save his people, either through Esther or another way.

And so we see that the Lord continued to work to save his people. God was not going to allow Satan to win and destroy the Jews. God loved his covenant people and so moved Esther’s heart so that she was willing to obey Mordecai. Esther had to obey even though she had no idea if she would be allowed to speak to the king or if she would die. She had no idea if God was going to use her for this or not. She had to act in faith, trusting God.

But we know that God did use her to save the Jews. He did so, so that Christ could be born. God worked his plan of salvation out using Mordecai and Esther. God is always a work, also in your life, for the salvation of his children.

Reflection with your child:

Can you always see how the Lord is working in your life?

Source: Sermon by Rev. H. Alkema