Esther 4 is one of those sobering chapters that the sword of truth cuts deeply as iron sharpens iron.
Historically, a remanent of Jews have come out of exile from Persian captivity. Roughly two percent. This in of itself begs the question, “Why do we stay enslaved when freedom, though it be tough, is to be had?” The temple has been built, the walls are being rebuilt, and Esther has been brought into the Persian King’s house and made Queen.
Esther, also reveals the highly toxic culture of middle-eastern paganism. The Book of Esther opens with the account of the king killing his wife for not appearing to him to be showed off like dressage pony in front of the kings drunken guests. Hence the saga of virgins being brought into the king’s palace and a new queen chosen.
In fact archeology proves The Holy Bible accurate in the Book of Esther, amongst others.
To quote: “What we do have confirms the Bible’s historical accuracy. In the beginning of the book Esther, Ahasuerus invited all the rulers of his kingdom to come to the city of Shushan (Susa) to behold Persia’s glorious palace.”
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https://www.quora.com/Does-the-uncovering-of-the-royal-palace-of-Xerxes-by-French-archaeologists-between-1880-and-1890-confirm-the-accuracy-of-the-accounts-recorded-in-the-Bible-book-of-Esther-Es-1-2
To quote: “The First Court is probably identical to the Inner Court mentioned in the Biblical book of Esther.”
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https://www.livius.org/articles/place/susa/susa-photos/susa-palace-of-darius-the-great/
Esther 4 vs 14 knocks us into the dizzying awareness of our flawed self- “For if you keep silent…”
We are called to examine why in the face of adversity are we indifferent?
‘What is indifference?
In the literal sense, indifference means as much as disinterest, dispassion or passivity. In sciences such as psychology and psychiatry, indifferent behavior is often observed in connection with mental illness. Indifferent behavior for no apparent reason, on the other hand, indicates an egocentric personality.
Indifferent behavior can be manifested by:
- Disinterest
- Detachment
- Lack of empathy
- Lack of helpfulness
- Lack Motivation
What can you do about indifference?
Work on your relationships. Society depends on social behavior. If you are pretty much indifferent to everything, you will hardly any success professionally. A partnership thrives on affection and mutual interest. With indifferent behavior you block the chance to get to know others and to make new friends. Making friends.
Stay calm, but speak your mind and stand by it. Commit to your goals. Getting active is the best way to overcome indifference!’ – https://greator.com/en/equality/
BUT…….
Esther 4 vs 14 reminds us that if we will not step up and out for God, we are not indispensable. God will raise another to fulfill His Plans “For if you keep silent relief will come from another place.”
We are being called by God to partake in The Greatest Love Story, but if we choose indifference God will not stop His Rescue Plan. Yes, God will always keep calling us, but The Holy Bible is written which outlays exactly what is happening Jesus comes back and we are either with Him or against Him. There is no grey area. The Plan runs, are we running in it?
Esther 4 vs 14 (b), makes a profound statement about God’s Plans that run that we become part of – “And who knows whether you have come into the kingdom for such a time as this.”
God is in control. When we seek out His Purpose for us we become part of His Story. What an incredible joy knowing that despite our flaws and fragility God wants us to participate in His Rescue Mission.
As if Esther 4 vs 14-15 aren’t heavy hitters enough, Queen Esther cuts our jaw with a massive uppercut in verse 16 that calls us examine our dedication to God– “Then I will go….. if I perish I perish.”
A magnificent example of dedication to a just cause comes from my beautiful country, South Africa. It comes from former iconic President- Nelson Mandela in the dark history of apartheid. It is the speech made before Mr Mandela was arrested.
Are we willing to die, not only to self as Jesus commands us to do, but physically to uphold THE TRUTH of God’s Holy Word?
Many of us have become comfortable in our faith because it is permissable in our countries, but the real heroes of our faith are those who are persecuted, daily, for following Jesus.
In 2022, horrific Christian persecution and murder were reported. To quote, ‘More than 5,600 Christians were killed for their faith last year. More than 2,100 churches were attacked or closed. More than 124,000 Christians were forcibly displaced from their homes because of their faith, and almost 15,000 became refugees. Sub-Saharan Africa—the epicenter of global Christianity—is now also the epicenter of violence against Christians, as Islamist extremism has spread well beyond Nigeria.’- https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2023/january/christian-persecution-2023-countries-open-doors-watch-list.html
PRAY THIS:
Father,
Where I have become indifferent, or disinterested in following you because it is hard and comes with trials, please give me Esther-courage that even if I face death, You are what is most important. Help me die to self, and live for Christ no matter what, wherever You lead.
In Your Holy Name Messiah King Jesus
AMEN
#Hayibo 