Esther (7)—Self-Denial, Wisdom, Courage - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

The LORD is near - Monday, August 5, 2024
by Jacob Redekop, Brian Reynolds, John van Dijk, Eugene P. Vedder Jr

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Esther (7)—Self-Denial, Wisdom, Courage

Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me … for three days … My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!

Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, across from the king’s house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house.
Esther 4:16 NKJV; Esther 5:1 NKJV

Esther (7)—Self-Denial, Wisdom, Courage
As they faced the threat of annihilation of their people, Mordecai warned Esther that if she remained silent, relief and deliverance would arise for the Jews “from another place,” but she would perish. He added, “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” God in His foreknowledge of all things has placed each of us exactly where He wants to use us. Will you, will I, redeem the time in this evil day, understanding what the will of the Lord is (Eph. 5:15–17)?

Esther asked that Mordecai and the Jews at Shushan would fast for her for three days; she and her maids would do likewise. Fasting involves self-denial, usually while earnestly praying. They fasted together. Most of us fast far too little, if at all!

Encouraged and strengthened, Esther dressed for the occasion in her royal robes as queen, and went to the king’s palace. With God-given wisdom and dignity, she stood in the entryway facing the king who was sitting on his throne. Would the king hold out his golden scepter to her? It had been more than thirty days since he had last called her to his presence. Yes, she found favor in his eyes! He extended the scepter. Queen Esther went near and touched its tip. He had graciously accepted her.

Our Lord invites us to approach His throne of grace boldly to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. What a gracious Lord and sympathizing High Priest He is!

-- Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.

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