Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us turn our hearts and minds to the book of Esther, chapter 7, verses 1 through 6.
So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther’s banquet, 2 and as they were drinking wine on the second day, the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”
3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. 4 For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.[a]”
5 King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, “Who is he? Where is he—the man who has dared to do such a thing?”
6 Esther said, “An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!”
Then Haman was terrified before the king and queen.
In this passage, we find Queen Esther at a pivotal moment. She has been called by God to intercede for her people, the Jews, who face extermination at the hands of the wicked Haman. Up to this point, Esther has hidden her Jewish identity, but now the time has come for courage.
Esther approaches the king and his guest Haman at the banquet she has prepared. With wisdom and grace, she reveals Haman’s plot against her people. She does not accuse, she does not shout – she simply speaks the truth in love.
Esther’s actions remind us of the power of speaking truth to power with humility and courage. Like Esther, we are called to stand for what is right, even when it is dangerous or difficult. We must have faith that God goes before us, just as He did for Esther.
When we face injustice or evil, we can take heart from Esther’s example. With God’s help, one person standing firm in their faith and speaking truth can change the course of history.
Esther’s story challenges us – are we willing to step out in faith for God’s purposes, even when the odds seem against us? Do we trust that the Lord will give us the words and the strength needed in that moment?
Let us pray that we would have Esther’s courage to stand for righteousness, her wisdom in how we engage, and her faith that God is sovereign over all. May we be willing instruments in His hands to accomplish His will on this earth. Amen.