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Author: Elaine Roub, from the Charis Community in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The Risk-Taker

Esther 4 reads, “When Mordecai received Esther’s message, he sent her this warning: “Don’t imagine that you are safer than any other Jew just because you are in the royal palace. If you keep quiet at a time like this, help will come from heaven to the Jews... Esther sent Mordecai this reply: “...I will go to the king… and if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:12-15)

When Mordecai heard that Esther could die if she went to the king uninvited, wouldn’t you think he would have excused her from this difficult task? After all, she was his adopted daughter and he loved her. But instead, he challenges her false security and warns that if she remains silent, she and her whole family will die. Pretty harsh, huh?

And then Mordecai says those immortal words which still echo down to us through the ages: “Maybe it was for a time like this that you were made queen!” (Esther 4:14) Mordecai believes beyond doubt that no matter what, God will save his people. And so, he does not demand that Esther risk her life for her people, he simply gives her the option. Then he reminds her of her destiny, of the “what if” of courageous choices. 

Courage fosters courage, and Esther is emboldened to step into her destiny. She is young, she is scared, and she does not know at this point that her story will end well. She only knows that she has a choice—a choice between human logic or divine calling, to play it safe or to play it bold. Esther chooses bold.

Esther’s dilemma reminds me of another one posed by Jesus: “For if you want to save your own life, you will lose it; but if you lose your life for me and for the gospel, you will save it.” (Mark 8:35)

What about you? In what way is Jesus challenging you today to lay down your life? Perhaps it’s laying your reputation on the line, or sticking up for a friend, or speaking out what you know to be true no matter the consequences. Scared? Of course you are. So was Esther. But by God’s strength, she chose courage over compromise.

Scripture quotations from The Good News Bible, © 1994 published by the Bible Societies/HarperCollins Publishers Ltd UK, Good News Bible ©. American Bible Society 1966, 1971, 1976, 1992. Used with permission.