July 16
Esther 4
Esther learns of the plot to kill the Jews and plans to intercede.
INSIGHT
"I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!" (4:16). Those are not the words of someone being melodramatic; they are the words of a realist who accurately assesses the situation. By law, no one can go into the presence of the king unless invited; to do so means execution. If the king chooses to extend grace to the person, he offers his scepter, whereupon the subject is to kneel and touch the top of the scepter. Esther has no idea what Ahasuerus will do. He deposed Vashti with a clap of his hands; he signed the edict to kill the Jews without asking a question. Though she has no other choice, Esther's decision still takes great courage.
PRAYER
Our courage comes from confidence in God who loves us, and for this, we give Him our praise:
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
O Lord my God, You are very great:
You are clothed with honor and majesty,
Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment,
Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. . .
May sinners be consumed from the earth,
And the wicked be no more.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Praise the Lord!
(Psalm 104:1-2, 35)
As you seek to keep your life free from sin, pray this confession to the Lord:
Justice is far from us,
Nor does righteousness overtake us;
We look for light, but there is darkness!
For brightness, but we walk in blackness!
(Isaiah 59:9)
O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up,
That I may repay them.
(Psalm 41:10)
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:15-16).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
-- Greater love for non-Christians
-- The work of missions in Africa
-- Those who are persecuted for their faith
Now close with this prayer:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen (2 Corinthians 13:14).
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