Explore the Bible Series for February 18: Have courage to act on faith

Posted: 2/09/07

Explore the Bible Series for February 18

Have courage to act on faith

• Esther 5:1-3; 7:1-6, 9-10

By Howard Anderson

Diversified Spiritual Associates, San Antonio

Esther took her life in her hands by coming into the king’s presence uninvited, but the king received her and asked what she wanted. Esther revealed to the king she and all her people in his kingdom had been marked for death by Haman’s devious and evil scheme. On learning of Haman’s treachery, the king commanded he be hanged on the gallows Haman had built for Mordecai.

Christians should step out by faith whenever God calls them to do so, trusting God will work out his will through their obedience. When making an effort to defend particular groups or individuals, Christians should devise means of accurately presenting the facts to people who are in a position to help. We are to do all we can to defend helpless and vulnerable people, trusting God to use us to help them.

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Step out by faith (Esther 5:1-3)

On the third day following the third night, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s house. He was seated on the throne in the royal house, over against the gate. When he saw Esther, she obtained favor in his sight, and he held out the golden scepter to her. When she drew near and touched it, the king inquired of her request and promised it would be granted.

The queen’s simple request was that the king and Haman would make haste and attend a banquet prepared for him. The king, knowing that Esther must have had an unusual reason for daring to approach him, asked her what she wanted. He promised her “half of the kingdom.” Perhaps the phrase was a common form of exaggeration among royalty. Although it probably was exaggerated, the statement certainly showed the king’s favorable attitude toward her.

Who gave her wisdom to carry out such a plan is not stated. It could be she had a conference with Mordecai, or it may be divine inspiration alone guided her. In either case, Esther stepped out by faith and what she did was the right thing, and God worked out every detail of the plan for the good of his people.

State the facts (Esther 7:1-6)

Esther repeated her address (Esther 5:8) and now added her request. Esther asked the king to spare her life and the lives of her people. This latter appeal was an impassioned plea to the king in that she also disclosed her true identity to him for the first time. Esther told the king she and her fellow Jewish people “have been sold,” referring to Haman’s bribe to the king (Esther 3:9).

Esther’s speech had a dramatic effect on the king. She had aroused more than his curiosity. He was angry. The life of his own queen was in danger because of a plot by one of his trusted men.

Esther finally exposed the culprit. It was none other than Haman, the “adversary and enemy.” It is no wonder Haman was afraid before Esther and the king. In his evil plan to kill his enemy, he had unwittingly threatened the queen’s life.

See justice served (Esther 7:9-10)

Harbonah, the eunuch, spoke at a critical moment to the ruler. He disclosed the story of the gallows Haman had prepared for Mordecai and told the king where it was located. He reminded the monarch of Mordecai’s bravery on behalf of the king. Ahasuerus took Harbonah’s cue and commanded his servants to hang Haman on those very gallows.

Discussion questions

• Why is it sometimes hard to do what we know to be right?

• What was Esther risking by coming forward before the king? Is it similar at all to what Christians might face today?