MARCH 27

Esther 8:3-6

ESTHER CONTINUES TO PLEAD

Haman was hanged; Esther and Mordecai were richly rewarded. It sounds like the story could just end there. But don’t forget about the evil decree! According to the law of the Medes and Persians, once a decree is signed in the king’s name, it cannot be changed. e decree to destroy all the Jews still remained!

All the personal rewards didn’t make Esther any happier because the decree was not reversed. Her heart was still heavy for her people. You see, she was not selfish and thought for her people more than for herself.Therefore,she continued to plead with the king. The king’s anger may have been appeased by Haman’s death, but Esther’s burden was not lifted. She fell down before his feet and pleaded with tears to take away the evil decree that Haman had planned. When the king held out his sceptre (symbolic ornamental rod of power in the king’s hand) toward Esther, it showed his favour toward her.

Esther was humble and wise in her plea. She didn’t take the king’s favour for granted; neither did she bring up the fact that he signed the decree. In whatever position we hold, we should never be high and mighty in our conduct, though we may have good reasons to insist we are right. If we need help from others, let us make these requests humbly and conduct ourselves with godly wisdom.

Esther love for her people was deep and sincere. She identified with them in a personal way.Though she enjoyed all the palace comforts, she never forgot who she was and who her fellow men were. Do you love God’s people? It’s not a love based on feelings and emotions which easily change, but a love based upon the unchanging truth of God’s Word. When one is down and out, another is there to pull him up to comfort, encourage, and offer practical help.

Can you think of a Christian friend, that you would like to encourage this week?
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What are 2 ways that you can encourage this person?
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Thought: Humility the best policy.
Prayer: Father in Heaven, thank You for Esther’s godly example. I pray that You will help me apply these lessons into my daily life, that You may use me to be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.