Take A Stand

Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods. A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so they would be ready for that day. (Esther 3:13-14) 
 
Yesterday, we spoke about Esther, a young Jewish woman who married King Xerxes, the King of Persia. King Xerxes was an impulsive leader who was influenced by hateful, vengeful, racist, spiteful, and bloodthirsty advisors to act upon their hatred of Jews. Here in our text, problems intensify. 
 
The king’s lead advisor Haman devises a scheme to have every Jew in Persia killed and he convinces the king to sign it into law. When Esther learns of the plan, she must decide to be silent to protect her life or confront the king, risking her life and the lives of Jews. Esther decides to approach the king. 
 
There will come a time (if not multiple times) in all of our lives where we will have to choose whether to speak up or stay silent. Sometimes the consequences will be small, other times they will be massive. Sometimes we might only lose an argument. Other times we might lose a close friend. But we must remember that the Lord and His Word are always worth standing up for.  
 
May we never shrink back from standing up for what and who we believe in. May we have the courage to be bold and brave, like Esther was, so that we do what is right and obedient to honor the Lord.