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Love Compelled Risk
May 11th, 2017
Esther 4:1-17
Even though Esther was King Xerxes’ queen, she realized her position was powerless to deliver her people from the just-imposed death decree. She was equally sure, once the kingdom discovered her Jewish heritage, that she too would fall under the scope of the Jewish annihilation proclamation inspired by the wicked Haman. Yes, Xerxes would be devastated–he loved Esther–but Haman was making full use of the authority he had been granted to avenge his wounded pride. Esther’s cousin Mordecai would not pay homage to Haman by bowing to him. As a result, Haman was determined to make Mordecai and all his people pay with their lives.
Esther had earned righteous influence with the king. Mordecai encouraged Esther to risk her life and become an advocate for her people. To approach the king without invitation could result in immediate death. Yet Esther was willing; she took the risk and approached the king.
Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).
Author: John Trotter
Tags: Love
