For a Time Such as This
Esther 4
Mordecai’s Mourning vs. 1-4
Sackcloth and ashes was a sign of public mourning for a grievous sin against God
Nobody in sackcloth could enter through the King’s gates.
Many Jews were mourning with Mordecai
The Jew’s Dilemma vs. 5-9
When Esther inquired why Mordecai was leading a group in mourning, Mordecai told Esther the plans to kill the Jews.
He even gave her the copy of the orders
Mordecai asked if Esther would use her influence to have the king change the orders
Esther’s Objection vs. 10-12
Esther reminded Mordecai that only those who were bidden could approach the king. If she went in unbidden and he did not accept her, it would be a death sentence.
The Persians considered Xerxes a god, and this law helped elevate Xerxes in the eyes of the people
Mordecai’s Admonishment vs. 13-14
Mordecai reminded her that she was not safe from this law to destroy the Jews just because she was in the palace. Someone would find out and she would perish anyways
If she didn’t go, God would raise up someone else to deliver the Jews, but she and her family would perish.
Mordecai was standing on God’s promises He had made to the Jewish people.
Mordecai also acknowledged that God placed Esther in this position for a time such as this
Esther’s Answer vs. 15-17
Esther agreed to try, but before she would, she asked if Mordecai would get as many people, not just to pray, but to fast for the results.
Mark 9:14-29