Have you ever been ashamed for Jesus’ sake? Perhaps you were afraid to say openly that you were not participating in something because it was sinful. Or you were ashamed to thank God for a meal when everyone around you immediately started eating.
In the Bible, in the Old Testament, there is the book of Esther. Esther was a woman from the people of Israel, from the people of God. She was chosen from many other women to become the queen of King Ahasuerus. However, the king was not aware that this woman was an Israelite.
There was a man in the royal court called Haman who hated the people of Israel. He wanted to wipe them out. He had come up with a cunning plan: He would speak ill of the Jews and get the king to give him his seal of approval. Haman then had letters written stating that the people of Israel could be killed on a certain day. These letters were provided with the king’s seal and distributed to the various provinces. The Jews and Esther were in grave danger.
What should the queen do now? If someone came to the king without being called, they would be killed, according to the law. There was one exception: if the king extended his golden scepter, his ruling staff, toward them.
The queen’s cousin, whose name was Mordecai, encouraged Esther to try and speak to the king on behalf of her people. Did Esther dare? Yes, even though she might die for her actions. What do you think the people of Israel did? That’s right! They prayed for Esther, and God led in such a way that the king extended his scepter towards her and listened to her. Esther’s people and she herself remained alive.
What would have become of the people of Israel if Esther had not courageously stood up for her people? We don’t know, but we want to learn from Esther, from her courage and her determination. Always stand on the side of the Lord Jesus, even if you are ridiculed for it. May the dear Savior give you the strength to do so!
Anja Mantek
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