Today’s scripture: Esther 3:1-15 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
Since Mordecai was a very positive character throughout this story, I’m assuming that when he refused to bow and show respect to Haman, he was doing the right thing. And what were the results of his righteous act of courage? A death sentence — not only for himself, but for all Jews! This brings up a crucial question: what about those times when I do the right thing, and suffer because of it? “To fight for the right, without question or pause, to be willing to march into hell, for a heavenly cause,” as the song The Impossible Dream proclaims. Can I live like that?
Well, I think it often begins with the little things. God gives us opportunities to act sacrificially for someone else in a small way, and, once we do that, we’re prepared for bigger things. For example, a fond memory of mine is my mother telling me about when she discovered she had received $10 too much from the teller at her bank. Her enjoyment and satisfaction in returning to the bank and giving it back was obvious, especially when she told about how grateful the teller was when she said, “Oh, thank you so much!” My mother helped her avoid being $10 short, and, having been a teller myself, I remember well how important it is to “balance” at the end of the day.
I also can’t help but think of some huge ways people have sacrificed for others, such as Corrie ten Boom’s sister, Betsie (and many others like her) who hid Jews in her home during the Nazi plague, and died in an abominable prison camp as a result — and, of course, the ultimate example, the Lord Jesus Christ. I think as we come to more fully believe that neither life, nor death, nor anything else in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, we become more free to sacrifice in big ways. Sacrifice becomes part of living out our passion for doing God’s will, and what once seemed like a big sacrifice somehow shrinks in comparison to the gift of eternal life God has lavished upon us.
So, even if your courageous act is something that seems small and insignificant, enjoy it, and thank God for it, because you are being prepared for greater opportunities. And, if you are currently being faced with a big challenge; maybe even one that presses you for every ounce of courage you can muster, then, stake out your precious prayer time every day, surround yourself with faithful people who will give you support, and walk one step at a time with your loving God, and faithful Lord, Jesus Christ! God will increase your courage!
Prayer for the day: Lord, thank You for preparing me for whatever future courageous act You’ll be calling me to do.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.