January 9, 2026

SERVING GOD

Esther 4:13-16

And Mordecai said to Hathach, “Go and say to Esther, ‘Do not say to yourself that you alone will be saved in the kingdom apart from all the other Jews. For if you choose not to heed this request at this time, help and deliverance for the Jews will arise elsewhere, but you and your father’s house will perish. Besides, who knows whether it is for this occasion you reign as queen?’ ” Then Esther dispatched the one who came to her to Mordecai, saying, “Go and assemble together the Jews in Susa. Fast for me; do not eat or drink for three full days and three full nights. I and my maids will also fast. Then I will go to the king, contrary to the law, even if I am to perish.”

Personal Challenge

God accomplishes His will for mankind through His followers here on earth. He never forces us to do His work. He gives us opportunities to serve Him and lets us choose whether or not we want to act. If we choose not to He will ask another until He finds someone willing. This story in Esther is one of those cases. Mordecei, Esther’s uncle, has found out about a plan to kill all the Jews in the kingdom. Esther is the queen of the kingdom. It is unknown that she is a Jew. Mordecai is asking her to go to the king to reveal the plan and save the Jews. There is one problem. The law of the land is that anyone, including the queen, who seeks to see the king without his asking for it, is immediately sentenced to death. Esther chooses to do this regardless of the consequences. It is an awesome story… read it. Our personal challenge is to determine how God is calling us today to serve Him. It may be to stand between and ICE agent and an immigrant. Are you, am I, willing to do that? It may be standing up for someone being harrassed or bullied. What will be our response? Our relationship with God is reflected in our willingness to serve Him when He calls upon us. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!