What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done? When I asked myself that question, I had a hard time answering. Truth is, riding my bike with no hands is probably it. In modern-day America, we simply don’t face danger. Occasionally, we may face danger that will put our reputation or popularity on the line, but never our lives. That reality makes it a little harder for me to appreciate the risk that Queen Esther takes today in Esther 4. In short, she is informed that the only way to save the Jewish people from certain death was to go and risk her own life before the king.
Not long before this challenge was given her, Esther was the chosen one. Everything was going right for her. Her beauty and loyalty earned her high place with the king. That is until her cousin, Mordecai came to her with this special challenge. She must go before the king and ask him to save the Jewish people. This task, she knew, could easily result in death. This is the part that has me wondering. What would I really put on the line for God?
The reason we may never know the answer to that question is that we have an amazing ability to dodge the question. Seriously, when something challenging comes up, we look for simpler ways through it. Maybe there is an option that will satisfy everyone without going to such an extreme. If not another solution, we simply avoid the question all together. Life goes on. Or does it?
Among the most captivating verses in this passage is verse 14. Mordecai explained that there is a cost for silence. In fact, the cost is extremely personal. He explains that God’s plan to save the Jews will succeed. He will prevail, with or without her. Additionally, if she chooses “without her,” she will die anyway. So will all of her family. Ouch!
I’ll be honest. When I compare my commitment and faithfulness to Esther’s, I feel like a wimp. Like Esther, I cannot justify my silence when I know God is calling me to more. Thankfully, unlike queen Esther, our lives are not on the line. Or, are they?