Adam and Eve were created in the image of God, but they were not robots. Endowed by the Creator with free will. They had the ability to make decisions independent of God.
Knowing His children would choose to disobey Him. The Lord designed beforehand a plan of redemption— Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection. God so loved us that He chose to pay the ransom. Ensuring the release of His children from satan’s dominion and authority!
But this ransom is conditional. It is dependent upon His children exercising their free will.
Exercising one’s free will is not always easy or safe. Something Esther knew well. As a Jew married to a Babylonian king, Esther walked a tightrope daily.
Adopting some of the customs of the Babylonian culture without compromising the Word of God. Knowing under no circumstances could she compromise the Word of God because the Lord means what He says.
It was good…
As Esther lay in bed, she mentally checked her to do list. Everything had to be perfect. Not only did the lives of the Jewish people depend upon it, but also Mordecai’s and hers.
When she first learned her father Mordecai would not bow and pay homage to Haman. She was not overly concerned. After all, she was queen and could protect him if necessary. Unfortunately, events had spiraled out of control.
Haman had persuaded her husband to issue an order. It was intended for the royal satraps— the governors of each of the provinces and the officials of each ethnic group. Written for each province in its own script and to each ethnic group in its own language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the royal signet ring.
Letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces. Telling the officials to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jewish people. Young and old, women and children and plunder their possessions on a single day. The thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month.
A copy of the text, issued as law throughout every province, was distributed to all the peoples. So that they might get ready for that day. Esther 3:12-14
There was great mourning among the Jewish people in every province where the king’s command and edict came. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay on sackcloth and ashes. Esther 4:3
When Mordecai learned all that had occurred. He tore his clothes. Put on sackcloth and ashes. Went into the middle of the city and cried loudly and bitterly. He only went as far as the King’s Gate. Since the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering the King’s Gate. Esther 4:1-2
Despite her pleas, Mordecai refused to stop his protest. His words of chastisement still rang in her ears.
Do not flatter yourself that you shall escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time. Relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere. But you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion? Esther 4:13-14
Although Mordecai words hurt. Their truth burrowed themselves deep into her soul.
She promptly dispensed a messenger to deliver the following instructions. Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa and fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, night and day. I and my female servants will also fast in the same way.
After that, I will go to the king. Even if it is against the law.
If I perish, I perish! Esther 4:16
Thankfully, the Lord had revealed His plan to her. If all went as planned. Her people would be delivered from extermination. Haman would be gone!
Return next week for the conclusion of Esther’s daring plan.
Be a VOICE shouting into the wilderness.
“CHRIST is returning!”
letsloveothers 