The Love of Esther

The beauty of Esther was her love for God, her love for her people, and her love for her nation. The love of God shone brightly through Esther, and this is what made her so beautiful. Her grace was apparent to all, and she found favor not only in the eyes of people but also in the sight of God and her king.

Her love for God gave her great wisdom to walk in the challenges set before her as queen. She received divine wisdom and strategies from God, enabling her to reverse the enemy’s plans to annihilate the Jewish people. Esther’s ascent to the throne brought with it the revelation that her husband, King Xerxes, harbored a close confidant, Haman, who sought to eradicate and destroy the Jewish people. She needed a great deal of heavenly wisdom to undo the evil schemes that Haman was setting into motion.

James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (NKJV). Esther sought the Lord. Her love for her people caused her to cry out to Him. She evaluated the advice of those over her and sought the guidance of the Lord. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (ESV).

Mordecai, Esther’s cousin and guardian, warned and encouraged Esther by saying, “If you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (NKJV). Esther displayed great love and courage to stand for what was right in the sight of the Lord. She trusted the Lord with all her heart, and she did not lean on her understanding. She acknowledged the Lord, and He directed her path (see Proverbs 3:5-6).

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally... and it will be given to him” James 1:5 (NKJV)

Esther's profound love for her people and her unwavering devotion to her nation shone brightly as she bravely went before King Xerxes. With her life at risk and hanging in the balance, she entered his presence, knowing that the only way her life would be spared was if he extended his scepter. Miraculously, she not only lived but also received her petition granted, a testament to the favor she held with both God and man.

Esther received the love of God to overcome her fears. First John 4:18 says, “Perfect love casts out fear” (NKJV), and Second Timothy 1:7 tells us that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (NKJV). She was not fearful because she knew that the Lord was with her.

Just as Esther’s life illustrates, even in our lives today we may be in situations and circumstances where God desires to use us for His purposes. The question, “What is the right thing to do?” becomes paramount in situations where we confront the enemy, experience betrayal from loved ones, or face false accusations. When our family’s safety, livelihood, and well-being are at risk, it’s crucial to seek wisdom and discernment from God to navigate these challenging circumstances with integrity and righteousness.

Despite the perilous circumstances, Esther’s deep love for her people compelled her to courageously go before King Xerxes, willing to risk her own life for the sake of her people. She made up her mind and she said, “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (Est 4:16 NIV). She did what was right before the Lord, her people, and her nation because she trusted in God for courage and strength.

As we, too, place our trust in God, the lies of the enemy are silenced, and our anxious thoughts and worries are overcome. When we fully embrace God's love for us, fear loses its grip on our hearts. As we seek the Lord and His Kingdom, we will arise for such a time as this. The Lord desires us to come to Him and know with confidence that we can boldly enter the throne room of God and receive His grace. He loves us and He wants us to give Him our care and concerns. First Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety upon him because he cares for you” (NIV). God’s promise that He will never leave us or forsake us (see Deuteronomy 31:6) stands firm. No matter how big or small our situation is, He invites us to come to Him because He loves us.

As Esther sought the Lord, the schemes of the enemy were revealed, and she witnessed the ultimate failure of the enemy’s wicked plans. Proverbs 19:21 says, “There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel that will stand” (NKJV). Just like in Esther's life, God uses the circumstances in our lives to fulfill His plans and purposes.

Esther’s love for God and for her people had the power to affect an entire generation. Similarly, our love for God can bring about transformation in our lives and the lives of those over whom God has given us influence. As we confront the question “What is the right thing to do?”, let us arise with courage and faith, trusting in God’s wisdom to guide our actions.

Reflecting on the story of Esther serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign and unwavering, even when you cannot perceive Him or feel His presence. Next time you are faced with a situation that calls for courage in the face of fear, remember Esther, and know with confidence that God is working mightily on your behalf!