The Daily Word: Wednesday, August 19th, 2020
Esther 4:1-7:10
1 Corinthians 12:1-26
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 21:21-22
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
“Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” – Esther 4:16
A wicked plot had just been released into the Kingdom of Persia. Everyone of Jewish descent would be executed! At first, Queen Esther was reluctant to help. She feared the king. She was afraid of what would happen if she went into his presence and asked him to change his mind and reverse the decree!
But then something changed. All of a sudden, Esther was willing to help. She agreed to go to the king and ask for mercy. What was the sudden change? Esther no longer feared losing her life. She was willing to do what was asked of her in service to God’s people, even if it meant she would die: “…and if I perish, I perish” (v. 16).
What a switch! Esther was instantaneously effective because she no longer feared losing her life. She served well because she no longer feared death! And if you want to serve Jesus well, you must get to the point where you are willing to do what God asks, even if it costs your life.
If you cling to your life, you will be an ineffective servant. But if you lay down your life, God will move through you!
…and they did not love their lives to the death. – Rev. 12:11
Prayer:
Jesus, I am not afraid to die for You. Make me an effective servant! Help me to preach the Gospel without fear. I will lay down my life for You, in Jesus’ name!
Archives
See commentary from this day in 2014.
See commentary from this day in 2015.
See commentary from this day in 2016.
See commentary from this day in 2017.
See commentary from this day in 2018.
See commentary from this day in 2019.
© Michael D. White, 2020. All rights reserved.