Daily Devotion, January 9, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Esther 4:9-16.

In the new sermon series starting today, we are going to be looking at various people who have inspired us, some of whom are in the Bible. One of the first that comes to my mind is Esther. She was a young Jewish woman who lived in exile in the time of the Persians ruling the land. When the king of the land became disenchanted with his wife, he decided to seek a new queen from the women of the land. He ended up choosing Esther, who had not told anyone of her heritage. She had been raised by her cousin Mordecai after the death of her parents. When an official in the kingdom convinced the king that all the Jewish people should be destroyed, Mordecai let Esther know that she needed to speak to the king on behalf of her people. She knew that to approach the king without being summoned could bring about her death, but determined that was what she had to do.  

Chances are that most of us will not be asked to do something for the kingdom of our Lord that could endanger our life. However, there may be times when we sense the need to speak up or do something to try to right a wrong we see being done to someone or a whole group of people. Doing so might cost you a friendship, popularity or even your job. When you face those situations, may you be inspired by this young Jewish woman who knew what she had to do, no matter the risk or consequences.

Personal Worship Option:

What might the Holy Spirit be leading you to do that could be costly to you? Seek the wisdom of a trusted friend or small group. Let the Spirit also lead you through them to have the wisdom and courage you need to do the right thing.