Mission: Suicidal Risks
“And if I perish, I perish.”
On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king's hall. (Esther 4:16, 5:1)
Preaching the Gospel can be a risky mission: think about the evangelists that were eaten by lions, others died at sea, and Bishop James Hannington met his death at the orders of King Mwanga even before almost making it to the royal court. These were people with full conviction about an important mission. This trait was lacking in Esther, but when she had fully repented and embraced the mission to save her people, it was worth taking a suicidal risk – even more risky than travelling through dangerous forests with ravenous fauna to convert a savage king in ancient Afrika.
For the security of the king, it was enacted that no one should be admitted into his presence; Esther’s ordinary wisdom had reminded her that entering the king’s presence without invitation was as good as calling death upon oneself, and this was law (4:11). Even then, Mordecai made an inconsiderate appeal pushing Esther as if he wished her dead – to intervene before the king without invitation! And when Esther remembered the place of divine intervention through passionate prayer, she picked up the courage for the mission that would require a suicidal risk, expressed in her own words ‘if I perish I perish’. How do you accomplish such a mission – how do you take such a risk?
The third day: Esther’s timing was on the third day of prayer and fasting. When you have been before the Lord long enough, you have both courage and power to face any difficulty. Temptations to panic and attack the problem before prayer are common; even more common could be interventions after prayer but before adequate prayer. To wait for the third day is to ready oneself enough in the presence of the King of kings, and then all other kings you approach – no matter what laws they have enacted – you will be sure to find favour.
The royal robes: Esther’s dress code in royal robes depicted a readiness to meet the king as if she was on appointment. This was expression of faith – death is staring her in the face, but her faith tells her she will meet and converse with the king. This faith, without any doubts, could only come from the deep spiritual preparation.
Dare take the risk. The inner court where Esther stood was the very one she talked about as out of bounds. On the third day, the Lord God Almighty steps into the affairs of earthly kingdoms to prosper His will; He is willing to use you if you will dare take the risk. Remember however, it could turn out dangerous; is only safe it on the third day – when you have fully prepared before the Lord God Almighty.
God bless you all.