“Bold, I approach”
Opening Prayer
Father, make me bold. I want to live like I believe that heaven is for real and my decisions effect eternity.
Read ESTHER 5:1–8
[1] 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. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. [2] When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. [3] Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.” [4] “If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.” [5] “Bring Haman at once,” the king said, “so that we may do what Esther asks.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared. [6] As they were drinking wine, the king again asked Esther, “Now what is your petition? It will be given you. And what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.” [7] Esther replied, “My petition and my request is this: [8] If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What is Esther’s strategy?This is the day! You’ve done the preparation, you’ve thought about it and planned for it. Now is the time to act. You gulp down your nerves and take the step. How will things go? Esther has come of age. Now she’s the one giving instructions (4:17). And, as we see in these verses, she’s the one in control, acting with amazing courage and intelligence to gain the king’s compliance. This isn’t some thoughtless enterprise with Esther relying on her feminine charms. She has planned this carefully. Stage 1 is safely passed (2). Now for something the Persians loved—banqueting and drinking wine (4,8). Her strategy intrigues the king and, as Esther knows, his vanity before his fawning courtier will encourage foolish liberality: “… up to half the kingdom, it will be granted” (3,6). Haman, the enemy, ironically is the witness (5,6). Esther’s course is set—both men blithely walk into it. Working with God in his story doesn’t bring quick-fix solutions. For Esther, it meant being ready to risk her life. It needed imaginative, careful planning and took enormous courage and calm to put the plan into action. What is God calling you to do for him?
Apply
Journal about what God is calling you to do for him. Dream and do not limit God or yourself.
Closing prayer
Lord, help me to walk with boldness, courage and calm as I follow You wherever You lead.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.