I sadly must admit that I have never really sat down and read the book of Esther from beginning to end.  I have read parts of it here and there but never cover to cover so to speak.  So over the past 2 days that is exactly what I did.  I read the first four chapters yesterday morning and the last six this morning, and I knew the story on a whole but not really the incredible details that I have discovered over the past 2 days.  What a mighty, mighty thing this queen did and in reality this is a vital lesson that we should all learn.  Modeling ourselves and our attitudes after Esther could not only make an impact on our relationship with God but also make a huge impact on our nation. 

As I was reading the story of how she became queen and how she acted as queen (I am going to make you read it for yourself…I am not going to give the details) it is very easy to see how God had his hand on her life and her placement into the position of authority that she was.  This means that obviously God knew her heart and her character.   As her story plays out it is better than any of the best plays, movies, tv shows that you have seen.  There is betrayal, deceit, suspense, murder, and a humble, wise God fearing woman that saved a nation of Jews.

But to make this very simple and make you want to go read.  We are commanded in the book of Joel to return to the Lord with all of our heart and to render our hearts not our clothes, meaning instead of ripping and tearing your clothes, it should be your heart that is broken and torn so that the Lord can be the fulfillment of your heart.

Joel 2:12 (New American Standard Bible)
12 “Yet even now,” declares the LORD,
         ”Return to Me with all your heart,
         And with fasting, weeping and mourning;
13 And rend your heart and not your garments ”
         Now return to the LORD your God,
         For He is gracious and compassionate,
         Slow to anger, abounding in loving kindness
         And relenting of evil.

And this is what Esther did; she in a time where the Jews needed to be saved by a King’s decree which she knew that she would have to ask for.  A request; that in and of itself could have meant certain death for her even though she was the queen.  Watch what she says in verse 16 of chapter 4. 

Esther 4:16 (New American Standard Bible)
 16″Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.”

She told Mordecai to go and fast for her and to raise up intercessions for her to God.  Which is also a command that we are given:

Joel 1:14 (New American Standard Bible)
    14 Consecrate a fast,
         Proclaim a solemn assembly;
         Gather the elders
         And all the inhabitants of the land
         To the house of the LORD your God,
         And cry out to the LORD.

Basically, when there are major concerns in your family, church or nation we are commanded to gather together in the house of the Lord, fast, and cry out to Him.  Well this is what they did and the Lord delivered not only Esther but the nation of Jews and raised up Mordecai to be the second in charge of all of King Xerxes’ kingdom.   So today my thoughts are these…

As Christians how concerned are we about our families, neighborhoods, and nation?  Do we ever gather in God’s house specifically for the purpose of crying out to God to save the individuals that I mentioned?  Do we know that our God is that awesome that we would follow Him to death if necessary?  I feel very fortunate that I have not had to put my faith to the test of death.  I am scared that I would fail.  But maybe just maybe if we as Christians cry out to God and spend time together fasting, praying, and lifting up this lost world we can make an impact for the kingdom.  I say that we become more bold, will someone join me in that challenge?