Esther 4 – Are we willing to pay the cost for our God-given mission?

Upon learning of Haman’s action, Mordecai was immediately overcome with distress. He tore his clothes, donned sackcloth and ashes, and ventured into the city in mourning. His destination was the palace entrance, where he hoped to catch Esther’s attention. However, his attire of sackcloth prevented him from entering the palace grounds.

Simultaneously, all the Jews across the province where Haman’s decree was sent, united in fasting, weeping, wailing, and mourning in sackcloth and ashes. Their collective action was a poignant testament to the imminent threat of extermination they all faced.  

Esther, secluded in the women’s quarter of the palace, was only made aware of Mordecai's distress through her maids. The news afflicted her emotions deeply, and she sent Mordecai proper clothes, unaware of the dire situation. Her attempt was probably to facilitate his entrance into the palace. However, Mordecai flatly refused.

The queen summoned Hathach, the steward assigned to assist her by the king, to find out what was causing Mordecai’s actions.  Mordecai then told the steward of Haman’s plan and the impending extermination of all the Jews in the land. He even handed Hathach, the steward, a copy of Haman’s decree to attest to what was happening.

Mordecai even assigned Esther with the daunting task of pleading with the king on behalf of the Jews.  She was quick to remind Mordecai of the perilous nature of her mission, especially since the king had not summoned her. Although Mordecai was confident that help would come from somewhere else if Esther did not take the risk, he reminded her that, as a Jew herself, her life was also at risk.

Convicted, Esther then made up her mind to take the risk. Her response to Mordecai underscored the gravity of her decision and the risk she was willing to take. But she requested that Mordecai gathered all the Jews in Susa to fast for three days, even as she and her maids would do the same.  Her inspiring words were, “If I perish, I perish,” which shows the sacrifice she was prepared to make for the more significant cause of her Jewish people. Deep conviction and commitment always call for sacrifice. Any task of great value can never be achieved without the willingness to pay the cost.  

One key lesson is the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of great risk. Are we ready to stand up for what’s right, even when it requires personal sacrifice? True conviction and commitment always come with a cost. Are we willing to pay the price to advance the kingdom of God?