Daily Scripture Threshing for Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Today’s Text: Esther 4:12-17
Key Verse: Esther 4:16 (ESV): "Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish."
I don't know why Triumphant, my son, was so attracted to this verse, but for several years. He just continued to use today's key text as his memory verse at every family altar until I said, "Hey boy! Nice Scripture, but it's time you grab another memory verse." However, each time he used it, he always joyfully reminds us the context in which Esther was willing to risk her own life to approach the king on behalf of her people, the Jews, who are facing annihilation. Especially, knowing that going to the king without being summoned could result in her death, but she chose to take that risk anyway.
The meditation from Esther's life is one of courageous faith and selflessness. Esther is willing to put herself in harm's way to save others, trusting that God will work out His plan despite the risks. This attitude is echoed in the phrase "If I perish, I perish", which becomes a declaration of faith and determination to do what is right, no matter the cost.
Perhaps, most people that lived sacrificial lives, wlling to die for others really so not die after all. Apart from Jesus, history tells us of countless examples of people throughout history who have risked their lives for the sake of others: Maximilian Kolbe was a Catholic priest who volunteered to die in place of a stranger at Auschwitz. Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved over 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust. Mother Teresa dedicated her life to caring for the poor and marginalized in India. Florence Nightingale pioneered nursing during the Crimean War, risking her life to care for wounded soldiers. Martin Luther King Jr. led the American civil rights movement, facing violence and threats for his activism. Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker who smuggled over 2,500 Jewish children out of the Warsaw Ghetto during WWII. Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat saved thousands of Jews from Nazi persecution in Hungary. Sophie Scholl, a German student who distributed anti-Nazi leaflets, leading to her execution. These individuals, among many others, have demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness, putting the well-being of others before their own safety and lives leave us challenge and example.
By their act, like Esther, they made history as a type or foreshadowing of Christ in several ways. We can learn from them and Esther, who like Christ, was born into a royal lineage. She was a descendant of King Saul. Both were raised up "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14, Matthew 26:24). Both willingly went to the king on behalf of their people, risking their own lives (Esther 5:1-3, Matthew 27:26). Both were obedient to the point of sacrifice (Esther 4:16, Philippians 2:8). Both brought salvation to their people (Esther 7:3-4, John 12:27). And, lastly both Esther and our Lord show us how we can be raised from a lowly position to a place of great honor (Esther 2:17, Philippians 2:9) through sacrificial living. Learn from this: Esther did not have to die, and it is in dying that Jesus lives and a hired life for all humanity.
Quote for the Day: "When we sacrifice for others, we sow seeds of love in the garden of humanity. Though the harvest may be unseen, its fruit will forever bloom in the hearts of those we touch, nourishing a world that becomes a brighter reflection of our own selflessness." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me to embrace the joy of sacrificing for others,
That I may sow seeds of love and kindness. Give me grace to trust that Your grace will multiply my efforts,
bringing forth a harvest of hope and blessing in the lives of those I serve, and in my own heart — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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