“보라 네 왕이 네게 임하시나니”(스가랴 9:9)

Esther Series (7)

"I and My People"
Esther 7:1–10

Having gained the king's favor, Esther once again invites the king and Haman to a second banquet. When the king asks her for her request, she finally risks her life to expose Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jewish people, and pleads with the king to save her people. When the enraged king steps away for a moment, Haman begs Esther for his life, pleading for mercy. However, his desperate posture only worsens the situation, further provoking the king’s wrath. In the end, Haman is executed on the pole he had prepared for Mordecai.

Esther does not act for her own survival, but steps into danger to save her people at the risk of her life. Like Esther, we also face unavoidable crises and moments of danger in our life journey. Sometimes we must bear a weight that feels too heavy. If Esther had never become queen, she would not have had to carry this burden. Yet, she made the decision to go before the king at the cost of her life and ultimately saved her people.

Likewise, we too face such moments. Whether as heads of families or leaders of communities, there are roles that carry emotional weight and responsibility—there are people entrusted to us.

Why does God place us in such positions? It is because the Lord calls us to participate in His work and to live as people with a mission here on earth. When Esther was raised to the royal position, it may have seemed like the pinnacle of blessing—but in truth, it was the beginning of God's calling into His purpose. Just as with Esther, God grants us blessings and, at His appointed time, calls us by His grace to take on the mission in that place. He turns our focus from a self-centered life toward His will, His kingdom, and His people. Through moments like those in Esther 7, God matures us.

Are you currently walking through a moment you cannot avoid, feeling the weight of the burden? Be strong. The Lord has placed you there to grow your faith, character, and capacity. Depending on how we respond to His calling, we become either spiritual adults or remain like children—regardless of our age.

A child focuses only on “me” and acts only for “myself.” But an adult considers both “me” and “my people” and acts accordingly. A healthy faith community needs such mature adults.

1. Be a True Elder in Your Community

Each of us has a place where God has called us. In the community you belong to, think and act as a true elder. Step out of a self-centered life, grow into maturity, and as a spiritual adult, embrace the people entrusted to you as your God-given mission. May you become a precious servant of the Lord, faithfully fulfilling His work.

Sharing Questions

1. How do you respond in times of crisis and danger? Do you react like a child, focusing only on yourself? Or do you respond like a mature adult, according to the mission entrusted to you?

2. What is the mission God has called you to, and who are the people He has entrusted to you? What areas of your life need discipline and training to fulfill that mission and grow in faith and character?

Application

1. If there have been spiritual elders like Esther in your life who guided you, take time this week to express your gratitude and offer a prayer of blessing for them.

2. In the place of your calling, commit to stand as an intercessor for God’s kingdom and His will throughout this week.