Daily Readings

Read Esther 4

Read Psalm 22:1-31

This Psalm is read during the Feast of Purim, the feast that commemorates the events of the book of Esther. How does its message of deliverance relate to the story of Esther?

Read Esther 4:10-17

How does Esther show courage and faith? How do Mordecai, Esther, and God’s people respond as a community?

Read Genesis 45:1-15

Joseph says that what his brothers intended for evil God meant for good (Genesis 50:20). Mordecai says that Esther may be queen for this very time (Esther 4:14b). How do these statements fit together? How do these stories relate to each other?

Esther 4 Outro

Esther has reached a pivotal moment in which she will risk her own life. Mordecai is confident that help will come for God’s people, but neither are certain that their plan will work out. This is so relatable. We are often led to take risks for God’s Kingdom when we don’t necessarily know the outcome. As you meditate on the story of Esther, think about the way God brings about justice and what role you might be uniquely positioned to play.  

The Courage of the Faithful

What is a substantial risk you have taken that paid off? How confident were you when you took the risk that things would turn out well? What about a risk that did not turn out well?

Read Esther 4:1-2

How does Mordecai express his grief? How do the Jewish people grieve together? What does it look like to grieve with those who grieve?

Mordecai mentions that help for the Jews will come from “another place” if Esther refuses to act. What do you think he means here? Why is he so confident?

Mordecai’s statement that Esther might have come into a royal position “for such a time as this” has almost become cliché.

Read 4:14 again

What do you notice about how he phrases this statement? How certain is he that this is the right course of action?

In Esther 4, Mordecai asks Esther to risk her life to correct an injustice. What do we learn about Esther from her response? What would you risk to help God’s people?