Esther 4-6

When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:12-14)

I suppose these are the most quoted words in the Bible's book of Esther. At a time when her people were sorely threatened, Esther might have possessed the means to protect herself. But how would her kinfolk have fared? Not well, I imagine. 

Mordecai turns my supposition on its head. With conviction he claims both that Esther and her family will be destroyed and that (surprise!) the Jews will be delivered. He goes on to stir Esther into action. She may use her royal position both to save her immediate family and to deliver the rest of her people, the Jews. Why not do so?

At times I'm tempted to hunker down and "ride out" the storms of conflict. In those times I need to contemplate Mordecai's viewpoint. Relief and deliverance arise from another place, namely from the hand of God. Why not align with God, then, and "let the chips fall where they will?"