Tang Wei Ping
Prayer Warrior
Esther 4:16 :
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
Commentary on this verse
Did you see the “and thus I will go” in the last sentence? Esther had already determined to obey Mordecai and go to the King on the third day! However, the fasting (and prayer) she asked for was an outward pleading for deliverance, wisdom, and favor from God before she approached the King. This is so powerful! Obedience was never an issue. Esther was willing to risk her life but not without the power and presence of God. No doubt she knew the stories of Joseph, Moses, and David. And, like Joseph, she was put in a position of power to save the Jews. Like Moses, she was ill-equipped, fearful, and obedient. Like David she was faithful and courageous and cried out to God. I love how this chapter ends. Mordecai “did just as Esther had commanded him.” Mutual submission is rare and refreshing, isn’t it? We are in for mecry and grace as we see how God orchestrates deliverance in unexpected ways, as He most always does.
Our prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing our heartfelt prayers and always being willing to respond for our good. Your ways are not our ways but Your ways are ALWAYS perfect and good. LORD God, thank You for brothers and sisters who intercede and for Your faithful and loving response. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
Commentary on this verse
Did you see the “and thus I will go” in the last sentence? Esther had already determined to obey Mordecai and go to the King on the third day! However, the fasting (and prayer) she asked for was an outward pleading for deliverance, wisdom, and favor from God before she approached the King. This is so powerful! Obedience was never an issue. Esther was willing to risk her life but not without the power and presence of God. No doubt she knew the stories of Joseph, Moses, and David. And, like Joseph, she was put in a position of power to save the Jews. Like Moses, she was ill-equipped, fearful, and obedient. Like David she was faithful and courageous and cried out to God. I love how this chapter ends. Mordecai “did just as Esther had commanded him.” Mutual submission is rare and refreshing, isn’t it? We are in for mecry and grace as we see how God orchestrates deliverance in unexpected ways, as He most always does.
Our prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing our heartfelt prayers and always being willing to respond for our good. Your ways are not our ways but Your ways are ALWAYS perfect and good. LORD God, thank You for brothers and sisters who intercede and for Your faithful and loving response. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.