7 Practical Lessons Esther Has for You Today
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The book of Esther isn’t very long, but it is packed with interesting and important wisdom for Christians today. Found in the Old Testament and only 10 chapters long, Esther is a relatively quick read that offers lessons about mentorship, preparation, courage, and even manners. This book serves us well as Christian believers as we work to share the Gospel to all ends of the earth.
Mordecai insisted. He reminded her that she had a job to do and needed to stand up for him and for her people. As he told Esther, “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 4:13-14).
She heard her cousin loud and clear. Even with the risk, she needed to gather the courage and help.
And so she agreed.
Likewise, we need to have the courage to do difficult things today, also. Perhaps we are Christian in a workplace dominated by nonbelievers, and owning our faith could mean unpopularity or disdain. Perhaps we live in a place where it’s illegal to be Christian.
But as Jesus sad in Luke 9:26, “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Let us not fear what can hurt us on earth but only what can hurt our souls for eternity.
When Esther decided to speak to the king, she knew it was a risky move. So she asked Mordecai to gather the Jews and fast for three days on her behalf before she went to the king.
Today, we can do the same — fasting or praying (or both) in preparation for difficult work ahead of us.
As Jesus urged us in Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
When Esther approached the king, she didn’t just barge in and make her demands. She acted with decorum. She dressed in finery and waited respectfully in the inner court of the palace until the king noticed her. Then, when he invited her in, still she bided her time and kept her manners appropriate for the ruler of the land. She invited him first to one banquet, and then another banquet… and ultimately made her request when he felt properly respected and appreciated.
Today also, the manner in which we do things makes a difference. Certainly we can share the gospel by insulting people or shouting it in a harsh, loud voice from a rooftop. But we can also do so in a more kindly, thoughtful manner, establishing relationships with people and getting to know them in a merciful, compassionate way.
How something is done can make a difference in our success.
Sometimes, we get the mistaken impression that women are not important in the church. This cannot be farther from the truth. God designed us all, male and female, in his image (Genesis 1:27). Scripture contains numerous examples of women who have helped further God’s kingdom and glory, from Ruth and Naomi to the prophetess and judge Deborah to Mary, mother of Jesus.
Esther used what she had available — her beauty, her status as queen, her good standing with the king, and more — to do the right thing. Because God acted through her, the people were saved.
It doesn’t matter our gender, our age, our physical abilities, or our status in life. All of us are important to God and can help God fulfill his purpose.
If you haven’t read the book of Esther, consider taking the time to read it today and consider the many lessons you can learn from this powerful book.
Who knows? Perhaps God wants you to learn those lessons “for such a time as this.”
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