Movement Makes us Grow in Boldness

We have discussed that Esther may have taken the long way to gain the proper audience with the King, but we see that God works through it both to deliver the Jews and grow her in boldness and faith.

Esther 7:2–3 (ESV) And on the second day, as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king again said to Esther, “What is your wish, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” 3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request.

Let us not miss that wine and feasting were involved here. There are three ways to a man's heart and this verse involves two of them. But Esther's grace always wins the day. At every moment the king sees her he is pleased with her and welcomes her in to his presence and offers to answer whatever request she has. We have already mentioned that this is a picture of God's love for us. It is the voice of Mordecai that has made sure Esther is acceptable to the King. 

Esther 2:20 (ESV) Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him.

Likewise, is it the Word of God made flesh that has made us acceptable to God. 

On the opposite side of the story is Haman, the self-seeking egotistical influencer in the King's palace. There is always one of these around. And in this case, it seems to be the worst one possible. Haman is a reminder to God's people in every generation - there is always going to be some form of threat from those in power. Now God is always working behind the scenes and if we follow the voice of our true Mordecai, we will be safe in His protection and provision. 

But perhaps more importantly, as we listen to His voice, He will give us the courage to lift up ours at the right moment. That is what happens to Esther. Her character really escalates in chapter 7. She shifts quickly from the shy beauty queen unwilling to make a bold move to a fighter for her people. Notice her speech in this chapter:

Esther 7:4–6 (ESV) For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have been silent, for our affliction is not to be compared with the loss to the king.” 5 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared to do this?” 6 And Esther said, “A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.

Now the gloves are off and Esther's words carry weight. Not just against her enemies but also in the heart of the King as he leaves the banquet to cool off. What we should see here is the right approach to boldness. For it is one thing to be bold, but another to be graceful in our presentation of boldness. We should notice also that as Esther grows in confidence, Haman conversely grows in desperation. He begs for his life at her lap and the appearance of his impropriety is the straw that breaks the camel's back:

Esther 7:8–10 (ESV) And the king returned from the palace garden to the place where they were drinking wine, as Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was. And the king said, “Will he even assault the queen in my presence, in my own house?” As the word left the mouth of the king, they covered Haman’s face. 9 Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Moreover, the gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, is standing at Haman’s house, fifty cubits high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that.” 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the wrath of the king abated.

In Esther, we have the picture of a life growing in courage and faith while those who seek to destroy her are turned back in shame. 

Psalm 35:4 (ESV) Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life! Let them be turned back and disappointed who devise evil against me!

The key for Esther was to listen to Mordecai and step up when the time was right. She may have taken a bit longer than necessary but she moved forward and things began to open up as she went - including her faith! 

The story of Esther's action is a powerful reminder that women are often the key vessels God uses to make historic moves in the salvation of many. Centuries later a young bold woman named Mary would listen to the Angel and through her servant-like attitude - many would be saved.