Sunday, 12th March 2023

Topic: The Salvation of the church and of the nations is our concern

Texts: Esther 4:12-17

Preacher: Dr. MUTHEHO

In order to know how we can carry out the salvation to the nations and churches, we will be learning from Esther’s story, the challenge to Esther from Mordecai, is the heart of the message, Mordecai warned Esther that her life was in danger as much as the rest of the Jews in Persia, below is what we can learn from Esther.

First, Esther acknowledged that God is able to change the situation, she didn’t depend on her own wisdom or strength, or even her beauty. She called on all the Jews, as well as her own maids, to fast with her for three days. We can assume that for Esther, fasting meant praying. Jesus was famous for carving out time to spend in prayer, and he taught his disciples to pray with him. We can learn to bathe every endeavor with prayer as well. 

Second, Esther took the information from Mordecai seriously, she took responsibility, she knew the risks of approaching the king without an invitation. She was afraid for her own life, but also for the lives of her people. She had a clear sense of the worst thing that could possibly happen, but she also had a clear sense of what would happen if she didn’t go to the king. Most of all, Esther had a clear sense of her own identity, both as a Jew and as a queen. She efficiently used her position, her act of bravery not only saved her people, it kindled hope among them. In our time, we must also make the salvation of nations our concern by taking responsibility according to the positions God has put us in, in the society.  If you don’t fulfill God’s plan for you, someone else will be chosen to complete the task, but you will lose out. We can learn to look for clarity as we weigh the cost of discipleship against the cost of non-discipleship. We can learn to establish our identity as dearly loved children of God, and followers of Jesus.

Finally, Esther responded in faith with 100% commitment. She laid it all on the line. Esther fulfilled God’s purpose for her, even though it meant risking her life. Because of her faithfulness and bravery hope was kindled among God’s people. We can learn to commit completely to God’s will for us, to go all in.

Each of us has been called according to God’s purpose for us. We are invited to be part of God’s story and make the Salvation of the church and of the nation’s our concern.