At the close of Esther 4, Esther calls the Jews to a three day fast. No eating or drinking. When this is done, she will go to the king, even if it means her death.
Fasting is a means of entrusting ourselves to the Lord. When we fast, our mind, soul and spirit become more receptive to the Holy Spirit. God says he will give wisdom to those who seek it. Even though the book of Esther never once mentions God, he is all over these passages. We can only imagine the significance of intimacy not only Esther experienced during those 3 days, but also the entire Jewish community.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20
Not only was Esther “gathered together” with her maids in the king’s palace, but the Jewish nation was fasting and praying together for the same cause!
On the third day of the fast, Esther put on her royal robes and entered the inner court of the palace. She got dressed for the occasion. I imagine that she came out in front of the king much like Cinderella showed up at the Ball. In her best royal dress, hair tied up perfectly and the sweet smell of perfume lingering about her.
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18
Esther, clothed herself in more than just royal clothes. She also had on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness (Ephesians 6:14).
The King sees Esther and extends the scepter – she steps forward and touches the tip, releasing her breath and lifting the curtain of tension that has hovered over the last three days. Here we see a glimpse of God’s grace to us.
The King encouraged Esther.
Let us be encouraged to pray always and to not faint.
Esther came to a proud and powerful man.
We come to the God of love and grace.
Esther was not called.
We are called.
Esther had a law against her.
We have a promise; Ask and it shall be given to you.
She had no one to go with her.
We have an Advocate with the Father, in whom he is well pleased.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace.
“Esther replied, This is my request and deepest wish. . .” Esther 5:7
God give me a faith that dares to share with you my requests and deepest wishes. Give me the courage to step out in your presence and the presence of my enemies and declare you Lord of my life even when I am afraid.
Mary Swafford is the founder of Shaken & Stirred, Meals that Matter, Coffee Talk, and a Co-Owner of Boulder Coffee in downtown Sand Springs. She is a wife, a mother of 3 beautiful children, but most importantly a daughter of the most high God. You are likely to find her chugging or serving coffee, sitting in a tattooist’s chair, or making friends out of strangers.
Photo by Alexandru Zdrobău on Unsplash