In this week’s story, Esther continues interceding for God’s people. Haman is dead, but his decree against the Jews still stands and is irrevocable. Even though Esther is insulated in the palace, she still cares for her people and fashioned her pleas to show that concern. She was willing to go before the king again, and he extended his scepter to her.
Esther 8: 5 Esther said, “If it please the king, and if I have found favor with him, and if he thinks it is right, and if I am pleasing to him, let there be a decree that reverses the orders of Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, who ordered that Jews throughout all the king’s provinces should be destroyed. 6 For how can I endure to see my people and my family slaughtered and destroyed?”[1]
Love Others First
Even as queen Esther had little power. But she had a love for her people. As followers of Jesus, He commands that we love others. John 13: 34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.[2]
The Apostle Paul also comments on the same thing. Philippians 2: 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.[3] Before we can intercede, we must care about the people.
All through Scripture, we see intercessors putting others before themselves. Moses, Elijah, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Paul prayed for God’s people. Paul was willing to give up his salvation if that could save others. Romans 9: 2 My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief 3 for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them.[4]
Do What You Can Do
Even though Esther had little power, she could go before the king, who had all the power. In the big scheme of things, few of us have much influence on national issues. But we, too, can go before our heavenly King to intercede for others. God promises to listen to and answer our prayers. Isaiah 65: 24 I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers![5]
The enemy would like us to think that prayers are just talking to ourselves, but he is a liar. James 5:16b The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.[6]Wiersbe has a great quote. “.One concerned person devoted to prayer can make a great difference in this world, for prayer is the key that releases the power of God.”[7] To learn more about interceding for God’s people, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-new-edict
[1-6] Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
[7] Wiersbe, W. W. (1993). Be Committed (p. 144). Victor Books.