(15) Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, (16) Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. (17) So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
How the LORD wrought upon the mind of Esther is evident from what is here said. She enters not upon the service to which she was called, without first looking up to the LORD both for a blessing and direction. Reader! she did as I pray GOD you and I may have the same grace to do upon all undertakings for GOD'S glory, and our own happiness; she sought to GOD according to that blessed promise, which thousands have found true, and none ever failed in: In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6. And it is a maxim sooner or later to be depended upon, he that begins in prayer will find cause to end in praise. I admire the piety of Esther. She was indeed a true Israelite in setting up a fast herself, and in calling upon the church to the same. Here was a sweet example of what is frequently spoken of, but not so generally regarded, the communion of Saints. Though Esther and the Jews of the city of Shushan, were separated by walls and absent in body, yet were they present in Spirit. And oh! what might we not expect to follow such spiritual converse among the people of GOD, when we call to mind that one and the same Almighty SPIRIT, is the quickener of all, the helper of the infirmities of all, and maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of GOD. Romans 8:26-27. The resolution Esther took of going in uncalled before the king, was highly proper and noble. GOD in covenant is a sure GOD; and in all cases which are for his glory and his people's welfare, he will manifest himself their helper. But (as if Esther had said) if there be a doubt concerning this particular providence now pending, if the LORD hath given us up to chastisement, I can but perish; and if I do I will yet die trusting. Reader! while we admire this woman's faith, let you and I seek grace to exercise that faith yet higher. None can perish who hang on GOD'S covenant engagements in JESUS. And therefore to say (as some do say), if I perish, I will perish at CHRIST'S feet, is a contradiction in itself, and plainly manifests that their faith who say so, is not what it should be. Oh! for faith to believe the record which GOD hath given of his Son. And in this faith to go in before the king of Kings, and LORD of Lords, with a firmness of assurance like Jobadiah will he plead against me (saith Job) With his great power? No. But he will put strength in me. There the righteous might dispute with him so shall I be delivered forever from my judge. Job 23:6-7. Reader! pause, and admire the grace of faith given to this man. And while you admire, beg of GOD to be made a partaker of the same. Surely, the true believing soul in JESUS, if he gives credit to the word of JEHOVAH, or the infinitely precious value of the Redeemer's blood and righteousness, can never fear to perish, while secured in the double stronghold of GOD the FATHER's sovereign grace, and GOD the Son's justifying righteousness. LORD! grant in this faith my soul may daily, hourly live, and in this perfect assurance die. Amen.