Re:Verse passage – Esther 7:3-7 (day one)
Then Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me as my petition, and my people as my request vs. 3
Speaking truth to power is an oft-used trope throughout scripture. Esther is one of the greatest examples of this theme. The concept is simple – tell the truth; the execution is often perilous. Truth telling when you are in agreement carries no consequences. Truth telling in the face of opposition or in disagreement with social norms carries extraordinary risk. In order to get to this position one must be confident that telling the truth is worth the reprisal, including death. Earlier in the story Esther tries to obfuscate, but she is reminded of a need and purpose that exceeds her personal comfort or protection.
Esther had truth on her side, but that did not guarantee her safety, but that is what made the decision to speak on behalf of her people all the more righteous. How often do you find it easier to sit on the sidelines and let things go rather than speak the truth? Please don’t misunderstand me, I’m not talking about engaging in a social media rant. No one has EVER won a FaceBook argument. I’m talking about having the courage to speak, in love, about what you know to be true about Jesus without knowing how that courage will cost you. We need more Esthers.
