Year 5, Day 64: Esther 4

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Discipleship Focus: In

• In: This is the word we use to express our relationships with our spiritual family.  These are often the people who hold us spiritually accountable.  They are the ones to whom we typically go for discussion and discernment.  These are the ones with whom we learn to share leadership.  They are the ones with whom we become family on mission.

This is a great chapter for the study of In, because we have two great examples serving two distinct purposes.  We see In forming community of support.  We see In leading to discernment.  It’s a great chapter.

We see In happening in community around both Esther and Mordecai.  First, notice that Mordecai hears the news.  He is troubled.  He mourns.  Mordecai’s community comes around him to support him.  When they learn what is happening, Esther is told and Esther has an opportunity to be In for Mordecai and support him as well.  When the weight of Mordecai’s pride comes to rest upon him, Mordecai mourns.  But because of his In, Mordecai is not alone.

Furthermore, we see In form community around Esther.  Look at what happens when Esther has a tough choice to make.  The Jews around Mordecai hold a fast.  They support her.  The women around Esther likewise fast and support her.  When Mordecai was down, Esther and Mordecai’s friends were there.  When Esther is down, Mordecai and Esther’s friends are there for her, too.

So where do we see In being something other than support?  Look at Mordecai’s interaction with Esther when she has to decide whether to go before the king and risk her own life.  Mordecai brings incredible wisdom to Esther’s life.  Mordecai brings challenge.  Mordecai is a part of the discernment process.  That’s what In does.

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