
Day 150 - Leaders are Real
Carley Sheppard
“Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” 17 Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.” - Esther 4:13-17 ESV
The story of Esther is one of my favorites. Her story is filled with drama, murder plots, and redemption. Read the whole chapter to understand her tale’s significance better!
Esther is queen at the time (Esther 2:17). The king promotes a man named Haman and sets him above all other officials (Esther 3:1). Haman seeks to destroy all Jews to punish Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, for not bowing down to him (Esther 3:6). This is an example of a bad leader!
Mordecai encourages Esther to speak to the king on behalf of the Jews. Esther requests an audience with the king despite it being illegal and potentially leading to her death (Esther 4:16).
We have a saying here at Discover Life Church that leaders are authentic. Mordecai is being real in his encouragement to Esther. I’m sure it’s not what Esther wants to hear, but he knows it needs to be said. Mordecai presents it in a way that is brutally honest but also encouraging. He tells her she should do this, but God will find someone else if not. I love when he says, “Perhaps you were brought here for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).
Most likely, none of us are in a position of royalty, fighting for our lives and those of our brethren. However, God did appoint us for a purpose! Surround yourself with mentors who will be honest and speak wisdom in your life. Don’t be afraid to be honest with others, but remember to speak the truth in love. As leaders, sometimes we must love people by having hard conversations with them!
Next Steps
- Think about it: Is there something in your life for which you need courage? How can you go about handling it?
- Think about it: What other leadership characteristics can we learn from Esther and Mordecai?
- Action Step: Send an encouraging message to a friend today!