Risking It All
Esther 4:16
In Esther 4:8, 13-14, Mordecai appealed to Esther to use her influence with Ahasuerus (who reigned 486-464 BC) that the Jews throughout the Persian empire would not perish due to Haman’s wicked plan. Appearing before the king could have resulted in her immediate death (4:11). Nevertheless, Esther resolved to risk it all – namely, her very life – in order to save her people. Upon learning of Haman’s plan, she instructed Mordecai to assemble all of the Jews in Susa and join her in a three-day fast (4:16). Then, in a display of great courage, Esther risked her life to save the Jews by appearing before the king unannounced (5:1). Ahasuerus received her with favor (5:2-3), and she later succeeded in persuading him to deliver her people from destruction (8:7-14).
Scripture contains many examples of individuals who risked it all in order to save others. Whether standing before Pharaoh and demanding that he let God’s people go (Exodus 5:1) or enduring life-and-death trials tied to leading the rebellious wilderness generation (Exodus 32:31-32), Moses repeatedly risked it all for the Hebrews.
David risked it all for the nation when he stood before Goliath on the battlefield (1 Samuel 17:40ff.). Remarkably, on that day David was the only man willing to do so. He was a man of great faith (1 Samuel 17:37, 46-47).
For his part, Paul repeatedly risked it all in an effort to advance the gospel for the salvation of others (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Oblivious to personal safety or reputation, Paul continuously offered up his life. Today, students of the Bible still marvel at his indefatigable courage in the face of so many life-threatening obstacles.
Finally, and most significantly, our Lord Jesus not only risked it all, he indeed gave it all at the cross (Mark 10:45). His sacrifice, which came from his willingness to risk it all, is the only real hope for sinful humanity.
People who risk it all do not always act like heroes or heroines. They are human. They experience real fear. Nevertheless, they all share certain common traits. They each face what appears to be an impossible situation and come to the conclusion that even if no one else will rise to the occasion, they will (firm resolve). Also, they place the salvation of others before their own comfort, even their own existence (willingness to sacrifice self, even unto death). Finally, they step forward in faith – not faith in themselves but in the Lord, entrusting their life to his sovereign will (total trust in God’s sovereignty).
May the reader of these words be willing to risk it all for the salvation of others.
Bryant– Lessons by Michael Bryant, assistant professor of religion at Charleston Southern University. Bryant has a B.S. in history from Charleston Southern and a Ph.D. in New Testament from Southeastern Seminary.