Esther 4:15-16 – “Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” NKJV

Being willing to die!  There is so much beautiful life truth found in the Book of Esther and the entire Bible for that matter but today the famous words of Queen Esther resonate in my heart like never before, “If I perish, I perish!”

In our pursuit of God’s purposes and kingdom, I believe that our commitment must be ‘to the death’.  If anything, even natural life comes before our commitment to God then our commitment is flawed.  Some time ago we watched the movie “God’s Not Dead.”  I was impressed with the young college freshman and others who were willing to risk their future for God.  We are living in a world that is rapidly moving to a state where Christianity is in the crosshairs and targeted for eradication.  I know some will say, “Roy that is being an alarmist.”  I hope that is exactly what I’m feeling in my heart, but I do not believe the evidence supports that challenge to my position.

The Bible tells us that in the ‘latter times’ or ‘last days’ the condition and position of our world and world leaders will be very anti-God and those who refuse to denounce God and the Lord Jesus Christ will be in danger of annihilation, imprisonment, and more.  Persecution will come and be widespread.  If my commitment and confidence in God will not allow me to face death unafraid then I have to question my commitment and confidence. 

Peter rashly declared when Jesus told him He (Jesus) was going to die that “I will go with you even to death.”  We know that Peter became afraid, intimidated, and denied the LORD not just once but three times as Jesus warned.  Later, Peter became so totally confident in his LORD and his commitment rose to the level that he not only could but did go with Jesus unto death as did most of the original apostles.

We all may face times when we have to stand as Queen Esther and say in our hearts if not with our mouths, “If I perish, I perish!”  If they take our lives what have they done?  They have only escalated our departure into the Eternal Kingdom of our Lord.  If my hope is truly in Christ and He is my savior then as Paul declared in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 – “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”  55 “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”  56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  NKJV

We have a Hope and a Promise that we can depend upon, have confidence in, and make our declaration and commitment – “If I Perish, I Perish!”

May God be with you as you go through your day!