At first glance these words sound quite ominous. But to Esther, the thought was very real. As mentioned in the previous snippet, Esther needed to plead for her people who were about to be destroyed. It was an urgent matter. Even as queen, she needed permission to meet formally with the king. That was the law of the land. Transgressing that law could result in immediate death—even for a queen. Esther weighed the urgency against the consequences and she concluded that God’s laws and his glory stood above any earthly kingdom’s edict. So Esther approached the king, and her people were given a reprieve. It took remarkable faith for Esther to speak these words. Yet she realized that an earthly death would only lead to a heavenly life. Paul said it well in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Live your day realizing that regardless of your circumstances in this world, there is a heavenly home waiting for you!
A word of wisdom for a sticky note:
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain: a proper perspective of life and death!”
Today my prayer includes . . .
thanks for this special blessing:
concern for this special person:
petition for this special problem:
A closing verse:
For me to live is Jesus, for me to die is gain;
I yield to Him most gladly and leave this world of pain.
In peace this life departing, to yonder realms I soar,
That I with Christ, my brother, may dwell forevermore.
Nella F. Ford
From Hope for Each New Day by Reynold R. Kremer