SCRIPTURE
When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the King’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief, and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:12-14
SPOTLIGHT
Donna and I were living in Padova, Italy doing missionary work. One Monday we walked from our apartment to what some say is the second largest square in Europe, called Prato Della Valle. (Red Square, which is in Moscow is considered to be the largest.) Along the way, and all around the square, are numerous ice cream shops. The Holy Spirit had a plan to lead me to one particular ice cream shop that would lead to a great witness. Who would know that the desire for an ice cream cone could bring glory to Jesus Christ?
As a believer, I seek to be empowered and led by the Holy Spirit every day of my life, just as the 120 people were in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost. [see Acts 1 and 2]. I commit each day to honoring Jesus Christ by asking the Holy Spirit to direct my steps and stops. This day, I stopped for an ice cream at a vendor shop on the square. Out of all of the ones I could have chosen, this stop was God ordained. The Italian owner spoke excellent English to the point that he began “joking” with me. It was a very pleasant experience.
Five days later, Donna and I returned to Prato Della Valle to purchase some fruit and visit a large, historic church. Without any forethought, Donna suggested I get an ice cream cone just as we were passing the same vendor from Monday. As I walked up, the owner quickly and warmly remembered me. However, this time was different. He inquired why I was in staying in Padova. As I explained that I was the interim pastor at the ICF Padova church, he began talking about the Christian faith. I asked him if he was a Christian, to which he gave this classic answer, “Of course I am, I was born in Italy.”
According to the Bible, being born in Italy does not make you a Christian, any more than being born in a barn makes you a horse, or a cow. God was setting up an opportunity. The Holy Spirit was speaking to this man. Little did I know he was beginning to remember things that had been previously spoken to him about Jesus Christ, and the importance of being born again. [see John 3].
After he had served another customer, he suddenly came out from behind the counter and said, “A man name Steve Gray was a minister like you, and he would often come here to eat ice cream. He tragically died in a fire 1 ½ years ago.” Immediately, I told him that Steve had pastored the church where I was now ministering.
God the Holy Spirit was speaking to this man, 1 ½ years after Steve and Patti’s death. I do not know all that Steve had said to him, but I believe he was now being reminded of conversations about Jesus Christ, that Steve had with him about being born again. Out of all the ice cream vendors in Padova, the Holy Spirit had led me the same way He had led Steve Gray. This man was being given an opportunity to personally know Jesus Christ. Some sow the seed and others water, but God gives the increase. What a thrill to be led in life by the Holy Spirit!
Jesus Christ said that He would leave earth and send the Holy Spirit who would come to guide believers. [Read John chapters 14, 15 and 16.] At the time, the disciples did not comprehend what He meant. Still today many believers do not comprehend what it means to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Paul, the apostle, told the Galatian Christians to live by, be led by, and keep in step with the Holy Spirit. [Galatians 5:16.18.25]. The Holy Spirit was to be their leader. Still today believers are to be followers of the Holy Spirit.
To be led by the Holy Spirit is exemplified in the book of Esther. There are four major characters reminding us of life. Esther, is a picture of a Christian needing to be led by the Holy Spirit. Mordecai, her cousin, and adopted parent, is a picture of the Holy Spirit leading and guiding. The king, is a picture of an unbeliever. Hamon, is a picture of the devil who seeks to devour. [1 Peter 5:8].
When you read this compelling story, let Mordecai teach you how the Holy Spirit wants to influence your life:
#1. Mordecai guided Esther just as the Holy Spirit does a believer. [Esther 2:10; 4:13, 14; John 14:16; 16:13].
#2. Mordecai instructed Esther just as the Holy Spirit instructs a believer. [Esther 2:22; 4:8; John 14:26].
#3. Then Mordecai’s behavior brought conviction just as Jesus said the Holy Spirit would do. [Esther 4:1; John 16:8-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:5].
Invite the Holy Spirit to lead you. Mordecai led Esther to look beyond herself. Her life’s purpose was not to stay alive, but be willing to sacrifice her life for her people. God, the Holy Spirit wants to lead you to live a life that looks beyond yourself. He wants to guide, instruct, and convict you, so that your life will have a tremendous influence on your people.
SOMETHING TO DO
Meditate on this question today – What can I do to daily be led by the Holy Spirit?
SOUL TIME PRAYER
I invite You, Holy Spirit to lead me. From this day on guide, instruct and convict me. AMEN.