“He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to urge her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.” Esther 4:8 NIV
We are beginning to see some spiritual growth with Esther and Mordecai. At the beginning of the story their spiritual life was low, as they were not part of the dedicated group that had returned to Jerusalem. While hiding her identity, Esther took part in the king’s immoral “beauty contest” which was decided on the basis of only one night spent with him. This led to Esther marrying this pagan man, which would have also been contrary to God’s law on mixed marriages.
Esther’s hesitation to approach the king was understandable. For until then, she was concerned only for herself. Mordecai’s full support of Esther and his constant presence around the palace suggest his own political aspirations. But spiritual growth was beginning to occur. Mordecai’s refusal to bow down to Haman meant that he was starting to take his religion more seriously and he developed a desire to help all of God’s people, not just himself. Esther too stopped thinking only of herself, when she decided to risk her own life for the preservation of all Jews.
When we become Christians, we enter into a relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit that will cause us to grow. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to become more like Jesus and to become more holy. In Peter’s second letter, he writes, “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8)
Just as we can begin to see spiritual growth in Esther and Mordecai, may others witness spiritual growth in us.
Lock Your Wings 
I don’t think Esther had a choice in the matter with regard to her being called to the beauty contest. I also don’t believe Esther had a choice whether to marry Him or not. If a king could kill someone who enters the room without being asked, likely the punishment for not obeying the king’s orders would have similar consequences.
This stood out for me:
“Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed.”
Esther 4:13 NLT
Sometimes we are reluctant to help because we feel ‘safe’ from a problem or maybe it doesn’t really concern us, or maybe we don’t want to get involved. Mordecai issues a reminder that we must be involved in righting injustice regardless whether it personally affects us or not.
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