Esther 4:1-17
Mordecai and Esther are the big players in this narrative. They alternate being the primary character in any given scene. Mordecai has the space outside the palace, and Esther has the space inside the palace. The news and the view aren’t the same in those two places.
Mordecai hears about Haman’s actions, and Esther doesn’t seem to know. Mordecai figures out how to get her attention. He dresses in sackcloth and sits in ashes, so Esther sends him new clothes. Messages are sent back and forth via eunuch-mail (email?). Mordecai tries to convince Esther to see the king, Esther conveys how dangerous that is, and Mordecai responds with the famous line from this book.
Esther asks for prayer, and does what she needs to do. She draws attention to the situation, after it is drawn to her attention. One person, willing to give their dignity for their people – Mordecai. One person, willing to give their life of privilege for their people – Esther. One person, willing to give their life for the salvation of the world – Christ.
