December 10 - Surrender & Sacrifice.

Esther 4:16
“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”
 
Throughout history we read of those who were willing to sacrifice for the cause of Christ. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs tells story after story of Christians suffering horrific deaths because they stood strong in their faith. Some even died so that we can have the Bible we do today.
 
Esther was willing to give her life with purpose for her people. She not only saw the need, but she also set out to do something about it. She not only surrendered, but she was willing to sacrifice whatever she had to, including her life. She could have sat still and not volunteered, but she set out to make a difference.
 
Are we willing to do our part? Do we see the need of those around us?
 
Willing To Surrender.
Esther was willing to surrender her own life for the cause.
 
When will we realize that we must give our lives?
For people need the Lord
Gregory Allan Nelson / Phillip McHugh
 
Willing To Sacrifice.
Esther was willing to be sacrificed if it was necessary in order to fulfill God’s purpose. 
 
Some say give me silver
Some say give me gold
I say give me Jesus
Who saved my dying soul
 
I'm gonna die on the battlefield
I'm gonna die in the war
I'm gonna die on the battlefield
With glory in my soul
Vincent Grant Gill / Sonya Isaacs
 
There is no service that does not involve both surrender and sacrifice.
A servant first surrenders to God, and as a result of that surrender willingly gives sacrificially to others. Jesus Christ surrendered His will to the Father, and then sacrificially gave His life for us.
 
How much are you willing to surrender and sacrifice for Him?
 
Philippians 1:20-21
“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
 
Esther 4:14
“…and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
 
 
Bible Reading:
Daniel 11-12  |  Hebrews 10  |  Psalm 133