I’m still reading the Book of Esther this morning. If you have a little extra time and have the inclination, spend the rest of this week reading it with me. Did you know that our Jewish brothers and sisters read Esther (called the Megillah in Hebrew) twice during the holiday of Purim, once at the start of the evening service and again the following morning. At Purim, they remember and celebrate their salvation by God, as the Book of Esther describes. The reading is a lively event, with different persons acting out each part, and active audience participation.
Yesterday’s meditation focused on Mordecai’s challenge to Esther to act on behalf of her people. He reminded her to consider the fact that God had placed her where she was “for such a time as this.”
After accepting the challenge, Esther finally decides to risk approaching the powerful Persian king. But she doesn’t rush in with demands or deliver a fiery, impassioned speech. Instead, she throws… a dinner party.
“If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “let the king … come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.” (Esther 5:4).
And then, what happens at that banquet? She still doesn’t reveal her plan. She invites them to another banquet! Esther takes her time. She chooses patience, timing, and a dash of mystery.
At first glance, this just makes no sense. The fate of her people is hanging in the balance, and Esther’s strategy is one dinner party after another. How very Methodist! But there’s wisdom here: Esther shows us that courage doesn’t always shout and make instant demands. Sometimes courage whispers. Sometimes it waits. Sometimes it looks like setting the table, pouring the wine, having a pleasant conversation over a meal, and letting God work in the background.
Esther’s approach reminds us that boldness and wisdom go hand in hand. Courage isn’t just about what we say—it’s also about how and when we say it. Boldness without wisdom can come off brash. Wisdom without courage can stay silent. But together? They create space for God to work and God’s plan to unfold.
Maybe our “banquets” aren’t literal dinner parties – or maybe they are – but we all face moments when we need to step into difficult conversations or risky conversations.
A bold move might look like inviting someone to coffee before tackling a hard subject, waiting for the right time to speak truth instead of rushing it out, or building a relationship of trust over a dinner invitation. A bold move recognizes that we often let our guards down and find common ground when we enjoy a meal together. It was true for Esther almost 3,000 years ago, and is just as true for us today.
Esther teaches us that courage isn’t always reckless. Boldness can be patient. Faith can be strategic. And sometimes, God’s kingdom advances one small step, one quiet invitation, one dinner table at a time.
Prayer: Lord, give me both courage and wisdom. Teach me when to speak, when to wait, and how to act with grace. Help me trust that you are working in the spaces between my boldness and my patience. Amen.
