The Great Prayer Meeting
The crisis Esther faced demanded quick action; but both she and Mordecai realized that unless God would work to help them, their efforts would not succeed. So Esther took time to commune with God. “Go,” she directed Mordecai, “gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” Verse 16.RR 212.5
The events that followed—Esther’s appearance before the king, the favor he showed her, the banquets of the king and queen with Haman as the only guest, the king’s troubled sleep, the public honor shown Mordecai, and Haman’s humiliation and fall—all these are parts of a familiar story. God acted marvelously for His people. The king issued a counter decree, allowing God’s people to fight for their lives. Mounted couriers “went out, hastened and pressed on by the king’s command,” to communicate the decree to the realm. “The Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them.” Esther 8:14, 17.RR 212.6
On the day appointed for their destruction, “the Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people.” Esther 9:2. God had commissioned angels to protect His people while they “gathered to defend their lives.” Verse 16, NRSV.RR 212.7
The king promoted Mordecai to be “second to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren.” Esther 10:3. He worked to promote the well-being of Israel. In this way God brought His chosen people once more into favor at the Medo-Persian court, making possible His plan to restore them to their own land. But not until the seventh year of Artaxerxes I, who followed Xerxes the Great, did any large number return to Jerusalem, under Ezra.RR 213.1
The experiences that came to God’s people in Esther’s day were not unique to that age. John the revelator, looking down the ages, declared, “The dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17. Some today will see these words fulfilled. The spirit that led people long ago to persecute the true church will lead to similar efforts against those who maintain their loyalty to God. Even now preparations for this last great conflict are underway.RR 213.2
The final decree against God’s remnant people will be similar to the one Ahasuerus issued against the Jews. In the little company keeping the Sabbath commandment, the enemies of the true church see a Mordecai at the gate. God’s people reverence His law, and this is a constant rebuke to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord and are trampling on His Sabbath.RR 213.3
Satan will stir up resentment against the minority who refuse to accept popular traditions. Important, famous people will join the lawless and the low against God’s followers. Wealth, genius, and education will combine to heap contempt on them. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will plot against them. With voice and pen, by threats and ridicule, they will try to overthrow the faith of God’s people. By false reports and angry appeals, they will stir up the passions of the people. Not having a “Thus says the Scriptures” to bring against the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive edicts to make up for the lack. Legislators will yield to the demand for Sunday laws. But those who fear God cannot accept an institution that violates one of the Ten Commandments. The last great conflict in the controversy between truth and error will be fought on this battlefield. As in the days of Esther and Mordecai, the Lord will give the victory to His truth and His people.RR 213.4