Courage
Published on August 14, 2015
Comments 17

The Hero and the Coward

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The story of Esther is a story about seizing the moment, stepping , saving the day. It is a story about courage at its best. A story where reluctance meets courage. It’s the moment you realize that sitting on the sidelines is not where you want to be. It’s a story about a young wife who becomes a heroine by a timely act of courage.

Speaking about heroes, Donald Miller said in Scary Close, at the beginning of every story, “heroes are almost always screw ups.” He insists that the strongest character in a story isn’t the hero, but the guide. Esther and Mordechai both bring this to light. Mordechai is not the hero, nevertheless he’s a strong character. Esther, on the other hand, is kind of green, unaware, unassuming, reluctant, cowardly, to a certain degree and most definitely afraid. 

But something is awakened in her after she learns that a plot is in play to completely wipe out her entire race. 
Somebody once said, “both the hero and the coward are afraid, but only one of them run in the right direction.” 

In 1912, when the Titanic sank, there were heroes on that ship who chose to stay on board the sinking ship, thereby allowing women and children to get on boats, leading them to safety. They were afraid, they didn’t want to die, but they ran in the right direction. 

In 1996, when the Indonesian ship sank, there were cowards onboard. They selfishly imposed their will over and above women and children. As a result, three hundred of those died. They were afraid, they didn’t want to die, but they ran in the wrong direction. 

I don’t want to get political here, but 1994, the world watched a genocide in Rwanda and those who had the power to stop it turned away. In the same way, and around that same time, the world also watch while Liberia descended into a bloody civil unrest. Those who had the power to stop it turned a blind eye. As a result more than 250,000 perished in that conflict. Our reluctance can be very costly.

Addressing Esther’s reluctance, Mordecai told her, “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” ‭‭Esther‬ ‭4:13-14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

These words gripped the unassuming queen and drove her to action. Unlike the coward who runs in the wrong direction, she is clearly afraid of losing her life, yet, she runs in the right direction to make a huge difference in the lives of many. 

Your entire race may not be facing extinction from a violent decree, but I’m sure you know somebody who’s life matters. And maybe you have:

  • A platform
  • A voice
  • An Influence 
  • Maybe you were brought to the Kingdom for such a time as this
  • Maybe you are uniquely positioned to show extraordinary courage

Stand up. Run in the right direction. Let your voice be heard. The only thing the poor, hurting, homeless, marginalized and disenfranchised need is someone who seeks justice, loves kindness and walks humbly.

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There are three things I think about every moment of everyday... they consume me deeply. How to: 1. Refine my theological understanding 2. sharpen my ethical rigor 3. and heighten my devotional intensity. These are the things I write about. Welcome you to my blog... Join me on this incredible journey of exploration and discovery of all the things God has in store for His children. Join by following or subscribing. I appreciate your thoughts, comments and friendship. Walter

17 Comments

  1. galeweithers says

    Very late to the game but love this post because it’s so very timely yet thought provoking. As I write this note I’m doing a check to see what more I can do to be an “Esther” – because she totally rocks! Thanks for sharing and God bless.

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  3. teri4sure says

    Love what you shared. We need MORE of that – especially what we are facing in this world today. Keep preaching it!

    Just finished reading Scary Close. I could relate to so many things that he shared!

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    • walter bright says

      Thanks a million… I’ll do my best. Thank you for a being there for others as well. May the Lord continue to bless others through you. Scary Close for me is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year. I am glad you got to read. I am sure it was a blessing. I will see you on your blog shortly.
      Walter

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  4. realchange4u says

    Yes I will walk in God’s grace and kindness. Through his mighty hand be a lamp and salt to the world. Lord help me to be steady and not falter when you call me on behalf of others. Let me be bold of spirit and quick to offer your love. This story you wrote Walter really speaks to my heart in so many ways that I couldn’t possibly share them here. Thank you for sharing it with us.

    Blessings to you and your family

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