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Esther 4:14—“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Mordecai spoke these words when Haman’s decree threatened the destruction of all the Jews in the Persian Empire. Esther hesitated to approach King Ahasuerus because entering his presence uninvited could result in death. Mordecai therefore urged her to consider that her elevation to the throne might be God’s appointed means for delivering His people.

The words “who knoweth” do not suggest uncertainty in God. The Lord’s purpose is always certain, though it is often hidden from His servants. Mordecai could not fully discern the divine plan, but he recognised that Esther’s remarkable position was not the result of chance. Though God’s name is not mentioned in Esther, His sovereign providence governs every event in the book.

Esther had “come to the kingdom” not for personal honour, security, or comfort. Her privilege carried a sacred responsibility. God had placed her where she could speak for those whose lives were threatened. “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48).

Likewise, the Lord appoints the circumstances, abilities, relationships, and opportunities of His people. We may not immediately understand why He has placed us in a particular family, church, occupation, or position of influence. Yet we must be ready to serve when duty becomes clear.

Fear may urge us to remain silent, but faith trusts God and obeys. Our opportunities may be brief and costly. Therefore, let us prayerfully consider whether God has placed us where we are “for such a time as this.”

Esther 4:13—“Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.”

Haman’s decree threatened the destruction of all the Jews throughout the Persian Empire. Esther, however, lived within the royal palace and might have imagined that her position as queen would protect her. Mordecai warned her not to assume that privilege could separate her from the suffering of God’s people. Mordecai’s words confronted Esther with the danger of false security. 

His words were not cruel but necessary. Esther had been raised to a place of influence, yet that honour brought responsibility. God-given opportunities must not become occasions for self-preservation while others suffer. 

This verse reveals the emptiness of earthly security. Palaces, titles, wealth, and political favour cannot protect anyone apart from God’s providence. “Except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Esther’s safety did not ultimately rest in the king’s affection but in the sovereign Lord who rules kings and kingdoms.

Mordecai also reminded Esther that she remained inseparable from God’s covenant people. She could not deny her identity merely because she occupied a privileged place. Likewise, believers must not distance themselves from suffering Christians when loyalty to Christ becomes costly.

God may place us in positions of influence precisely so that we may defend truth, help the afflicted, and serve His people. We must therefore resist fear and selfish silence. Privilege is not for self-protection alone; it is stewardship entrusted to us for God’s glory and the good of others.

Esther 2:20—“Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.”

Esther had become queen of Persia, yet her exalted position did not cause her to despise the godly counsel of Mordecai, who had raised her as his own daughter. According to his earlier instruction, she had not revealed her Jewish identity. The reason for this concealment is not fully explained, but within God’s providence it prepared the way for Esther’s later intervention on behalf of her people.

The verse especially commends Esther’s continuing teachability. Though she now possessed royal honour and influence, she still obeyed Mordecai “like as when she was brought up with him.” Prosperity had not made her proud or independent. She remembered the faithful care she had received and continued to respect the one who had guided her from childhood.

Scripture repeatedly associates wisdom with a willingness to receive counsel: “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction” (Proverbs 13:1). This obedience, however, is never absolute. Human authority must always remain under God’s Word. Yet where counsel is lawful and wise, humility gladly receives it.

Esther’s hidden identity also displays God’s sovereign providence. Neither Esther nor Mordecai could yet see the full purpose, but the Lord was arranging circumstances for the deliverance of His covenant people.

Believers should not allow advancement, education, success, or influence to produce pride. Those whom God raises up must remain humble, grateful, and teachable. True maturity does not reject wise counsel; it receives it while trusting God to unfold His purposes in His appointed time.

Esther 2:15—“Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.”

Esther entered the king’s palace during a dark and uncertain period in Israel’s history. The Jews were living in exile under Persian rule, and Esther herself was an orphan raised by Mordecai. Yet the hidden providence of God was directing every circumstance for the preservation of His covenant people.

When Esther’s turn came to appear before the king, she “required nothing” beyond what Hegai advised. Her conduct reveals modesty, humility, and teachability. Unlike those who might have sought attention through excessive adornment or self-promotion, Esther did not insist upon her own preferences. She accepted wise counsel and carried herself with quiet dignity.

Her favour with others did not arise merely from outward beauty. Scripture repeatedly shows that humility and gracious conduct commend a person before others. “Before honour is humility” (Proverbs 15:33). Esther’s restrained and teachable spirit prepared her for the significant role God had appointed.

Although God’s name is not mentioned in this book, His sovereign hand is evident. Esther’s favour was not accidental; it was part of God’s providential preparation for the deliverance of His people.

Believers should not seek usefulness through pride, self-display, or personal ambition. God often prepares His servants through humility, submission to wise counsel, and faithfulness in ordinary circumstances. We may not yet understand His purpose, but we should trust His providence and seek to possess “the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4).

2 Kings 5:15—“And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.”

After Naaman obeyed Elisha’s command and washed seven times in Jordan, his leprosy was completely healed. He returned to the prophet and declared, “Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel”. His cleansing produced more than physical restoration; it brought him to acknowledge the LORD as the only true God.

Naaman had come from Syria, where many false gods were worshipped. At first, he approached Elisha with wealth, military dignity, and his own expectations. Yet neither his position nor the gods of Syria could cure him. Only when he humbled himself before God’s Word did he receive cleansing. His confession therefore arose from personal experience of the LORD’s sovereign power and undeserved mercy.

The phrase “but in Israel” does not mean that God was merely a local deity confined to Israel. Rather, Naaman recognised that the God who had revealed Himself to Israel was the only living and true God over all the earth. His grace reached beyond the covenant nation to a Gentile who came in humble faith.

Naaman’s testimony reminds us that God’s blessings should lead us to worship, gratitude, and open confession. Yet the greatest cleansing is not from bodily disease but from sin. Through Jesus Christ, God cleanses guilty sinners who cannot save themselves.

Have we merely received God’s benefits, or have they brought us to know and confess Him? True faith declares that there is no other God and therefore turns from every idol to worship, trust, and serve the LORD alone.

2 Kings 5:13—“And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do somegreat thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?”

Naaman was angry because Elisha had instructed him to wash seven times in the Jordan to be cleansed of his leprosy. He had expected the prophet to perform an impressive ceremony and was offended that the rivers of Israel were preferred above those of Damascus. As he turned away in rage, his servants respectfully reasoned with him: “My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?”

Their words exposed Naaman’s pride. He was willing to accomplish some difficult or heroic task, but he resisted a simple command that required humble submission. The difficulty was not in washing in Jordan; it was in surrendering his own expectations and obeying God’s word through the prophet.

This incident demonstrates that divine grace cannot be earned by human greatness, wealth, or achievement. Naaman could neither purchase his cleansing nor merit it through some extraordinary deed. He had to receive God’s mercy in the way God Himself had appointed. His healing came only when he humbled himself, laid aside his pride, and submitted to the Lord in obedient faith.

The gospel likewise confronts human pride. Sinners often prefer religious achievements or personal merit, but God commands us to repent and believe in Christ. Salvation is not obtained by great works, but received through humble faith in the Saviour and His redemptive work.

The servants’ gentle counsel also teaches us to receive wise correction, even from those of lower position. God may use unexpected people to expose our folly. Let us not reject His Word because it appears simple or humbling. True faith submits to God’s command and discovers that His appointed way brings cleansing and life.

2 Kings 4:23—“And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well.”

The Shunammite woman hurried to Elisha after the sudden death of her son. When Elisha saw her approaching, he sent Gehazi to ask, “Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child?” Her brief reply was remarkable: “It is well.”

She was not denying her grief or pretending that nothing had happened. Her distress became evident when she reached Elisha and “caught him by the feet” (v. 27). Rather, she withheld the matter from Gehazi because she was determined to bring her sorrow directly to the prophet through whom God had promised and given her the child. Her answer also displayed a faith that refused to surrender to despair before seeking the Lord’s help.

Her words remind us that God remains good and sovereign even when His providence is painful and mysterious. She did not yet know how the matter would end, but she knew where to carry her burden. Like Job, who worshipped amid devastating loss (Job 1:20–21), she submitted her anguish to God rather than turning away from Him.

Faith does not require us to conceal sorrow. Scripture permits lamentation, tears, and earnest pleading. Yet faith also confesses that our circumstances do not overthrow God’s wisdom, faithfulness, or power.

When unexpected grief enters our homes, we should bring it to the Lord honestly and urgently. “It is well” does not mean that everything feels pleasant; it means that the believer rests in the God who does all things well. Even before relief comes, faith must cling to Him.

“But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention” (1 Thessalonians 2:2).

The apostle Paul reminds the Thessalonian believers that the Gospel first reached them through faithful servants who refused to be silenced by suffering. Before arriving in Thessalonica, Paul and Silas had been publicly beaten, unjustly imprisoned, and shamefully humiliated at Philippi (Acts 16:22–24). Humanly speaking, such cruel treatment would have been reason enough to abandon their mission. Instead, having been strengthened by the Lord, they pressed on to proclaim Christ with even greater resolve.

Paul writes, “we were bold in our God”. Their courage did not arise from natural bravery or self-confidence, but from an unwavering trust in the Lord. They knew that the God who had called them was also able to sustain them. Christian boldness is not the absence of fear but the presence of a steadfast faith that obeys Christ despite fear, hardship, or hostility.

Paul also says that they preached “the gospel of God with much contention”. Gospel ministry has always been accompanied by spiritual conflict. Satan fiercely opposes the advancement of God’s truth. Those who faithfully witness for Christ should not expect universal acceptance. Ridicule, misunderstanding, rejection, and even persecution have often been the lot of God’s people throughout history. Yet none of these can hinder the saving power of the Gospel or frustrate the sovereign purposes of God.

As our church continues to fulfil the Great Commission, every member must remember that witnessing for Christ is not the responsibility of a few but the privilege and calling of all believers. Whether in our homes, workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods, or mission fields, we are Christ’s ambassadors. The world today desperately needs the unchanging Gospel, but many remain silent because of fear of rejection. Let us not allow such fears to rob us of opportunities to point sinners to the Saviour.

Beloved, let us pray earnestly for the same holy boldness that strengthened Paul and Silas. May we never be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. Let us lovingly, wisely, and faithfully bear witness to Him whenever He opens the door. Though opposition may come, our confidence rests not in ourselves but in our sovereign Lord, whose Word shall never return void. May He grant us courage to stand for His truth, and compassion to proclaim His saving grace until Christ comes again.

GBI, Vizag: Ministry Update and Prayer Requests

(The following report is sent by Pastor Sujith Samuel.)

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

We had the opening of our new semester this past Monday (27 July). This semester, the Lord has blessed us with six new students, five of whom are local pastors. They will be attending classes at our city campus. One is a residential student from Odisha and, God willing, he will arrive in Vizag this weekend.

Thank you for taking the time to teach Biblical Covenants and The Names of God on Mondays and Wednesdays through GBI, Singapore. Most of our students have enrolled in these subjects. In addition, several students have registered for FEBC’s online courses. This semester, I will be teaching Calvin’s Institutes and the Westminster Confession of Faith, while Pr Jonathan will be teaching Ancient Heresies and The Life of Christ. Please pray that the Lord will grant us wisdom, strength, and grace to prepare diligently and to teach His Word faithfully.

The renovation work at our city office is almost complete. We thank the Lord for providing additional space for Sunday worship services and GBI classes at our city campus. Our office rooms and bookroom have now been relocated to the middle floor of the building, making the facilities better suited for our ministry.

We are still waiting for permission from the city authorities for our permanent campus in the new airport area. Please pray that the Lord will help us to obtain the permits as soon as possible.

Thank you very much for your faithful prayers and the generous support of GBPC, Singapore, for the Lord’s work here. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in the Gospel.

Sermon Text: Psalm 140:1–13
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 2nd August 2026

2 Kings 2:9—“And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.”

As Elijah’s earthly ministry drew to its close, he and Elisha crossed the Jordan together. Elijah then said, “Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee.” Elisha’s answer revealed the deepest desire of his heart: “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.”

Elisha was not selfishly asking to become twice as powerful or famous as Elijah. The expression “double portion” recalls the inheritance of the firstborn son, who received a double share and succeeded his father in responsibility (cf. Deuteronomy 21:17). Elisha was asking to be recognised and equipped as Elijah’s prophetic successor. He desired the same God-given courage, faithfulness, and spiritual power necessary to continue the ministry entrusted to him.

The request also showed Elisha’s humility. He understood that prophetic service could not be carried out by natural ability. Elijah’s effectiveness had come from the Spirit of God, and Elisha knew that he likewise needed divine enabling. Those whom God calls must depend upon the strength that God supplies.

Elijah could not impart the Spirit’s power by his own authority alone. His words, “Thou hast asked a hard thing” (2 Kings 2:10), show that Elisha’s request was beyond human ability to grant. The appointed sign, Elisha seeing Elijah taken away, would confirm that God had chosen him as Elijah’s successor. Thus, Elijah could instruct and encourage Elisha, but only God could call, qualify, and empower him for prophetic ministry.

Elisha’s request challenges us to examine our desires. Do we seek comfort, recognition, and ease, or do we long to be made useful in God’s work? We should pray, not for another person’s position or reputation, but for grace, wisdom and power to serve faithfully.