UPDATE (22 Sept 2016) “If I perish, I perish ” — is highly relevant to the case of Jessica Fore (Abuse Survivor) who has been Charged by her PCA Church with Contempt. Jessica is telling the world and we think she is displaying the kind of courage and faith that Esther displayed. If need be, Jessica is prepared to appeal her case right up to the General Assembly of the PCA.
If I Perish, I Perish
Esther 4:1-17
Pastor Goligher unfolds three aspects of chapter four: the sense of dismay, of destiny, and of duty.
In this chapter Esther becomes the chief character in the story. She is no longer just acted upon, she is active. She takes the responsibility of her vocation as Queen very seriously. It was God’s providence that put her in the position of Queen, but she doesn’t see that as diminishing her personal responsibility to do good where she is able to.
Dr Goligher says—
The women in the King’s harem were there just to look good and say nothing and not engage their brains. By the way, that’s not million miles away from the way some people think in our culture, is it?
But Dr Goligher doesn’t admire Esther for her appearance and for keeping silent. He likes Esther for
- using her brains
- her leadership capacity
- her desire to live righteously
- her faith
- her courage
- her initiative
- her resolve
Haman is plotting to annihilate the people of God but Mordecai gets wind of the plan and passes the info to Esther. This is a riveting story of espionage and how to be wise as serpents when the Devil is trying to destroy God’s people.
We hope you take comfort and strength from this sermon.
***
Posts in this series
Part 1: Liam Goligher’s sermons on the book of Esther (pt 1)
Part 2: Beauty and the Beast — Liam Goligher’s 2nd sermon on the book of Esther
Part 3: Of Plots and Kings — Liam Goligher’s 3rd sermon on the book of Esther
Part 4: Is this post.
Part 5: Battle Plans — Liam Goligher’s 5th sermon on the book of Esther
Part 6: Sleepless in Susa — Liam Goligher’s 6th sermon on the book of Esther
Part 7: Mission Impossible — Liam Goligher’s 7th sermon on the book of Esther
Part 8: Binding the Strong Man — Dr Liam Goligher’s 8th sermon on the book of Esther.
Part 9: Holy War — Dr Liam Goligher’s 9th sermon on the book of Esther
Part 10: Celebrate: Come On! — Dr Liam Goligher’s final sermon on the book of Esther
A Cry For Justice 
How I love looking back down throughout biblical history studying women of the Bible and seeing the courage they displayed in the face of evil. And yes, the women in the king’s harem were indeed expected to park their brains at the door before entering. Esther did not. She showed great strength of character. And I have to believe that she did have some fear but it did not stop her, did not paralyze her, and she was able to act knowing God was with her. Abigail also acted with great wisdom and discernment when she went before David, knowing it could lead to her demise. Thank you, Dr. Goligher, for pointing us to the great attributes of Esther… and how we can relate this to our own situations today, those of us living with domestic violence and abuse. It is a great reminder that we too can, and we must, refuse to be demeaned, devalued, disrespected and dishonored.
PS – I dare NOT fail to include Vashti in with the women of great courage. She said NO to being devalued, demeaned, disrespected and dishonored. How I would love to have a cup of coffee with these courageous women…
I am so greatly enjoying this series. Thank you very much for sharing it! I love Esther!
A woman of God can be a mighty force against evil. Love the biblical account of Esther. Thanks for sharing.
So gladness this site has turned me on to this series by Goligher. Water to a thirsty soul! Many thanks! If I perish…I perish! I haven’t been thinking those words per se, but they have been in my heart.
If I perish, I perish —
Jessica Fore, whose story we have featured in this post today, is a modern day Esther. If need be, she is prepared to take her case to appeal right up to the General Assembly of the PCA.
Jessica Fore (Abuse Survivor) Charged by her PCA Church with Contempt – She is Telling the World
From the original post:
^That.