Esther 4:12-17 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions. 1. Remember who you are. Every , every denial of religion, and every philosophy or ideology intends to tell people who they are and how they should live. 2. Remember your name. Esther 5:1-3 On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. 2When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. 3Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.” To remember your name is to embrace . 3. Remember who you belong to. “I would rather be a door-keeper in the house of my god, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10 The story of Esther is the story of a . CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION 1. Take a few minutes and think/talk through how you might respond to one of the very deepest questions of life… “Who are you?” 2. Have there been times in your life where you’ve wrestled with your name (identity)? 3. If you can consistently remember who you belong to, how does that knowledge shape how you go about your life. What are you freed from? What security do you have?