As Christian Women for Israel, we stand again at the intersection of ancient traditions and pressing modern realities. Both Shavuot and Pentecost provide a divine invitation for Modern-Day Esthers to rediscover our roots and reclaim our courage. The sacred holiday of Shavuot recalls the monumental moment at Mount Sinai, when God gifted humanity with the Ten Commandments—known as "Asseret ha-Dibrot," literally translated as the "Ten Words." These Ten Words remain humanity’s timeless moral compass, illuminating paths of righteousness and ethical living.
Yet, how clearly do we hear these Ten Words today amid the noise and violence that often surround us? The recent tragedy in Washington, D.C., where two Israeli embassy staffers were murdered, serves as a sobering reminder that the command "You shall not murder" remains deeply relevant—and often painfully disregarded by the culture of death that plagues the world. Tsach Saar, Israel's Deputy Consul General, cautioned, “Radicalism isn’t just a problem for Israelis and Jews—it’s a problem for all Americans.” His urgent call invites us not only to unity but also to action against hatred and violence that targets God’s people.
The spirit of Shavuot is powerfully expressed in the Hebrew declaration, "Naaseh v'nishma," meaning "We will do and we will listen." This signifies that obedience to God’s law comes before full understanding. Are we, as Modern-Day Esthers, willing to commit first and fully comprehend later? Are we ready to embody courage in our daily lives, even when facing uncertainty or fear?
This is precisely the courage exemplified by the apostles during Pentecost. Acts 2 vividly captures the transformation of Christ's followers, who shifted from hiding in fear to boldly proclaiming truth after the Holy Spirit filled them. Imagine if we, too, fully embraced this transformative power. Could we face the uncertainties of our modern age—such as the rising antisemitism that Tsach Saar described—and choose to stand firm, unashamed of our faith and support for Israel?
Author Philip Yancey writes compellingly in Rumors of Another World about the whispers we feel of a deeper, unseen reality, “Rumors of another world sneak in even among those who restrict their view to the world of matter.” Yancey’s reflections call us beyond superficial safety into the courageously lived faith—reminding us as Christian Women for Israel that our lives must reflect a confident belief in God's unseen yet very real power.
Recent headlines highlight negotiations around Israeli hostages in Gaza, reminding us of how fragile and precious peace is. Hamas’s unrelenting demands and unrealistic concessions from Israel and America highlight the ruthless tactics of a terrorist organization intent on sowing fear and chaos, leaving us deeply frustrated with no end in sight. Yet, Pentecost encourages us to lean into a different kind of power—the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit grants us courage to be a steadfast voice for justice and mercy, for such a time as this!
Pause for a moment to reflect on Shavuot’s other powerful lesson: the profound unity symbolized by the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The Hebrew phrase "Am Echad Lev Echad"—"One People, One Heart"—calls us to reject division and choose community. For us, as Modern-Day Esthers, it is a call to spiritual and practical unity, setting aside differences and focusing instead on our common identity as God’s beloved children.
Dear Esthers, we are indeed living in the end times. Just as Ruth found hope in adversity, we too are called to find strength and purpose in the increasing and seemingly unsurmountable challenges of our day. Let us courageously proclaim the reality of the resurrection, actively choosing faith over fear, unity over division, and love over hatred. Let our actions, rooted deeply in spiritual truth, inspire others to say of us, as was said of those first Pentecost believers, "No one has ever done anything like this before."
Today’s Prayer:
Heavenly Father, empower us through Your Holy Spirit to live courageously and faithfully. May we embody Your Ten Words, seek unity among Your people, and boldly stand against the hatred threatening our Jewish friends and world peace. Strengthen us, as Modern-Day Esthers, to bravely and joyfully shine Your light. Amen.
