DCLM Daily Manna 2026: DCLM Daily Manna 9 January 2026: Cross Before Crown
Text: Esther 2:10–17 (KJV)
Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it. 11 And every day Mordecai paced in front of the court of the women’s quarters, to learn of Esther’s welfare and what was happening to her.
12 Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months’ preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women. 13 Thus prepared, each young woman went to the king, and she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the women’s quarters to the king’s palace. 14 In the evening she went, and in the morning she returned to the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch who kept the concubines. She would not go in to the king again unless the king delighted in her and called for her by name.
15 Now when the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her. 16 So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 17 The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
KEY VERSE: Esther 2:17
“And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.”
A politician who lost several elections before finally becoming one of the most admired leaders in history once said that his greatest lesson was learning patience in the face of adversity.
Despite ridicule, rejection, and repeated failure—including mockery about his poor academic record—he remained humble and obedient to God’s laws. That man was Abraham Lincoln, who eventually became one of the greatest presidents of the United States.
Long before Lincoln, a young Jewish woman named Esther demonstrated even greater courage, patience, and trust in God. She lived as an alien in Persia under King Ahasuerus at a time when her people faced imminent destruction.
She was an orphan, a foreigner, and a member of a despised race. Closely guided by Mordecai, her guardian, Esther endured uncertainty, discipline, and fear without compromising her faith. Against all odds, God honoured her quiet obedience and granted her favour, crowning her queen of Persia.
The path to greatness, glory, and fulfilment is rarely smooth. It is often marked by trials, temptations, disappointments, and painful tests. True promotion comes through self-denial, humility, and submission to God’s will—even when it contradicts our desires.
What many see as setbacks are often blessings in disguise. The wise, like Esther and Lincoln, accept life’s challenges as preparation for future honour.
Above all, genuine followers of Christ must remember that the cross always comes before the crown. Our Lord Jesus Himself endured suffering, shame, and rejection before being exalted in glory.
Therefore, when we face mockery, persecution, or denial because of our faith, let us rejoice, knowing that these trials are part of the journey toward the eternal crown prepared for us in Christ’s kingdom.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Today the cross, tomorrow the crown.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Daily Manna 9 January 2026
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