For Such a Time as This

Esther 4:14 - For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

Oh, my. Fall has truly arrived and I wonder if there's even going to be an Indian summer. This also means a new season begins at church after a "rest" during the summer. It's always started with enthusiasm. What does God have in store? What nuggets of understanding will He impart to us through our new studies or from our sitting at His feet to learn? What direction will He be taking us and expecting us to follow? Will we be equipped?

We have started a Bible study this fall by Beth Moore on the study of the Book of Esther. I'm sure as we glean incredible insights from this study I will be commenting occasionally. Often we all wonder just what is it that we are here for on this earth? Is it just to be born, live, work, support a family, retire, get old and die? I don't think so and neither does God. He has a plan for our lives and we just need to tap into that. When we do there will be a feeling of satisfaction that comes knowing we've done something great through the power of God...not our own power. Our own power does not produce the same results.

Esther was a Jewish maiden. The Jews had been exiled to Persia at that time. Ahaseurus, the King of Persia, dethroned his queen for disobedience and was looking for a new queen. Esther was among the many choices. It was a painstaking year's worth of beautifying for these women! All the while Esther kept her Jewish heritage a secret at the advice of her cousin Mordecai. Esther was chosen as Ahaseurus' queen. I find it incredible that her Jewish heritage played such an important role in all this. It was all part of God's great plan, as we will see.

Even Mordecai, repeatedly referred to as "the Jew," became a prominent figure in the king's court. How the puzzle of these lives was being put together so well. So, she was chosen "for such a time as this." The scripture above is about Mordecai urging Esther to take up an issue with the king, one that could cost her her life since the king was not normally approached. Even as queen she must await the king's call. But her life and the life of the Jewish people was at stake because someone wanted to annihilate all Jews.

God planted Esther and Mordecai in these positions in life because He had a great plan for her and His people. In a way, we who follow Christ, are here for the same reason.We are here to spread the word of Jesus and help draw them to Him. God may plunk us into situation after situation where it is by our actions, our words that He wants for us to be an impact on someone else's life. It doesn't have to be anything grandiose, but in the mundane, day-to-day things we do. Are we in God's will? Are we acting as God would have us? Are we leading people in the direction of a "life Savior?"

Esther may not have known about Jesus, but she knew God. This story is for us today. It is another example of our responsibility to be obedient and humble in our walk with God and be willing to take a chance, like Esther, to reveal God's plan of salvation. When will we be ready to do this? Are we willing to take a chance? Are we willing to stake our lives (or reputations, friends)?

Esther had learned to be obedient, humble and self disciplined by Mordecai, who raised her as his own daughter after her parents died. It seems these characteristics were what appealed to those around her, even the other virgins hoping to be chosen queen. Everyone regarded her well. It was not about her, but about her king. Mmmm, that sounds familiar--it's not about us, but about our King, Jesus.

She did not pride herself in being someone greater than she was. Her humility got her the crown. I seem to remember writing about how humility, though seen as weakness, is actually a characteristic that will be admired by many. If Esther had acted as some of the other virgins, she too may have been passed over. The others wanted the king to see all the jewels and finery that they had chosen so they could be beautiful for their king. Ahaheurus saw Esther, who chose only to take those things which she knew he would like, in her purest and humblest form. She pleased him most. That's how we are to live our lives too. What is it He would desire?

I should want to please my King. Is there something hindering me? Perhaps. Maybe I'm waiting to hear specific instruction by someone telling me, "you need to reach this person." Yes, I struggle with an outward display. If my King is so important to me why can't I show it more? Here's my dilemma.

I believe as we study this book there will be some insight into why we are like we are--at least as women. So far we have learned "It's hard to be a woman in another woman's shadow (the first queen), in a world where beauty is a treatment (the year's worth), and in a mean world (knowing someone wants to kill your people)." She was learning how to use the gifts that she had been given, her wisdom, obedience and humility, to obtain favor with her king. Plus, she was given a boldness when she needed it most. A boldness that God had given her and the wisdom to realize, again, this was not about herself, but this time for her people.

I'm anxious to find out where I fit and what more I am able to do that I've not allowed myself access to. 

2Timothy 1:6-7 - Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.