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For Such A Time As This
By
Gary L. Thomas
The Christian Action Council
Esther 3:8-11, 13; 4:1-17
Introduction: A well known theologian was once asked to prove the existence of God. The theologian replied that he could prove God's existence with two words: "The Jew."
From ancient history to modern times, various attempts have been made to exterminate God's chosen people. It happened during the reign of Pharaoh during the time of Moses. It happened during the reign of Herod during the time of Christ. It happened during the reign of Hitler during our own time.
But every time an attempt is made to get rid of the Jews, every time Israel seems reduced to the smallest of frayed threads, God steps in and preserves His people. Such is the case here in the book of Esther, the chronicle of an event that occurred during the reign of Xerxes, around 480 B.C.
One of the remarkable features about the book of Esther is that God's name is never mentioned. Some have hypothesized that Esther was a book written "undercover" to protect the Jews who were reading the book in a hostile environment where worship of Yahweh would be treated as a traitorous act. Understanding Jews would read into the situation the sovereignty and direction of God.
Even though God's name is not directly mentioned, the clear message of the book of Esther is God's providence. The book teaches us that history is not an accident. On the contrary, history is "His-story," the account of God's active work among the people He has created and chosen.
The characters: Mordecai was employed in the King's palace. A Jewish exile, Mordecai raised his niece named Esther, who later became the Queen. Mordecai instructed Esther to keep quiet about her Jewish ancestry. Mordecai angers Haman, a servant of King Xerxes, when he refuses to bow as Haman walks by. Consequently, Haman convinces King Xerxes to issue a decree calling for the slaughter of the Jewish people.
OUTLINE
- The Attack.
Satan and the forces of this world are incessantly engaged in a struggle to destroy what God has made, whether that be a nation, a church, or the precious life of an unborn child.
- The Reaction.
Mordecai
4:1 Mordecai tears his clothes, puts on sackcloth and ashes, and went about "wailing loudly and bitterly." Mordecai refuses to try and make himself comfortable when such a large scale slaughter is about to take place.
What about us? We live in an age not of potential slaughter, but actual slaughter, with 1.6 million unborn children losing their lives every year. Will we respond like Mordecai and refuse to live comfortable lives until the killing is stopped?
Esther
4:11 At first Esther tries to excuse herself from action. After all, she thinks, she is the queen. Surely they won't come after her! But Mordecai reminds Esther that she can't escape. God will see that justice is done, but her family will surely perish. (4:14)
Often we think someone else will be affected, but not us, so we don't get involved. It is only a matter of time, though, to use an example, before widespread abortion turns into widespread euthanasia. Those who do not speak up for the unborn may find when they are elderly that there is no one to speak up for them. The same value system is involved.
Mordecai convinces Esther that God has placed her in her position "for such a time as this." In other words, her position is not an accident, but a divine preparation for this attack on the Jews. With Esther's position comes the responsibility. Esther must act.
What position has God placed us in? Have we used his providential placement and advancement of our vocations and position in life for His glory? Are there any Esthers among us, who could help stop the killing of unborn children, but need a Mordecai to spur us on to action?
- The Response.
4:15-16 Esther, realizing she must act, calls for a national fast. She realizes that even with her providentially provided position, she must rely on the Lord. The battle is His.
After we humble ourselves before God, we courageously face our task. (5:1-2) In Esther's case, she was called to risk her very life. We must use the position and skills God has given us to achieve His purpose. Notice that God's sovereignty calls us to action; it does not exclude it.
Conclusions: Providence means that the hand of God is in the glove of human events. God is an active God, standing up for justice. His chosen instruments are people, like you and me, whom He has specially prepared and placed in positions of influence. But remember, providence does not negate human activity; it enhances it. Because we know that God has gone before us, we have courage to act. As we see the abortion holocaust continue, a number of us must ask ourselves some heartfelt questions. Does the holocaust continue because of my inactivity? Am I being obedient to the call of God, or am I trying to remain in a comfortable life, waiting for others to do all the work? Is God calling me for such a time as this?
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