For Such A Time As This
Monday Morning Commentary
Pastor Craig derives his message from the book of Esther. Interestingly enough, Esther is the only book of the Bible is which God is not named. God uses this to teach us that He works in our lives even when we don’t recognize it.
Esther is chosen as the queen of the Persian king because of her great beauty. But in reality, God is positioning her save His people. Her cousin Mordecai had taken care of Esther who was an orphan. Mordecai, served in the palace and had rescued the king’s life though this act had not been rewarded. Mordecai makes an enemy of a man named Haman who hated the Jews living in Persia. Haman was a powerful man of influence whom people bowed down to; but Mordecai refused. Haman becomes so enraged with Mordecai’s disposition and with the favor that the Jews have received, that he sets in motion a plan to annihilate not only Mordecai but all of the Jews. It is in this moment of need, that Mordecai realizes Esther has been brought to the palace for a purpose. So, he asks her to risk her life. Ultimately, her bravery to come into the presence of the king uninvited, serves to not only rescue God’s people from Haman’s plot, but to usher the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Messiah!
As believers, we have to recognize that our life in this world serves an eternal purpose. God has not rescued us from our sin so we can live a happy, comfortable and safe life before entering eternity. We are Esthers and Mordecais in the plan of God. We are to stand for truth and do what is right no matter the cost. God has chosen to use us despite our history and our ability. He simply asks for our availability. We are to have a willing heart that desires to fulfill God’s purposes on the earth.
Because we can’t hold on to life, we may as well commit to risking our life for His Kingdom and to be used of God to bring others to Christ and to share eternity with us.
“Mordecai told the messenger to reply to Esther, ‘Don’t think that you will escape the fate of all Jews because you are in the king’s palace. If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s family will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.” Esther 4:13-14 CSB
We oftentimes hold on to life so tightly that we refuse to obey the Lord and take the risk to follow Him. How sad to live a lifetime and only live it for self. Take on an eternal perspective. Recognize that if Christ gave His life to save others, you can give yours as well. There is nothing in this world that will follow you into eternity except for other believers. Why not make sure that you take as many with you as you can!
The need for people to hear the Gospel and receive salvation is urgent! As Esther, we have been divinely positioned to intervene on behalf of people who are sentenced to death and an eternity in hell. Recognize today, that you are being called for “such a time as this”. It’s a time to love others as Christ loved you. It’s a time to serve others as Christ served you. It’s a time to risk it all for the salvation of many. And it’s a risk worth taking!