For such a time as this

BY REV GOH YONG KUANG

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" ESTHER 4:14-15 (NIV)

Every year, the Jews celebrate Purim – a Jewish holiday which commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from their enemies.  This festival honours the Jewish heroine Esther, and the last celebration was held recently from 9-10 March 2020.

Esther was a Jewish orphan who was raised by her older cousin Mordecai in the land of Persia where a significant Jewish population reside since the time of the Babylonian exile. The story told in the book of Esther took place during the reign of King Xerxes (4th century BC) whose power extended beyond Persia. One day, the intoxicated king, wanted to show off his wife to his male guests and court officials, but the queen (probably loathed at being treated as a sex object or commodity for display) disobeyed the king’s order. As a result, she was banished and so a search for a new queen was immediately underway. By God’s purpose and provision, the beautiful and virtuous Esther was chosen from among all the damsels in the land.

One day, Mordecai, who was employed as a palace official, discovered a plot to assassinate King Xerxes. He told the king, who promptly had the plotters killed. Not long after, the Jewish people living in the land were threatened by Haman, a top official in the kingdom, who tricked the king into signing a decree that would allow him to commit genocide against the Jews. He did this because he hated Mordecai the Jew, for refusing to bow down to him (Esther 3:2). Haman drew lots to decide on a day to slaughter the Jews, which turned out to be the 13th day of the Jewish month of Adar.  The term “Purim” means “lots” in ancient Persian, which eventually became the name for the Jewish festival. 

The only way to prevent the decree (to exterminate the Jews) from being carried out was if Esther asked for an audience with the king to request that the decree be overturned. But, anyone who goes in to see the king without being invited by him will be put to death. However, Mordecai explained the situation to her, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish."  Esther finally realized this could be the reason God raised her to a royal position - to save her people from destruction. In the end, the Jews were saved by the heroic and courageous acts of Queen Esther.

Just as Esther was presented with a choice (i.e. either place herself as an instrument in God’s hand or miss the opportunity to be used in accomplishing God’s purpose) – you and I are presented with choices every day!

Are we willing to be the person God uses to bless others?  Or are we so focused on meeting our own needs and fulfilling our own personal desires that God cannot use us to reach out to others?  

Do we realize that God has created us for such a time as this to be a catalyst of hope and encouragement and a Christian witness in the home, workplace, community and nation?

During this CB period, we have been hearing stories that inspire and motivate – stories of bravery, of resilience and heroism, selflessness, courage and sacrifice.  We may not get into the spotlight or make it to the front page of the newspapers – but the seemingly insignificant part we play and the little things we do for our family, our church, our community and our nation, may just be the thing that God can use mightily for such a time as this!