For Such a Time as This

O. T. #1091 "For such a Time as This"
Nov. 3, 2017
Esther 4-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

The young couple lost their first baby. Her funeral was Thursday. Yet they accepted it as God's will and honor Him through it. These families chose to have strong faith in God, even when His path for them is devastating, giving heir God glory and thanks. Esther came to the point where she had to trust God or not.

It was Mordecai's fault that a new law was made that on a certain day, all the Jews would be killed. All because he would not bow down to Haman. A message from Mordecai came to Esther charging her to go to the king to make a request for the lives of her people, the Jews, to be saved. He knew what stuff she was made of and her character.

The Queen sent a returning message saying this:

• The Persian aw prohibited anyone from approaching he king without first being summoned. It prevented the potential assassination of the king, as well as interrupting his important business.
• Esther had not been summoned by him for 30 days. Perhaps she was no longer favored by the king.
• Entering the king's inner court without being invited meant death for Esther.

Do we see the seriousness of Queen Esther's dilemma? Her problem was very serious-she would be risking her life to meet her cousin's request. What is Sovereign God chose Esther to be used for this purpose?

Mordecai sent word warning Esther in verse 13: Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. If Esther kept silent, God would raise up another deliverer, yet she and he family would perish. Who knowth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Wow, what a heavy responsibility laid on her. No excuses, no hiding. It was up to Esther to try to persuade the king to change this horrible law. Did Esther suddenly find the purpose for her life? Was she really placed on the throne as queen to save the Jews? Keeping silent during this crisis would require another deliverer. Also, Mordecai knew it was because of his stand for the Lord that got them in this mess. (This happened before Ezra's return to Jerusalem with Jews.)

What would Esther choose to do-keep silent or risk her life? Although her husband was the king, she couldn't just stroll into his office and casually unload what was on her mind.
We may never be put in such a dilemma, yet we might. There have been people who in a split second decision gave their life for another's being spared.
Will we step out in courage and take a stand for our beliefs?

LET IT GROW

What was Esther's decision?

• She sent word to Mordecai for all the Jews in Shushan to fast for 3 days and nights about the matter.
• She and her maidens would fast also.
• Courageous Esther said she would go to the king, breaking the law, and risking her life. If she perished, she perished trying to save her people.

We read of so many heroes of faith in the Bible-Gideon, David, Moses, Joshua. They depended upon God to use them and bring them through the rough spots in their life and the Jews' lives. Paul, the disciples, Peter, and Jesus' life made a difference.

When we are facing desperate situations, do we pray and fast for God's directions?
Are we determined to make a difference, no matter what the consequences?

LET IT GO

Be a prayer warrior, interceding for folks.
Stand up for Jesus.