When the Persians overthrew the Babylonians and allowed the people of Israel to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple in 538 BC, not all the Israelites chose to leave their new home. A whole generation had been born and raised under Babylonian captivity and many had become content with their life. Therefore many Jewish communities thrived under Persian rule.
When Xerxes was King of this vast empire, he commanded the Queen to be displayed before all the visiting dignitaries at a banquet. But when the Queen refused, Xerxes removed her title and began to search for a replacement. The search resulted in a young Jewish girl named Esther being made Queen – not a normal position for a young Jew!
Meanwhile, a plot had developed to kill the Jews in all the provinces of Persia. Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, knew of this plot and pleaded with Esther to approach the King for help, but Esther was understandably reluctant. She was being very well cared for, and approaching the King without first being invited could lead to death. Mordecai encouraged Esther to view her life as being part of God’s wonderful plan.
Esther 4:14
“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?”
God allowed Esther to become Queen, not as a reward for being good, but “for such a time as this.” God could have used other methods to save the Jews, but He chose to invite a beautiful young woman to play a part. Esther put her personal plans on hold, put her life at risk, persuaded the King, and saved her people from certain destruction.
The wisdom and truth of Mordecai’s words resound through the ages: God’s work WILL be accomplished; His plan WILL unfold; deliverance WILL arise! It’s humbling, and often very freeing, to know that God really doesn’t need us. He is perfectly capable without our help! But it’s also very comforting to know that God is inviting us to join Him in His work and walk by His side to certain victory.
We may never be invited to a role as dramatic as Esther’s, but we can join our Heavenly Father from right where we are today! We have come to our particular position – no matter how elevated, no matter how low – for the purpose of bringing Him glory and honor. Let’s listen carefully for what He’s asking us to do, and understand we are right where we need to be and right where He wants us! He has created us for a purpose. He has brought us to our present situation for such a time as this.
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
**** Reading Plan ****
Jan 8 Genesis 18:20-19:38; Matthew 6:25-7:14; Psalm 8:1-9; Proverbs 2:6-15
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