◄ What Does Esther 4:14 Mean? ►

The book of Esther commands a unique perspective on Israel's history, taking a peep behind the scenes of the Persian monarchy and giving insight into a particular historical event that is not mentioned elsewhere in the Scriptures, but which gave rise the Jews feast of Purim.

Throughout their history, Israel has been viciously attacked by the rest of the world in a satanically orchestrated plan to prevent God from fulfilling His plans to redeem mankind. The world is unknowingly in defiance against God and being used as Satan's pawns to wipe out God's chosen people. And yet, it is through Israel that all the families of the earth are blessed because Jesus, God's only begotten Son, is the promised Jewish Messiah Who was sent to save His people from their sin and Whose death, burial, and Resurrection paid the price for the sin of the world; for whosoever would believe on His name.

The turn of events that brought Esther, a young Jewess, into the position of queen of Persia, could only have been orchestrated by God Himself. And it was through her intervention at this critical time in their history that the nation, through whom was given the holy Scriptures, was saved from total annihilation.

Her uncle, Mordecai, had uncovered a plot to exterminate the entire Jewish race and he instructed Esther to intervene on behalf of her people. Her initial hesitation was natural for anyone (including the queen herself) who approached the great king Xerxes uninvited, risked execution unless the king graciously extended his scepter towards the uninvited guest.

Mordecai challenged her with words that Jews and Christians down through the centuries have often rehearsed in the ears of those who are called upon to carry out a particularly difficult or dangerous task in order to forward God's plans and purposes: "For who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?" 

Sometimes God will place a man or woman into a particular place or bring them into a peculiar set of circumstances in order to carry out a distinct task, to speak a particular word, or fulfil a certain challenge. God often graciously uses His people to carry out distinct tasks or challenges in order to fulfil His perfect plans and purposes, which cannot fail.

But if we are unwilling to take up the gauntlet, God will carry out His initiative through another willing servant or use an alternative course, in order to complete His plan of redemption. Esther herself was given such a warning that if she acted selfishly and tried to save her own skin because of her royal status, her wealth, power, and position would hold no security for her. Indeed, she was warned: "If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place." But at what a cost? Esther would have lost an opportunity to be used by God in His unfolding plan of redemption.

As believers, we are all God's servants and each one has been planted in a place of God's choosing to be used by Him as He forwards His redemptive plan. In an amazing way, each one of us could be challenged with the words: "Who knows whether or not you have been placed in this particular position for a time such as this?" We may not be called upon to act as regent to a great and mighty king like Esther, but each one of us can be used by God to minister to a lost neighbour, a prodigal son, a straying daughter, a sick relative, a local catastrophe, or a hurting heart.

Let us be ready and willing like queen Esther to carry out the work that God has prepared for us to do, even when the task seems difficult, dangerous, or daunting. For who knows whether or not you have been placed in this particular position to play a little part in the history of man's redemption!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of queen Esther who was prepared to stand up for what is good and righteous, despite the possible dangers, embarrassment, or repercussions. Help me to do what is righteous in Your eyes and to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit so that I do not miss an opportunity to be used by You in service to others, in the time and place You have put me, to Your praise and glory. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.