"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 house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
~ Esther 4:14
A young girl steps into an entirely unknown world.
Raised by her uncle and caregiver, Hadassah (more commonly known as Esther,) born of those carried away as captives from Jerusalem, suddenly finds herself among scores of women in a year long process of preparation.
She is chosen, the king sets the crown upon her head, and she is queen of Persia.
~
The other day, I read the whole Megillah, also known as the book of Esther.
Whenever I do, I cannot help but latch onto the latter part of 4:14.
Haman has hatched his vile plan. Mordecai has informed Esther, but she's unsure what to do, knowing it could cost her life.
Then he sends the message that, to me, is one of the most poignant moments in the First Testament.
"And who knows whether or not you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
Esther's response is biblical.
;)
She asks that the Jewish people of Susa fast for three days and three nights. Then she will go to the king, finishing by saying "If I perish, I perish."
What faith.
I know we're not supposed to add or subtract from Scripture.
I realize that taking such things out of context can be ill advised.
However, I think this is one of those places God probably doesn't mind.
He created in advance good works for all of us to do.
What if we choose to walk in the wisdom of Mordecai in any given moment to bolster our ability to live and walk and act and be as unto the Father as opposed to man?
Whether we're taking out the trash or riding the bus or submitting a project or anything else, what if we live and breathe moment by moment inside of the question "And who knows whether or not you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
What if any given moment is part of why we're here?
We know we must be ever-watchful, ever-prepared, because we never know when we will be called upon to be of service or to stand.
So, what if?
What if we walk in the "who knows...."
The other absolute gem in that verse is the beginning.
Mordecai says, if she doesn't act, relief and deliverance will arise from elsewhere, (again, what faith!) but Esther will have missed both the opportunity to be a blessing and to be blessed.
If we don't step up when called upon, God will get the work done anyway, but we'll be the poorer for not having participated.
What a powerful truth to ponder.
One little verse. Two powerful lessons.
Food for thought.
Our Father,
Thank You for helping us to have the boldness of faith, courage, and preparedness of Esther, breath by breath.
Thank You for helping us to become children who are ready to hear and heed Your voice, always.
And, thank You for helping us honor You well, that we might be an instrument of Your peace and light and work in the world.
These things we pray in Your most Holy Names,
Amen.
"... The righteous are as bold as a lion." ~ Proverbs 28:1b
"Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong." ~ 1 Corinthians 16:13
"Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men..." ~ Colossians 3:23
May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.
Bonus song of praise... ♥
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