God is Still in Charge During “Such a Time as This”

550 B.C.

The time of the Persian Empire. Ruthless King Xerxes and beautiful Queen Esther.

It is so easy to get lost in the rich, detailed book of Esther. A royal palace with lavish, floor-to-ceiling linen curtains that framed open entrances to lush gardens. Marble floors inlaid with costly gems and sparkling minerals. There were custom-made silver lounge chairs with bowls of pearls and turquoise instead of mints, for guests to take. Roving musicians, actors, crafts, and paintings that displayed multi-cultural art; “eye candy” that we can only imagine (from Dancing with a Shadow by Daniel Schaeffer).

Beautiful Esther, a young Jewish woman, became queen after Queen Vashti refused to make a command performance before the powerful King Xerxes. Over time, Esther found herself in the middle of a life or death plot against the Jews at the hands of evil Haman, a bitter Agagite, whose people were plundered but not eliminated as God had ordered Saul to do (1 Samuel 15:18-19).

Because Esther’s Uncle Mordecai, because of His faith in God, did not bow down to Haman as others did when he passed by, Haman became blind with rage. He managed to convince the king to send out an edict: in eleven months, attack and kill all Jews who were to be kept unarmed.

In response, Mordecai sent a secret message to Esther telling her that she had to approach King Xerxes in order to expose Haman’s evil plot and save the Jews. When Esther objected, Uncle Mordecai sent another message to her.

“...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 that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” - Esther 4:14

A warning to Esther was warranted. Mordecai knew: Death could come to anyone who approached the king without a long-awaited appointment, but what was the core of his motivational message?

God is still in charge. He will provide deliverance for His chosen people no matter what you choose to do.

But for now, you and your family will perish if nothing is done.

This could be the very reason God allowed you to be in this position...

In other words, Esther had a choice...take a risk and step out at THIS time or do nothing.

Saul also had a “for such a time as this moment” when he was chosen by God to keep the Jewish nation free from idols. Instead he chose to do his own will, defying God’s command. In Esther’s moment she opted to risk her life and obey God’s will even after she was offered "up to half the kingdom” which would be comparable to winning the lottery and doing your own thing.

2020 A.D.

In the time of modern-day riches; a home, family and friends, religious freedom.

Up until this past week, it was easy to get lost in the details of an American life: family, friends, eating, sports, internet, entertainment... There were so many distractions that could keep us away from the “for such a time as these moments” that God has for us, just as with Mordecai and Esther in 550 AD.

But, because of a worldwide pandemic, those “distractions” have been replaced with anxiety and fear: of symptoms of the virus, germs, food and even toilet paper supply.

However, the invisible God of the Old Testament and of today is still in charge. He will still be found by those who seek Him, with or without our help or words. (Jeremiah 29:13)

With job lay-offs, self-isolation and a complete shut-down of life as we have known it, there are more opportunities for us to see His works. But those moments are fleeting and gone when we ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit to either speak up or to act.

In the New Testament book of Hebrews, chapter 10, we are told that THIS is the time to listen to the Spirit’s whispers because anyone who ignores the prompting of the Holy Spirit insults and grieves the Spirit. Grieves the Holy Spirit. That thought frightens me more today than any person or virus can frighten or intimidate me...

This very moment could be the time when our words, presence, and deeds - done in response to the gospel - share the love of Christ with others and encourage them to lean on God in a profound way.

Considering about God’s powerful attributes can be a help to us in times like this:

• Wisdom – Exodus 4:11–12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.

• Invisible (yet visible through our presence and deeds in His spirit) - 1 John 4:12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete.

• Provider – Psalm 34:9 Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.

In this moment, let’s be wise and pray for the leaders of our nation and world - no matter our political leaning. Let’s pray also for those in the medical and first responder work.

Let’s also bring the invisible God to life by letting others know, with an actual phone call, that we are here for them and we care. I have called and been the recipient of a call or text myself and it is very comforting... You and I can be that kind of provision for another.

You and I can also share God’s provision in our lives by giving to others. What if each of us took a needed item to a local food bank to share with those in need?

Maybe this is a time when you finally partner with another person in morning devotions, prayer, exercise and being accountable for reaching out in some way.

Someday, we will look back on this global crisis as a memory. Let’s be able to look back and remember this season as a time when our faith increased, because we chose to trust in our Holy God. Like Esther, we will remember how we all prayed together for God to save lives for His glory.

Prayer: Father, as Esther did, please guide us to boldly approach this crisis for Your sake in order to save a nation that has been distracted in a world that needs you now more than ever. May we creatively pray for those in charge, those around us and for ourselves to seek the will of a Sovereign God. Keep reminding us that You are Sovereign Lord of All. Amen.