For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)
Esther was a Jewish woman, who found favour in the eyes Persian king, king Ahasuerus, and became the queen. She was the only Jew living in that Persian diaspora.
In the same time lived Haman, a wealthy man who was close to the reins of power; he hated the Jews and wanted them exterminated. The king had promoted Haman above all the princes in his kingdom, and so all the king’s servants bowed and revered Haman whenever he walked by (Esther 3:1-2). He had the political influence to annihilate anyone whom he hated, and sought to start with Mordecai, the Israelite, who would not bow to him, due to his Jewish law. He presented a proposal to the king to that effect and with the king’s express permission, he drafted and published a decree for the elimination of all Jews, both young and old. (Ref. Esther3,4)
Mordecai was Esther’s uncle who had raised her, he was a man of spirit, he understood that even though the decree had been made, God could cause a change in their circumstance and called on him in prayer. He sent a message to Esther to stand for her people, and to use her position to save her people. Though initially scared, Esther rose to the occasion, after her uncle admonished her saying: “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 your royal position for such a time as this?” ( Esther 4:14 NIV). Esther prepared with fasting along with other Israelites to take the matter before the king.
Esther’s timely intervention prevented Haman from actualizing his wicked plot against the Israelites to wipe them out! Instead, Haman got the punishment from king and was hanged on the same set up, he had prepared for Mordecai’s execution. (Ref. Esther 7:9)
As a Christian we must know, that God has placed us where we are with a definite purpose. Just like Esther was positioned in king’s palace to save her people. We must also remember, to always use our influence to establish the righteousness of God, wherever we are placed.
Prayer:
Dear Father, I’m grateful for the opportunities you’ve made available, I use my influence to establish your righteousness in my world and be relevant in the spread of the Gospel around the world. I recognize and take advantage of your grace in me to win for others and fulfill my role in the ministry of reconciliation, in Jesus’ Name. Amen!
