For Such a Time as This!

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14 (NIV)

Every year on the fourteenth day of the Hebrew month Adar (This year Purim is today, 4th March), the Jews around the world celebrate Purim, or the Festival of Lots. This is recorded in the book of Esther in the Old Testament and the festival came about because of the events that took place in the powerful kingdom of Persia during the reign of King Xerxes around 486 BC.

This amazing story tells us that Esther was an orphan, raised in the care of her cousin Mordecai (Chapter 2:5-7), she grew up to be a beautiful woman and as you read this story, and I hope you do, you will see that she is also extremely brave and caring. This beautiful Jewish lady who had a fervent love for her people, became the Queen of Persia and eventually was instrumental in saving the Jews there from a massacre plotted by the villain of the story, Haman. (Chapter 3:5-6) His plan was to kill all the Jews—a holocaust, if you will. But we see the hand of God here guiding Esther and Mordecai, and bringing about circumstances that would ultimately deliver his people from destruction.

Only the great God could have brought about an ending like this one  Who would have thought that he would place his hand upon a humble orphan girl and her foster father, and bring about such deliverance for the Jews? Without doubt the story that unfolds in the book of Esther is an image of God’s handiwork to bring deliverance and salvation to his people.  And because Haman cast the Pur—the lot, to select the month and the day for the destruction of all the Jews in the kingdom (Chapter 3:7 & 9:18), the Jewish nation to this day, celebrate Purim on the fourteenth of Adar; the day of the lot to celebrate with great joy, feasting and giving of gifts.

I believe that this fantastic story also highlights the fact that God has a plan for our lives too. It doesn’t matter if our part is great or small, every role is important in the great story now unfolding in our lives; perhaps we too have come to be where we are for—“Such a time as this!”

Someone once said; “Without your piece the jig-saw will never be complete; but without the jig-saw your piece is useless!”  That’s worth thinking about as you read this story about how God used two seemingly unimportant people to change history.

Prayer
Our Father, thank you for the book of Esther.  It allows us see your power at work in the life of this humble and courageous lady. Help us also to yield to that same power in our lives, to the praise of your glory.
Amen

Study by Cliff Neill

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About the Author:
Cliff Neill is an Elder in Grace Communion Church Luton.

Local  Congregation:
Grace Communion Church Luton
Farley Hill Methodist Church
North Drift Way
Farley Hill
LUTON
LU1 5JE

Meeting time:
Saturday 10:30am

Local Congregational Contact:
Harry Sullivan
Phone:  01908-582222
Email: harry_sullivan@wcg.org.uk