Esther 4:13,14
‘Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, liberation and rescue will arise for the Jews from another place, and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”’
Haman had tricked the king into ordering the slaughter of the Jews. News was traveling and the Jews were horrified as they learned of the plot. Mordecai told Esther to plead before the king for their redemption. She informed him that if she entered the kings inner court without invitation that could lead to her death. Today’s verses are his response.
This passage is a famous one. I’ve heard several sermons on it. Mordecai first acknowledges his faith in God that redemption will come from somewhere. How does he know that? Because of the promise to his father Abraham to have a people so numerous that they outnumber the sand of the sea. As well as a promised Messiah would come to rescue them. Therefore he’s confident that deliverance will arise from somewhere.
Then Mordecai makes the point that maybe this is why she’s been elevated as queen at this time. Wow. That’s a great question. This is the point that’s made in sermons I’ve heard. The pastor would ask this question to all listening. God uses us in our circumstances. Many times He has given us success and respect. Mordecai’s words may apply to us. “And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” Instead of royalty we could insert success or influence.
The child of God knows God grants us favor and success. Others may say, “I’ve created this for myself”. We could go one step back and say God created us with our gifts and talents. Without them we could do nothing. So, this applies to all.
Mordecai makes the point that inaction may lead to our demise. If we have been elevated for such a time as this and we do nothing, then there is no point for God to keep us there. Yes, Esther would be jeoperdizing her role as queen. What does that matter. She would be killed in the slaughter eventually. She may as well act.
The same is true for us. Don’t seek to protect our role by inaction. Risk it. That may be why we have what we have. If we were wrong, but acted, God sees our hearts and will honor that somehow. That’s what it means to walk by faith. We sense God wants us to act, we pray about it. If we still think God is behind this, we would continue to pray and ask for wisdom as to how to act. Then we do the act. God is pleased and He will help in His time.
I’ve looked back at some of the times that I’ve acted like this. Sometimes I know it was God’s will, other times I’m not sure. I say that because it blew up. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t God’s will. He may have wanted to send the message. It’s up to the receiver what he is to do with it.
It’s a blessing to have a clear conscience knowing I acted as I thought I should. God will work it all out either at that time or in time.
Lord, help us to have courage and wisdom to act as You prompt us.