- Haman had sent out a decree approved by King Xerxes to wipe out all of the Jews throughout the entire kingdom
- Mordecai went to Esther to seek her help
- She was fearful for her life and the loss of her position
- God would find a way to rescue the Jews, but not her family if she didn’t act
- God had lifted Esther to the position of queen for just this occasion.
APPLICATION:
- God is sovereign – He plans ahead!
- He will protect us
- We just need to be faithful and prepared to stand when it is time
MOTIVATION: There have been several times in my life when I have felt God saying to me, “Just be faithful. Keep your eyes on my Son, and be ready for whatever I call you to do next.” In ministry things are not always very stable. You don’t always know how long you are going to be at a particular church or ministry. Things change, and sometimes they change very rapidly. It can be difficult at times not to worry about tomorrow, especially when you have a young family. But during those times we always sensed God telling us to just be faithful. We didn’t always know where things were heading or where we would end up, but in many cases it was freeing to know that He was in control. Our job was just to be ready for the next chapter! When I read this passage about Esther I am reminded that God is sovereign – He is in control. Haman was King Xerxes’ right hand man, and he had tricked the king in to signing an edict to wipe out all of Mordecai’s family and the entire Jewish nation. Everything was about to come to a skidding halt for the Nation of Israel with one stroke of the pen. But, God knew that this day was coming. And months or years prior He had placed Esther in the palace to steal the heart of the king. Not just any king, but the king of Babylon – the most powerful man in the world! And I love Mordecai’s words to this young, shy queen, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” How many times has God worked out things, in just the right way and time? God seems to know what He is doing. He appears to have a plan, and He is working out that plan towards His good pleasure. Our job throughout all of this is to remain faithful, and to always be prepared for what He is going to do next. Here are some passages that illustrate this point:
- Matthew 24:44 “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.”
- Titus 3:1 “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.”
- 2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
- 1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness.”
- Matthew 24:42 “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
- Mark 13:34 “It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.”
- Acts 20:28 “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood.”
- Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
- Revelation 2:10 “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”
