Esther

When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 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 4:12-14

Esther was a young woman who had suffered great losses.  When her parents died she had been raised by her uncle Mordecai.  She knew the stories of her people’s suffering, how they had been conquered by the Babylonians and taken from the land promised to them by God.  When brought to the palace she was instructed to keep her Jewish heritage a secret.

Having won the beauty contest to become the next queen of Persia, she held a special place of influence with king Xerxes.  When Haman convinced king Xerxes to slaughter the Jews, Esther was called by God (and by her uncle), to challenge him before the king.  Mordecai sent this message to Esther, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”  Perhaps this is why you became queen.  Perhaps God had a plan all along to save his people through you.

There may be occasions in our lives as well that God puts us in the right place at the right time to accomplish God’s work through us.  Are we ready and willing to do something that scares us or might put us in danger?  Remember that whatever God calls you to do, God will be with you.  Just as he told Joshua to “be strong and courageous”, God goes with us.  God is faithful to accomplish the call.

What is God calling you to do?

Loving God, you gift your whole creation with abundant life, plenty for all. So often we see only what we lack, and we cannot imagine a way out of the rules and systems we have set up to portion out your gifts. We confess that we are often more tied to our human regulation than we are to your ever-expanding grace. We confess that there is often no room in our faith for you to speak a new word, especially one that breaks down those boxes we put each other in. Forgive us. Open our ears to hear you speaking, and our hearts to embrace your purpose. Amen.