From the Shepherd’s Heart: Trust in God

Published 9:04 am Friday, November 4, 2016

“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Esther 4:14

We live in a time of tension and conflict. The focus seems to be on differences in political candidates and an upcoming election process. Some will say the better focus is on a difference in ideologies. The biblical focus should be on the divine providence of God.

Esther was a young lady, selected from the exiled Jews by King Ahasuerus. The most powerful man of that day moved Esther from obscurity to unbelievable influence. This change happened overnight. With this change came great privilege. Luxury and honor became hers. No one had a chance to impact the future except the King.

But, her life was not without issue. There was a wicked individual, Haman, who threatened and opposed everything important to Esther. Haman hated what Esther loved. He wanted to destroy all the Jews and he was hungry for political power and prestige. Haman hated the Jews because they would not bow to him and his views. It seems he would do anything to further his cause.

From a human perspective, it looked like the godly would be consumed. The threat was the destruction of the Jews for their religious beliefs. The Jewish standards of righteousness and their commitment to Jehovah God competed with the political direction of the King.

Haman offers a large sum of money to the king to encourage him to take action against the religious views of the Jews. With power and wealth on Haman’s side, there seems to be little that could be done to stop the direction the country was going.

Esther is the one that seems safe. Being in the King’s grace would seem to insulate her from the threat. One might be tempted in such a situation to ignore the threat and let “nature take its course.” But, her uncle Mordecai encouraged Esther to do what she could. Mordecai encouraged Esther to approach the King on their behalf.

There are two issues with Esther becoming involved. First, she might not find favor with the King and destroy her life of privilege. Secondly, she might be identified as being a Jew and become a target. The question ringing in her ears is, “Why get involved?”

Mordecai reminds her that it could be that she is in this place for this time for just this reason. Life may not be a game of chance. Life may be an adventure in faith. Life may not be out of control. Life may be under divine guidance. But, part of that guidance is that God works through people of faith.

Next week, opposite ideologies stand before this nation and in many ways threaten what Christians believe. This is not a time to ignore and believe that the rich and powerful control the future. It is time to believe that God will do His part when we do ours.

By the way, Esther did approach the King. Her fears proved unfounded and the one who threatened her faith and her family disappeared. It did not happen in a way you could see it coming, but many things fell into place once Esther decided to practice her faith openly.

“Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 

Dr. John A. Temple is pastor of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church, located at 4032 Poplar Springs Drive in Meridian. Visit the church website online at www. psdbc.org.