Esther 4:12-16 (NIV):
"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?’
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.’"
Introduction:
The book of Esther is a fascinating and unique part of the Bible. It’s the only book in Scripture where the name of God is never mentioned, yet God's presence is felt throughout. But at the same time you can see the work and the power of God working through people's lives in that book or through from the beginning to end. It tells the story of a young, orphaned girl who, by God’s providence, rises to become queen of a foreign land. Through Esther's journey, we see how God works through unexpected circumstances to accomplish His will.
Today, we reflect on the powerful message contained in Esther’s story—a message about being in the right place at the right time. It’s a story of courage, purpose, and God’s divine orchestration. Like Esther, we often find ourselves in situations where we must act with faith and boldness, recognizing that God has placed us where we are for a reason. We shared the story of Joseph before about the things that he had to go through. We talked about how unexpected things will happen. But if we look at the whole picture all of this will fit together as a puzzle. And we do not want to lose sight
of the big picture when we go through the little pieces one at a time.
1. God’s Timing and Placement:
Have you ever wondered why you are in a particular place at a particular time? Perhaps you’ve asked yourself, “How did I end up here?” or “What am I doing in this situation?” Esther probably wondered the same. As an orphaned Jewish girl living in a foreign land, she had no idea she would one day be queen. But God had a plan.
In the same way, our lives are not a series of random events. God has placed us where we are for a reason. Whether it’s in our jobs, our relationships, or even the challenges we face, each moment in time and every place we find ourselves is divinely ordained. Nothing happens by accident.
Like Esther, we may not understand God’s plan at first. We may question why we’re going through certain struggles. But as we trust in God’s timing, we realize that He is weaving together every part of our lives into a larger purpose.
2. Courage in the Face of Fear:
When Esther was faced with the responsibility of speaking to the king on behalf of her people, she was afraid. The law was clear: anyone who approached the king without being summoned could be put to death. Yet, Mordecai’s words challenged her: “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Mordecai's message to Esther is one that we all must consider. Each of us has a role to play in God’s plan, and there are moments in life when we are called to act with courage, even when fear grips us.
Esther’s courage didn’t mean she wasn’t afraid. In fact, she was deeply concerned for her life. But she chose to trust God’s purpose over her fear. She fasted, prayed, and sought God’s guidance before stepping forward in faith. Her bravery saved her people and changed the course of history.
3. Trusting God's Purpose in Uncertainty: The Story of Louis Pasteur
The story of Esther reminds us that God’s purpose often unfolds in ways we don’t expect. Esther was an orphan living in exile, with no apparent future. Yet God had a plan for her that she could never have imagined. He raised her up to a position of power, not for her own sake, but to fulfill His divine purpose.
An inspiring modern example of this can be found in the story of Louis Pasteur. Pasteur was a scientist in the 19th century, best known for his groundbreaking work in vaccines and microbiology. One of his most famous contributions was the development of the rabies vaccine, but the way this discovery came about shows us how divine timing and place can play a role in even scientific progress.
In the late 1800s, rabies was a fatal disease with no cure. Pasteur had been working in his lab to develop a vaccine for rabies, but it was still in the experimental stages. One day, a neighbor’s child was bitten by a rabid dog, and the family was desperate to find help. Knowing that Pasteur had been working on a solution, they came to him, asking if he could treat the boy.
Though Pasteur was reluctant at first—knowing that his vaccine had never been tested on humans—he weighed the risks. Without treatment, the child would die. He agreed to administer the vaccine, and after several injections, the boy survived, marking a major breakthrough in medical history.
What seemed like a random encounter—a child getting bitten by a dog in the same neighborhood as a scientist working on a vaccine—was, in fact, a moment of divine timing. Pasteur was at the right place at the right time, and his willingness to act, despite the risks, saved not only the child but paved the way for countless lives to be saved through the rabies vaccine.
4. The Festival of Purim: Remembering God's Deliverance
The events of Esther’s life are still celebrated today by Jewish people during the Festival of Purim. This annual celebration commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from the evil plot of Haman, who had cast lots (Purim) to determine the day they would be annihilated. Esther’s bravery and God’s intervention turned the story around, leading to the survival of the Jewish people.
During the Festival of Purim, the entire story of Esther is read aloud in synagogues. It’s a joyful occasion filled with celebration, including feasts, giving gifts to the poor, and sharing meals with family and friends. The name of Haman is often booed or drowned out during the readings, symbolizing the defeat of evil.
This festival reminds us that even when God’s name isn’t mentioned, as in the book of Esther, His hand is always at work, orchestrating events behind the scenes. Just as Esther was placed in the right position to save her people, we too can trust that God is always working through us, even when His presence isn’t immediately obvious.
Application to Esther's Story and Our Lives:
Like Louis Pasteur, Esther was placed in a specific time and situation where she could make a difference. Her position as queen wasn’t for her own benefit—it was for the salvation of her people. God placed her in that moment with a purpose, and she had the courage to act on it.
In our own lives, we may find ourselves in situations that seem uncertain or overwhelming. We may not see the bigger picture or understand why we are where we are. But like Esther and Pasteur, we must trust that God has placed us where we are for a reason, and when the time comes, we must act with faith and courage.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the story of Esther, the Festival of Purim, and the example of Louis Pasteur, let’s consider our own lives. Where has God placed you "for such a time as this"? Whether you are in a position of influence, facing a challenge, or navigating a season of uncertainty, know that God has placed you where you are for a reason. Like Esther and Pasteur, we must step forward in faith, trusting in God’s timing and purpose. Even in our situations of weakness and sickness and debilitating situations of our physical body. Continue to trust in a God who is working all these things together for your blessing for the blessing of the world and for all so for the glory of God's name.
Even when we feel small or insignificant, God is always at work, and our willingness to trust Him can lead to great things. Let’s not remain silent or inactive when we are called to act. Let’s be bold in our faith, recognizing that each moment of our lives is part of God’s greater plan.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the story of Esther and the powerful reminder that You are always working behind the scenes in our lives. Help us to have the courage to step forward when You call us, even in the face of fear. Teach us to trust Your timing and Your purpose, knowing that You have placed us exactly where we need to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.
This version now incorporates the Festival of Purim, emphasizing the enduring celebration of God’s deliverance, and ties it to the message of being in the right place at the right time. Let me know if any further adjustments are needed!
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