For Such a Time as This

This past fall, I was reading through the Bible with the Sweeter Than Honey Bible reading plan. On September 23, I came to the book of Esther.

The book of Esther is one of my favorite books in the Bible. A little-known fact about the Bible is that God is not mentioned once. Although He is not mentioned by name, we see Him working through Esther's story. We see this throughout the book, and the book has excellent lessons to teach us.​

​One important lesson the book has for us in chapters 4-6 is about time. "For such a time as this" Esther 4:14 says. "For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

​Esther 4-6: For Such a Time as This (from Sweeter Than Honey)

We learned yesterday about Haman’s plot “to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day” (3:13). Today, Mordecai learns of the plot and entreats Esther to go to the king to defend their people. The Bible tells us that Esther has not been in the king’s presence in 30 days and anyone who comes into the king’s presence without being invited can be put to death. Esther is afraid for her own life. Have you ever been afraid to do something God has called you to do? Have you ever been fearful of the repercussion of doing the right thing in the face of opposition? Have you ever been afraid to get outside your comfort zone? I know I have! Esther 4:14 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It reminds me of the importance of being willing to be used by God for His purpose.

“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

“And who knows whether you have not come into the kingdom for such a time as this?” Mordecai asks Esther. All her life, all her training, all her upbringing has led her to this very important moment in history, and now, it was her time to act!

Queen Esther was not only up against the fear of entering the king’s presence without being called, but she also had to deal with the pride of Haman.

“And Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the servants of the king. Then Haman said, ‘Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king.’” Esther 5:11-12

​Pride is an ugly thing! It’s not becoming at all, and Proverbs 16:18 tells us that, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Haman was an example of pride and a haughty spirit, and we are about to see his plunge to destruction. ​

The irony, found in chapter 6, where King Ahasuerus makes plans to honor Mordecai at the same time as Haman is making plans to hang Mordecai on a gallows he built for that specific purpose is almost comical. Timing is everything!

What I love most about this passage is that Esther did not keep silent. She prepared the way for deliverance for her people, the Jews. She was right where God wanted her to be at just the precise moment in time—“for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Maybe today, you are in the spot of Queen Esther. It’s not an easy spot to be in. In fact, it may be a quite difficult spot. But you are there and God wants to use you there, “for such a time as this.”

​​Deborah & Jael, Ruth, Hannah, Abigail, the widow of Zarephath, Esther, Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary of Bethany… all of these were created ”for such a time as this” appointments.

You and I have been created “for such a time as this” appointments as well. 

Look for it! Don’t shy away. Don’t run and hide.

Have you ever had a "for such a time as this" appointment? Have you experienced a moment in time when you could clearly see God working? Could you see Him using you in your circumstances? At that moment, did you realize you were created ”for such a time as this?”