For Such a Time as This
For Such a Time as This
There are some remarkable women in the Bible. Think of the prayers of Hannah, the obedience of Mary, the hammer and peg of Jael, the courage of Esther. Ah, Esther. There was a woman for all seasons. A rare combination of physical beauty and inward character. (Usually the former gets in the way of the latter.) When called upon to do the right thing that could cost her her life she doesn't hesitate. The book itself is a literary gem. Encased in one of the best short stories you will ever read is the elliptical biography of a courageous young woman.
What is important for our understanding and application of this book is how Esther had the character to do what was right when in dire straits.
We begin our investigation with her submission. Esther was an orphan under the care of he wise uncle Mordecai. He had raised her as his own child when her parents died. Because of this, when we read about the strength and conviction of Mordecai, we are seeing how Esther's character was developed. This should be convicting and encouraging to all of us who have children. Strong parents most often produce adults of great strength. What did Mordecai teach the young Esther during the formative years of her youth? What conversations did they have concerning life, God, purpose and responsibility? What kind of example did her uncle provide for the young woman to emulate? We are not told explicitly and yet the answers to our questions are given between the lines of the story. We see the wise and loving uncle counseling and calling on the queen to be; we witness the uncompromising Mordecai refusing to bow to the prideful Haman; we hear the righteous wailing of Mordecai to his God when destruction seems imminent; then we marvel at his confidence that God will deliver Hid people.
We are inspired by this hero ... as is Esther. Her submission to her elder was the first big step to growth and maturity that would provide the foundation of her courage. Instead of letting the youthful pride of know-it-all-ism to keep her in ignorance, she grew up strong. She was fashioned from the same fabric as her mentor/parent.
A sense of purpose also was a factor that prompted Esther to realize that life isn't about longevity or luxury. She had become a queen, all the while concealing her ethnicity. Why should she put her life on the line? The temptation to not do right in her situation would have been too great for many. But Esther knew that Mordecai was right. She is a principle character on the stage of life; she must not forget her part. She must read her lines. She is in the kingdom for such a time as this. Here is truth that we all need to grasp, that we all need to be reminded of. We all are where God has placed us. Whether our tasks are dangerous or mundane we are to do all to the glory of God. Of course, facing kings can be more exciting than folding laundry, but no more important.
Of course it is Esther's courage that we remember the most. Her famous reply to her concerned uncle, Mordecai, plumbs the depths of her virtue, "If I perish, I perish". Read carefully. The text reveals not a fearless woman off to suffer if necessary, but a woman who summons up courage enough to counterbalance her fear of death. She will do the right thing, because it is the right thing to do. Even if it she has to do it trembling.
Her status as an example and heroine shines even brighter in our day of bubbleheaded fashion model/actresses, pseudo-intellectual talk show hostesses and Top 40 pop/rock dykes with mikes who are the role models of choice for the silly and gullible. Here is a paradigm for all the women who are bombarded with the propaganda of feminism. Here is encouragement for those who live amidst the fruit of feminism, a culture that makes them think that the natural lifestyle of a wife and mother is something, well, literally MANmade instead of God made.
Scholars debate what the purpose of the book of Esther is. They run the gamut of a justification for the feast of Purim to the providence of God for His people. Richard Pratt's take on the reason for the book is to show God's people how to live while in captivity (Compare: Daniel, Joseph in Egypt, Shadrach, Meshach & Abumblebee). We are to be distinct while in enemy territory, even when the people of God buy into the worldview of the barbarians.
Esther's courage did not come first. Rather it was produced by her submission to authority and her abiding sense of purpose. She knew who she was as she knew her role in life. When a challenge arose, so did the courage to face it. All the trappings of the palace, the possibility of losing one's life in the prime of youth were not enough to dissuade this young heroine from facing a king. This is what developed character does.
We would do well to consider this when training our children. We too are called to raise up kings and queens. For it is always such a time as this. In fact, tonight my children are going to hear the story of the courage of Queen Esther. So let's all do our part to combat the population explosion of mall-walking boy-toys.