August 19- For Such A Time As This

August 19, 2011

Scripture Reading:
Esther 4:1-7:10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-26;
Psalm 36:1-12; Proverbs 21:21-22

The purpose of influence is to "speak up for those who have no influence." 
(Psalm 31:8) It's not about you. 
~Rick Warren

Esther 4:1-7:10

Have you ever wondered why you are on the earth?  What is your purpose?  Today, Queen Esther has a revelation.  She realizes why she was born.  I had an experience like this in my life that is too personal to get into here on the blog.  I will only tell you that as I went through this trial and the consequential changes that occurred in my life, one day, I had an epiphany.  I realized that God had put me on the earth for that very moment in time.  I was supposed to do what the trial had forced upon me for a higher purpose.

As our story begins, Mordecai has read Haman's decree to kill all of the Jews in the kingdom.  Knowing that once something has become law for the Medes and Persians, it can NEVER be revolked, Mordecai is beside himself with grief.  He tears his clothes, puts on sackcloth and ashes, and wails loudly in the streets.  Queen Esther, unaware of the decree, is embarrassed by his behavior and sends out a new set of clothing for him. Mordecai sends back a copy of the decree to Esther with a request that she go to the king to beg for mercy for the Jews.  Esther replies that the king will kill anyone who comes before him without being summoned.  Mordecai retorts that Esther should not think for one moment that she will escape death from this decree.  He also reveals his belief that God's Providential hand has been involved in Esther being appointed queen when he states, "What's more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for such a time as this."

Esther is convinced by this reply and asks that Mordecai gather the Jews in the city to fast.  She and her maidens will also fast for three days.  Why don't they pray?  This shows us that this group of Jews are not in God's will.  They have lost touch with God's Word and are living apart from daily prayer and worship.  They are aware of God's promises to them as a people group, but this is all.  They do not have an intimate relationship with Him at this time.

Have you ever been out of touch with God?

With courage and bravery, Esther approaches King Xerxes.  He extends the scepter of grace to her and allows her to approach the throne.  Her act is one of self sacrifice.  She is willing to die for her people.  Esther is truly acting like nobility.  This shows good character. Esther simply invites the king and Haman to a banquet.  Very cunning.  Her plan is to develop fellowship and get to the king through his stomach.  Wise. Haman is proud and puffed up after attending the banquet.  The only thing that squelches his good mood is that pesky Jew, Mordecai.

By God's providence once more, the king is unable to sleep that night.  He decides to have his history read to him.  During that reading, Mordecai's act of saving the king from an assasination plot is read.  The king asks what was done for Mordecai as a reward for this good deed.  It is revealed that no reward was given.

Haman comes into the king's chamber just at that moment to ask that the king hang Mordecai from the gallows Haman had built. But first, the king asks Haman how he should honor a man who pleases him.  Haman thinks the king is talking about him.  He comes up with a plan that the king has Haman personally carry out to honor Mordecai.  Oh my, we see the humor in God's providence!!

Haman's wife sees this as a bad omen for Haman.  Her intuition is impeccable.  Haman goes to Esther's second banquet where King Xerxes again offers to give Esther whatever she wishes. She asks that her life and the lives of her people be spared from annihilation.  When asked by the king who has done this, Esther replies that this wicked Haman has done it. The king is enraged and storms out to the gardens.  In the meantime, a pale and fearful Haman falls on Esther's couch to plead for his life.  The king comes in and sees him on Esther's couch and roars that Haman should be hung on his own gallows.  The king's rage subsides after Haman is hung. 

God's hand moves in interesting ways.  Haman tried to annihilate the Jews.  Antiochus IV tried to annihilate the Jews. Hitler attempted to annihilate the Jews.  In the end times, the Antichrist will attempt to annihilate the Jews.  None of these people will succeed, because God has made promises to preserve the Jews and bring them back to Himself.  God is true to His promises.  His Providence protects the Jewish people, in order to fulfill His promises to them. He protects them, even when they are out of His will. This story is a picture of that truth.

What do you think about God's protection of the Jewish nation?  Do you feel His hand upon your life?

1 Corinthians 12:1-26

Did you realize that no one can call Jesus "Lord" except by the power of the Holy Spirit?  This is one of the teachings that Paul gives to the Corinthians today. Paul is beginning to teach about the concept of spiritual gifts.  God is a giver.  He gives us salvation.  He gives us the Holy Spirit.  He gives us faith to believe in Jesus.  Today, we see that he also gives us certain abilities, so that we can help others within the Church.

Some people are given the ability to give wise advice. Others are given special knowledge, or faith, or the power to heal, perform miracles, or prophesy.  Some people can discern good from evil, while someone else is able to speak in a foreign language, in order to witness to others.  These gifts are designed to help other people and glorify God. 

Christ's Church is described as a body with many functioning parts.  The individual parts have functions that cause the whole body to work together.  This is what we are like as Christ's body on earth.  You may think that the little toe has no purpose on the body, but it serves to balance you as you walk.  Paul's point is that we all have a purpose!!  We are all important.

Lesson: Just as Esther realized that she had an important purpose on earth to help save her people, we as believers in Christ, each have a vitally important purpose to use our God-given gifts to help God's people on earth. We are here for such a time as this!

Psalm 36:1-12

I think of Haman when I read these words, "Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God to restrain them."

Proverbs 21:21-22

Pursuing godliness will result in finding life.  Eternal life.

What did you notice today?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton
© 2011