At: Prescot
On: Saturday 22 October, 2011
Theme: ‘For such a time as this …’
Bible Reading: Esther 4: 12-17
INTRODUCTION:
Are you ready for some surprises?
What we find in the book of Esther is probably not what we would expect from Biblical history. It is more like a soap opera.
It is the story of:
• strong, ambitious men …
• beautiful intelligent women …
• groups vying for power and control
• threats of death …
• enormous risks taken …
• genocide …
• ethnic cleansing …
• self sacrifice …
• evil forces
• good triumphing in the end.
It could be Jack Higgins latest thriller or a Danielle Steel romance spiced up just a bit. There are characters that reflect greed … power … prejudice and arrogance; those who manipulate and oppress others in order to help inflate their own egos. But there are others who are people of integrity and dignity … who have courage and are honest … who take risks for what matters … who are self-sacrificing and modest.
We don’t expect this of a book in the Bible, but what is probably more surprising is that in the whole book of Esther God isn’t mentioned, not even once. By today’s standards there is absolutely no political correctness. It is a story of women who are groomed for a year to be good enough to be hostess and entertain and please the King for just one night… of a Queen selected for her beauty … of women having no say in their destiny, used as accessories for their masters … not allowed to question their husbands or appear disrespectful.
It is the story of the young and innocent Esther … the evil Haman … and the astonishing Mordecai. It is written in an age that is so different from our own that it is not immediately apparent how it can have anything to say to us today. And yet the characters and events have been repeated numerous times throughout history and the lessons are as relevant today as they were 2,500 years ago when they were first recorded.
So whether we are male or female … ugly or beautiful … powerful … weak … rich or poor this book points us to a way of living that is radical … dangerous … controversial and yet also noble … holy and admirable. God uses the book of Esther to remind His people that He can use them whatever their situation. His grace shines through, illuminating once more His great love for His people.
Esther’s story is a thrilling chapter in the story of God’s love for the Jews.
While no other group has been so persecuted, no other group has shown the Jews’ ability to overcome adversity. How? Esther reveals God’s exquisite timing … combined with the courage of individuals who ‘happen’ to be in the right place at the right time. Possibly the most memorable and challenging quote from the book of Esther is found in Esther 4: 14 ‘And who knows but that you have come to a royal position …‘For such a time as this’ … being in the right place at the right time .. and willing and able to respond in the right way. Someone has called coincidences ‘God’s way of working anonymously’.
I wonder: DO WE TEND TO GIVE GOD THE CREDIT FOR THE COINCIDENCES IN OUR LIVES?
Major Glad Ljungholm
Divisional Candidates Officer
Liverpool, UKT
Just spent a lovely afternoon at Explore with Gillian McCredie, Kath Harry, M ajor Glad Ljungholm, Janet Murfin, Ryan Craig Parkin & Annette; studying the book of Esther
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Really lovely and thought provoking afternoon at Prescott with some lovely people. A time of learning, sharing, praying and worship.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Looking forward to next time.
Janet