My name is Esther. I am a Jew and I am very proud of the heritage I hold. I did not have a very good start in life as I was an orphan. However, I was raised by a very kind uncle who shared his faith and confidence in our God with me. He told me stories from his childhood, of how the people of Israel, my people, were chosen and blessed by God.
I grew into a wise and beautiful young woman who, it turned out, had also been chosen by God. You could say I was ‘named and claimed’! For such a time as this! Let me share my story...
My uncle and I lived in a small house, not far from the king’s palace, and it was not long before the king’s advisors noticed me. When the king was looking for a wife, I made it to the top of the list and, despite the competition, I soon become queen of the Persian empire.
Not long after this, one of the king’s men became hostile towards the Jewish people: treated them badly; exploited them and discriminated against them. He made life difficult for them and eventually sought to kill and destroy all who bore the name of ‘Jew’.
My uncle came to me. “You have the king’s ear,” he said. “You are his wife. Talk to him on behalf of your people. Stand up and be counted as one of us.”
However, no one approached the king; it was against all the rules of court. You almost needed an invitation. It was the same even for me. Yet, my people’s distress disturbed me, so I prayed for guidance, strength and courage.
God’s assurance came. He told me that I was where I was for “such a time as this”. He had placed me in this position at this point in history so that I could help his people.
I was afraid going to the king. It came with its own risks; if he so chose, it would be my death that would come. Still, I kept in mind that people would die if I did not take this step — thousands of them, citizens of God’s kingdom; slaughtered, just because of their race and faith in God. I had a job to do, I had no choice, so trembling I approached the
throne.
To my amazement, the king listened to me. He put an end to the plan to kill all the Jews and punished his corrupt advisor instead. My God had filled me with his courage and placed me here... for such a time as this.
Prayer
God of Esther, who positioned her for “such a time as this”,
help me to be ready to fulfil my role today.
Grant me the strength and courage that you gave to Esther
so that I will be brave enough to face
whatever you have planned for me.
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment