"For if
you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise
from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows
but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Est
4:14-15).
Esther was a Jewish orphan living in the land of Persia after her people were
taken into captivity from Jerusalem. Raised by her cousin Mordecai, she lived
during the time of King Xerxes who reigned over Persia that stretched from India
to Ethiopia.
An edict was sent out to bring all the virgins to the king's palace from the
surrounding regions to replace Queen Vashti who found disfavor with the king and
was deposed. Esther was one of the young women taken and was ultimately selected
to be the next queen.
Mordecai had a high ranking position in the government that allowed him to
learn of a plot by Haman, an official of the king, to kill all of the Jews.
Now, the only way this edict would not be carried out was if Esther asked for
an audience with the king to request that the plot be abandoned on her behalf.
However, to request an audience before the king was a serious matter. If he
refused to give her audience, the penalty was immediate death.
It was at this time she made her famous statement, "If I die, I die." Esther
realized this could be the reason God created her - to save her people from
destruction. However, out of concern for Esther, Mordecai explained the
situation to her, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance
for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family
will perish." Mordecai was giving her a choice. Either she will be used by God
or someone else will be used to save their people.
Everyday you and I are given a choice in our workplace. Are we willing to be
the person God uses to impact the future destiny of a people? Many of us are
silent Christians simply letting the status quo reign while we sit quietly by
watching. Who knows that you were created for such a time as this to be a
catalyst to stand in the gap for some situation in your workplace or community
or nation.
Be faithful to your calling.
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