For a Time Such as This

Esther chapter 4

Ae now come to the most familiar chapter in the Book of Esther,

And probably one of the most often quoted verses in all of Scripture.

The big picture of the entire story of Esther is encapsulated in this chapter,

God calls His people to use their positions of influence,

To act in courage and faith to rescue those in danger-

Always holding to and trusting God’s sustaining power to see His divine purpose carried out to completion.

In our world, today, we may not like the workplace we are in,

We may not like the social or cultural environment we are in.

We may be very uncomfortable with the various pressures being levied on us from all fronts of life-

BUT, as believers, we must also recognize that God has placed each of us where we are, quite possibly, “For a time such as this...”

If we are truly walking out our faith in total trusting of God’s Sovereignty-

We must be willing to do our part, when the times call for it-

To take the risk for the sake of other, and act in faith-

Trusting that our obedience to God, may lead to significant spiritual impact on other peoples lives.

1- A Nation in Mourning

Esther 4:1–3 ESV

When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry. He went up to the entrance of the king’s gate, for no one was allowed to enter the king’s gate clothed in sackcloth. And in every province, wherever the king’s command and his decree reached, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes.

In a book that lacks much of the direct theological statements of the rest of Scripture-

We find one of the most theologically sound statements attesting to the over all workings of God’s divine will and eternal plan for mankind.

Yet we also have God- as one commentary puts it:

In Esther 4, “God is the most present and the most absent...’

Of anywhere else in Esther’s story.

In this chapter, we see OT connections and disconnects-

Where prayer and fasting is mentioned throughout the OT & NT,

Here, Fasting is mentioned in a stand alone statement.

While mourning is part of the fasting, the reader is left with a spiritual gap with the exclusion of prayer.

In spite of this, based on the actions of Mordecai and Esther-

We still see God’s Providence at work.

With all the main main players in view, we can examine some interesting character traits that are in play now.

Haman is acting true to form- issuing the Decree

Mordecai found out about the decree- And also how it had come about.

Mordecai also knew what needed to be done to foil the plot.

King Xerxes, however, should have had more control over the situation-

And chose not to inquire further, or question Haman more in regards to his motives.

Xerxes took the easy way out and decided not to care.

What it all boils done to is that-

God’s people need to be situationally aware at all times-

Because that awareness and knowledge becomes the motivation for taking action.

Being, at the least, aware of current events, is more vital in todays world then ever before.

We are not all called to be politically active, but we cannot allow ourselves to informed simply by 30 second sound bites or social media influencers.

In being informed, we can properly and Biblically address the pressing needs of society-

The, with wisdom and discernment, use our God given gifts, talents and skills to shine the light of the Gospel into the dark spaces of our corner of the world.

Next we consider Mordecai’s reaction to the decree-

The whole thing of tearing the clothes and wearing of sackcloth and ashes-

Is truly a foreign concept to the 21st Century Western world.

We must be careful not to judge ancient traditions through the lens of our modern sensibilities.

This type of mourning was typical for the region and timeframe.

There are several references to mourning with sackcloth and ashes in the OT, alone.

It was a common expression of great sorrow, grief and pain.

An undercurrent of Mordecai’s anguish may have come from the knowledge that-

By not submitting to Haman, Mordecai was, at least partially responsible for the threat now pressing on the Israelite people.

These events do not diminish the impact of prayer-

But serves as a reminder that, as followers of Christ -

We must be able to, both trust God-

And also take serious the things God calls to pray in regards to.

In Mordecai’s first reaction, we see him, humbled and broken-

But not willing to overplay his hand, he still maintains the etiquette of the pagan court, by not violating its protocols.

Modecai pleads his case without making a scene, because he has already established a presence in the courts.

Our reminder is that God knows, our needs before we ever do.

This is not a time to hesitate or wait and see-

No, this is a time for direct (But not foolish) actions.

Mordecai’s call to action was a step of faith in order to call others to do the same.

2- Esther’s Call to Action

Esther 4:4–8 ESV

When Esther’s young women and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs, who had been appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what this was and why it was. Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate, and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king’s treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her and command her to go to the king to beg his favor and plead with him on behalf of her people.

Esther’s seeming ignorance of the decree is not to be ignored-

Nor is it to be over worked either.

In the Persian Empire, the Queen’s access to political or business decisions was limited, at best- If she had any access at all.

Esther’s lack of knowledge does enlighten us to just how devious Haman was in his plot of genocide.

Since, even the usual “Palace drama and intrigue” did not filter information down to the Queen.

Another approach to take is one that directly connects with the church body today-

Since Esther had been Queen for several years by now, it is entirely plausible that she had gotten comfortable with palace life.

Just as the Body of Christ has gotten comfortable in many parts of the world.

The Christian church in America is now being challenged by influences from inside and outside the church-

Influences that have gained a foothold simply because the American church has gotten comfortable in it’s own affluence and prosperity.

When Scriptural integrity is not held in highest regard-

The truth of the Gospel falters and is compromised.

Mordecai’s plight puts the focus on a dire situation and lands it directly in Queen Esther’s lap-

As uncomfortable as it may have been-

This is Esther’s wake up call to find her divine purpose in life.

Proper handling of the original text suggests that Esther was initially shocked-

Not by the decree, but by her uncles public display grief and mourning.

Her first response was to send him new “proper clothes” suggest that, at first look, she was possibly embarrassed by his behavior.

Esther will later show herself to not be a superficial, “Shallow” person.

However, her first response to a very serious situation turns out to be the easiest fix possible.

How often do we respond the same way?

In being exposed to a stressful scenario, we resort to the lowest level of commitment to resolve the issue.

Quite often these responses are seen as condescending and demeaning to the one we are trying to help.

Mordecai responded in such a way by refusing the clothes sent to him by Esther.