Such a Time As This

Such A Time As This Esther 4:14

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

2:14 PM

Esther 4:14King James Version (KJV)

14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

"Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther conclude that portion of the Old Testament canon known as the historical books. They continue to tell the history of God’s people during the postexilic period. Ezra and Nehemiah record the events of the return from exile and the restoration of Judah. Esther illustrates how the faithfulness and courage of a single Jew made a difference in the world in which she lived." [1]

Esther is quite a romantic drama that covers the time span between the first return to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel around 538 B.C. and the second return led by Ezra in 458 B.C. covered in Ezra and Nehemiah. The focal point geographically is Susa the capital of the Persian Empire.

It is interesting that the author never refers to God, (although he is very much present.) One commentator referred to him as "The Unseen God." The Book of Esther never mentions Abraham, prayer, (although fasting is mentioned) or the Davidic kingship. Esther is never quoted in the New Testament and is the only Old Testament book not represented in the Dead Sea Scrolls.

One writer says, "However, the power of the message lies partly in its subtlety. Indeed, the author seems to entice his reader into a web of subtleties too ironic and interconnected to be mere happenstance. A larger power is at work here, and in this context, it becomes clear that God is the main character of the book."[2]

The Book of Esther in one word would be -

Just to stir up our memory concerning Ester:

Outline (Bill Arnold)

I. Vashti’s Refusal (1: 1– 22)

II. Esther’s Accession (2: 1– 18)

III. Mordecai’s Service (2: 19– 23)

IV. Haman’s Plot (3: 1– 15)

V. Mordecai’s Request (4: 1– 17)

VI. Esther’s Request (5: 1– 14)

VII. Mordecai’s Reward (6: 1– 14)

VIII. Haman’s Punishment (7: 1– 10)

IX. The King’s Edict (8: 1– 17)

X. The Jews’ Triumph (9: 1– 10: 3)

It becomes abundantly clear as you read through the story of Esther, that while there seems to be several coincidence. It is actually the hand of God working and moving to accomplish his purpose and goal.

As I was meditating on this book today, I got stuck on this verse I have read tonight and the thought - "Such a time as this."

Questions began to roll through my mind like -

What kind of time was it?What kind of time is it today?Are we here for the time such as this?What do we need to do in "such a time as this?

I want to talk to these points if time will allow us tonight, as clearly and pointedly as I can.

What kind of time was it in the story? I have already mentioned the political situation the children of Israel were still captive in a foreign land. They were around people who were not accustomed and downright hostile to their way of life, and worship. They were misunderstood, accused, and labeled as the refuse of society. Haman not only felt this way but was actively pursuing a way to rid their society of the undesirables. It was a scary time of temptation to cave and "when in Rome act like the Romans do."It was a time of fear, danger, compromise, and persecution on God's people. It was a time when Zerubbabel and others were working to get them back to their Homeland. And God was in it, and helping. Ezra chapter 3 - They had lain the foundation of the house of the Lord. There was shouting for joy and weeping because it wasn't like the glory days.What kind of time is it today? I don't know how much has changed, we are still in perilous times. Our society and culture thrives on being lovers of themselves more than lovers of God. The Church is constantly being bombarded with messages that it is too old-fashioned and out of date. I love it when they say something like, "Come one it is two thousand seventeen now." Like the date changes the reality and punishment of sin and carnality.The church is also under attack from within by the tension of those who are constantly trying to take us back to the glory days. I'm sorry but what has happened in the past - good or bad, can never be gone back to. It is over it is water under the bridge. This is our day.I'm afraid there are still those weeping for whatever it was back then who remember the former days - but we can't go back to thatThere are those of us young'uns who feel that today is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it. That we are in the most exciting time ever - that we have been put here for 'such a time as this'I believe that everyone of us is here on purpose, here by the plan of God. It is no accident that we were born when we were, in the time or millennium. God has a plan for us even in "such a time as this."What do we need to do in "such a time as this?"Be faithful - don't change you focus of faith - Keep your eyes on Jesus "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." Be not weary in well doing for you shall reap if you faint not. Be encouraged - Yes we are in a sad, scary time - but don't forget who is fighting this battle. Remember who we are following. Remember that he has already won the war!!!Be Committed - No matter what you face - keep the faith, don't change to fit the world's standards or fads. Be committed to please GodBe Expectant - God has great plans for people today - no we may be able to sing them in, or cause enough noise to make them come to see the show, or be persistent enough to get them to come to church - but you never know when God may "drop a handful on purpose" Today might be the day" EVEN IN SUCH A TIME AS THIS>One of the greatest victories of the Jewish people, one they have a special holiday to commemorate even today was born during this time. What eternal and lasting things will be done during our time? Notice the first part of the verse I have read tonight (Go back and read it) - Mordecai is encouraging Esther that this is her time - but if she doesn't act - God will bring up someone else from somewhere else to act and she would be destroyed. What a though and exhortation to us tonight. I want to be ready for Such a time as this.

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[M] Arnold, Bill T.; Beyer, Bryan E.. Encountering the Old Testament (Encountering Biblical Studies): A Christian Survey (Kindle Locations 6477-6479). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.[M] IBID