May 6, 2010 - Esther 4:14b

“’And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?’” Esther 4:14b.
Esther, a beautiful, young Jewish woman, was selected by King Xerxes of Persia to be his next Queen. Meanwhile, Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, who was an honest man, came under the bad graces of King Xerxes' right hand man, Haman. Haman, out of his rage toward Mordecai, managed t0 manipulate Xerxes into signing an edict that called for the annihilation of all the Jews throughout the kingdom. Mordecai sent word to Esther that she would not be immune to the edict, but she could appeal to the king on behalf of all the Jewish people. He told her that, perhaps, she had come to this "royal position for such a time as this." Under the threat of death Esther approached the king to make her appeal. As it turned out, Xerxes was pleased to have her in his presence, and she humbly appealed to him, and was granted her petition. For such a time as that moment, Esther stepped forward, under the threat of death, to appeal for the rights of her people.
This scene, and especially this phrase, so clearly depicts a call to leadership in critical moments, and these moments demand a decisive and active response. We can choose to ignore, over analyze, or even run away, or we can decisively face these moments. It doesn't matter what position in life we hold, whether a "royal position" or not – we must make a decision on how we will respond in those critical times. In my past, I would waffle and be indecisive. The account of Esther, and particularly this phrase, has strengthened me to face tough moments in my life, head on.
Questions to consider: How do you respond to those critical, tough moments in your life? How does Esther's story challenge or encourage you? Are you in a "such-a-time-as-this" moment?
Prayer: Father, thank You for being with me and for guiding me in such times as these. Give me clarity and courage with which to face them. Amen.