For Such A Time As This
Feb 2017 |
Esther 4:14 —“Who knows whether you are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther had just found out that Haman had convinced the king to make a decree that all Jews should be killed because they were enemies of his kingdom. That meant that all Jews and Esther and her family would be killed. Similarly, many people are convinced that Christians are a bigger threat than terrorists, so their freedoms and influence should be taken away. That would mean souls that would have heard the gospel and gotten saved will be eternally lost.
Esther’s first reaction was to say nothing. She could lay low, be politically correct, and not rock the boat hoping this attack would just blow over and go away. She could keep quiet, not expose herself as a Jew, and let someone else try to save God’s people. But Mordecai warned her that doing so would result in her and her family being killed.
The enemy has not and will not stop trying to destroy God’s people. Satan knows that they are the hindering force against his attacks on the work of God and must be destroyed (II Thess. 2:7). Even though there are setbacks for Satan, he will not stop, and, eventually, the rapture will take place and the Antichrist will come on the scene.
In the meantime, the body of Christ must take advantage of every opportunity to win souls. Jesus told His disciples in a parable to occupy—engage in the business of the church, which is preaching the gospel—until I come (Luke 19:13). The only reason God has given His church more time is because He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (II Pet. 3:9).
There is, however, an extreme urgency to get done what needs to be done because the opportunities are available only for a short time, and if they are not taken advantage of, they will be lost. Jesus said not to put off the harvest for four months because the fields are ripe now (Jn. 4:35).
He also said that He had to work while it was day and there was light that was needed to do the work. If He waited, darkness would come and He would not be able to accomplish what was needed (Jn. 9:4).
Jesus also told His disciples to pray for more workers so the great number of souls could be harvested before it was too late (Matt. 9:36-38).
The psalmist prayed that God would teach us to number, or take full advantage, of our days (Ps. 90:12). Paul told the Ephesians and Colossians to redeem the time, or take full advantage of the opportunities to win souls instead of being indifferent or neglectful (Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5).
The only hope Esther had of saving her family and her people was to appeal to the king. Since she had not been summoned by the king, she would normally be killed for just going into his court. That meant she had to risk everything to try to save her people. Similarly, a person has to give up everything (Matthew 4:20,22; 16:25; Mark 10:28; Luke 5:11; 14:26) not just to be saved, but also to be used of God to win the lost.
But if a person is willing to give his life, God has promised to give them people (Isa. 3:4), the heathen (Ps. 2:8), and much fruit (Jn. 12:24) for their life.
God says He has given the church an open door to preach the gospel (Rev. 3:8), but time is limited because He also said He is coming quickly (Rev. 3:11).
“Who knows whether you are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
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