Bible reading - Esther 4:1-17
I am going to start this sermon by asking few questions, let us see if anyone know the answers…. This is your opportunity to win a medal!
What is the name of the boy who gave Jesus his loaves and fishes, to feed the masses?
What is the name of the servant girl/woman who told Naaman to go and see the prophet for healing?
What is the name of Pharaoh’s daughter who rescued Moses from the river?
Do you know the answers? …. Well, that is because none of us know!
God used these people to accomplish His purposes. So often in the work of the Lord, He uses obscure, unknown, unnamed, undeserving people to accomplish important tasks. Our focus is going to be in the book of Esther. We are going to learn 4 important lessons from the book of Esther 4:12-17.
I would like to quickly refresh your memory on what the book of Esther is all about.
Introduction
The book of Esther in one sense is the most remarkable in the Bible. This is because the name of God was never mentioned at all. There is not even a divine title or pronoun that refers to God or any mention of prayer in the book. It is also good to know that the book of Esther was never quoted or mentioned in the new testament. So, what is the book of Esther all about?
Esther was an orphan who was raised by her cousin, Mordecai. Mordecai happens to be one of the king’s servant. king Ahasuerus was on a look out for a wife to marry so young virgins were picked, and the best would be the king’s wife as the old queen “Vashti” was banished from the kingdom. This is due to the King’s unreasonable demand and harsh judgement. Esther was favoured and soon became the wife of king Ahasuerus. Once day, there was a plot to kill the king, but Mordecai uncovered the plot, and this was reported to King Ahasuerus.
Haman being the chief minister ordered all the King’s servant including Mordecai to bow down to him, but Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman. Angered by this, and knowing of Mordechai's Jewish nationality, Haman convinced king Ahasuerus to allow him to kill all the Jewish people in the kingdom in return for money to be paid into the king’s treasury.
However, God was never going to allow that to happen, so God decided to use Mordecai and Esther.
What can we learn from the conversation between Esther and Mordecai in the book of Esther 4:12-17?
Your position or title is meaningless if you don’t speak up.
Mordecai reminded Esther that despite being the Queen of the kingdom, there was no guarantee she would be delivered from death. Since the law says all the Jews would be put to death, Esther wasn’t an exemption. How does this relate to us as Christians?
Are there things wrong in your place of work and yet you refuse to speak up because it is not happening to you? As a manager, are you refusing to defend the right of the people working for you just because it doesn’t affect you? Do you see a brother or sister being mistreated and you choose to ignore because you are not of the same race? Do you think speaking up for police injustice against black people, anti-Semitism or racism is a waste of your time? One day it might be your turn! I pray it never does in Jesus name.
However, we can’t just sit there and say amen and then do nothing about it. You have to do something about it.
The bible says, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).
The position you are right now is not an accident. Therefore, if God brought you to a position, then, he has a purpose in mind for you.
Esther’s purpose was to intercede for the people, just as Mordecai reminded Esther,“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b).
You must speak up for the people who can’t speak up for themselves and always defend the right of the defenceless The Bible says, “Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 3:19).
God has divine purpose for our lives
You are here for a purpose. You are not here by mistake. You are not a product of a mistake pregnancy. God’s purpose involves everyone. God’s divine purpose is always good, and He is able to use any circumstance to achieve it. He doesn’t always create the situation but can and will turn it to victory if we yield it to Him.
Esther purpose on earth was achieved in 3 days: to save the Jewish people from death. Do you use the little talent He has given you? Do you use your gift and position for the glory of God? Do you glorify God in your body and the things you do and say? There is nothing in the world that is outside the influence of the purposes of God.
The statement of Joseph comes to mind: “ But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive (Genesis 50:20). You can see that God has a purpose in whatever we are going through and it is all for His glory.
God will accomplish His purpose even if His servant refuses to obey His will.
God could have used someone else If Esther had rejected the will of for her life, but Esther would have been the looser. Mordecai made this known to Esther, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place” (Esther 4:14). Whenever you find yourself doing something for God, maybe serving in the Church or the community, don’t get too Cocky. Humble yourself as you are not doing God any favour. He can use anybody for his glory.
You need to be grateful that he has allowed you to serve him in whatever capacity you find yourself all for His glory. If you and I refuse to obey God, He can either abandon us and get somebody else to do the job, but we will lose the reward and blessings. He can also discipline us until we surrender to His will. When John Mark left his mission work, God raised up Timothy to take his place (Acts 13:13 and 15:36-41). When Jonah decided to run to Nineveh, The Lord God disciplined him. God has a way of getting us back in the game.
God is never in a hurry but will fulfil His plan in due time
Esther waited 4 years to be put on the throne. Joseph was made to wait for 2 years before he was remembered by the Chief butler. It looked like; Esther was going to be killed after all, Joseph was forgotten, Sarah was going to be barren and the Israelite were never going to leave Egypt. However, all were in God’s plan and timing.
God is never in a hurry. He knows the end from the beginning and His decrees are always right and always on time. He knew you in the womb before you were formed (Jeremiah 1:5). His plans for you are always good and not evil (Jeremiah 29:11). He is always in control and has got you. Never you doubt if God is in control of the world, rather ask yourself if God is in control of your life. If He is not in control of your life, you need to surrender to Him.
Conclusion
If you are in a place where you have the opportunity to stand up for what is right, you must speak up! If you remain silent and do not speak up, the truth will arise from another place. God will make sure of it. Will you be persecuted for speaking the truth? Yes, maybe, but have the same attitude as Esther: “If I perish, I perish.”
I would challenge you today to serve God fully. Give up the rights to your life. Maybe God has placed you just where you are, for such a time as this.
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