In the Old Testament Book of Esther, we are told a story about how the very existence of a certain group of people was threatened because of the anger of one man towards them. This man made threats to wipe out this group. He schemed and planned and plotted and made preparations, and even had the king convinced that this would be an acceptable idea. It seemed as if this man’s hatred towards this group of people would be allowed to run rampant against them without any intervention from God.
Unbeknownst to him, God had placed a young girl named Esther in the position of queen, and when she heard of this plan to exterminate her people, she knew she couldn’t let it happen. But what would she do? What could she do? She was young. She hadn’t been the queen for very long. She had no real power or authority. She couldn’t even talk to the king without making an appointment. She was afraid and almost hopeless.
She’s approached by her cousin Mordecai who wanted her to petition the king on the behalf of their people so they wouldn’t get killed. Esther hemmed and hawed and gave excuses why she couldn’t be the one to advocate for her people. Mordecai responded in a way that sends chills down my spine.
He told her, “If you remain silent during this time, God can surely still bring deliverance for our people through someone else, but what if God put you in this position, this position of queen of this land, for such a time as this?”
“For such a time as this, you have been given a position of influence. For such a time as this, you have been given a connection with the most powerful man in the nation. For such a time as this, you have been placed in the perfect position to ensure deliverance for your people. You are who you are and you are where you are for such a time as this.”
Don’t let this opportunity slip away.
I see similarities between the story found in Esther and the story that has been taking shape in our nation and our community and seen through the images and stories of racial, social, and political unrest.
We are under attack. All of God’s creation is under attack by spiritual forces.
Our cities are under attack through inequitable poverty, rampant crime, and racial dissension. Our local communities are under attack through a lack of education, sanctioned disinvestment, and political jockeying. Our families are under attack. Our relationships are under attack. God’s kingdom is under attack.
As in the book of Esther, we need leaders for such a time as this. But, who will lead? Who will plead our cause? Who will stand up for our city, communities, and families?
As Esther needed to hear those words from Mordecai, I believe that some of us need to hear those words for ourselves.
Has God brought you to this place where you are in life for such a time as this?
Our city, our communities, and our families need people who will speak prophetically and act locally.
Our city, our communities, and our families need people who can think long-term while acting in the here and now.
Our city, our communities, and our families need people who are looking for service opportunities instead of photo opportunities.
Our city, our communities, and our families need people who have a community agenda instead of personal agendas.
Our city, our communities, and our families need people who are other-centered instead of self-centered.
Our city, our communities, and our families need people who seek the greater good instead of individual good.
Our city, our communities, and our families need people who seek to find peace instead of spreading anger, hate, and fear.
Our city, our communities, and our families need people who are willing to protect as much as they are willing to protest.
Are you willing to be one of those people?
As I consider this challenge personally, I can’t help but think of the words of Wayne Watson from his song “For such a time as this”.
Now
All I have is now
To be faithful, to be holy and to shine
Lighting up the darkness
Right now, I really have no choice
But to voice the truth to the nations, a generation looking for God
For such a time as this
I was placed upon the earth
To hear the voice of God
And do His will, whatever it is
For such a time as this
For now and all the days He gives
I am here, I am here and I am His
For such a time as this
I believe that we all are where we are for such a time as this, for justice, peace, and reconciliation.