Alive & in relationship with others, “for such a time as this”
There are some connections in this life. Peas are often mixed with corn. Bread might be more appealing with butter. Dressing brings such goodness when coupled with turkey. Yes, there are many worldly items that just go together, and also within the spiritual realm. There is a divine connection between TRUST & SECURITY, just as there is an unholy separation between FEAR & INSECURITY. Those who have placed their HOPE in JESUS, who TRUST, have received the seal of the Holy Spirit, a secure HOPE, for they have received a place in heaven through the Savior.
- What does one say to another who has no HOPE?
- What words can one speak to someone who does not have the eternal security Jesus provides?
- How can we provide comfort to someone when the person does not know the HOPE of JESUS & when the individual is grieving for a loved one who also does not know Jesus as Savior?
When a person’s life nears death, then fear sets in, and fear comes only from Satan, for he knows he cannot go to heaven, so he wants to scare us about death. For the one who does not believe in Jesus, then there comes no peace as he approaches death. There are no earthly words of comfort we can offer, only biblical Scriptures that speak the TRUTH. We can speak Jesus, sharing our testimony, giving the one who grieves Bible verses that can bring them peace; however, each person must CHOOSE TO BELIEVE IN JESUS for himself. Then the person receives eternal HOPE, & for the one who has received the HOPE of HEAVEN through JESUS, he responds as psalmist David proclaimed—
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You [Lord]
(The Psalms 23: 4 NASB)
are with me;
Your rod and Your staff [the Good Shepherd’s],
they comfort me.”
We may say, just bow, just concede, just accept the worldview because you can secretly worship your God and not bother another with your faith in Jesus. You can worship privately. It’s no big deal. You have received Jesus in your heart; your eternity is secure. What will it matter if no one else believes?
BUT IT DOES MATTER!
WE HONOR & WORSHIP GOD WITH OUR WHOLE BODY, EVEN OUR MOUTHS!
“Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace
(The Book of Esther 4: 13-14 NASB)
can escape any more than all the Jews.
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish.
And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”
There are questions that need to be asked of believers, of followers of Christ Jesus.
- Do we choose to be present and not private?
- Do we speak TRUTH or do we remain silent?
In this tension, Christ finds His disciples. We are free to choose Him, to love Him & to follow Him publicly and not privately.
Esther was the queen in Susa, yet she was not given freedom to speak unless summoned to the king’s court. She could die if she spoke out of turn, if she spoke directly to the king when he had not lowed his scepter toward her, giving her permission to speak. Esther had not talked with the king in such a long time, but her uncle knew that if she remained silent, her people (the Jews) would be exterminated at the hand of their enemy Haman, who had a deep hatred for them & wished them dead.
“Then Esther told them [to the couriers who had brought her the message] to reply to Mordecai, “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king,
(The Book of Esther 4: 15-17 NASB)
which is not according to the law;
and if I perish, I perish.”
So Mordecai went away and did just as Esther had commanded him.”
We can Pray—
“God open our eyes; allow us to be part of the solution. Help us be bold for You.”
Speaking up is choosing TRUTH, even when our knees are shaking.
If we remain silent—
- We secretly endorse the wrong.
- We say, “I accept the wrong.”
We intentionally give the wrong the opportunity to thrive—
SILENCE ALLOWS UN-TRUTH TO GROW ROOTS.
“Now it came about on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace in front of the king’s rooms, and the king was sitting on his royal throne
(The Book of Esther 5: 1-3a NASB)
in the throne room, opposite the entrance to the palace.
When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand.
So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter.
Then the king said to her, “What is troubling you, Queen Esther? And what is your request?”
- Prayer changes hearts. Do not be silent but pray for those who do not know Jesus as their Savior.
- Speak Truth. Do not allow the un-truth, the worldview, to grow roots.
- Speak Truth, even when your knees are shaking.
IT DOES MATTER THAT—WE SHARE OUR BIBLICAL VIEW!
IT DOES MATTER THAT—WE HONOR & WORSHIP OUR KING OF KINGS!
IT DOES MATTER THAT—WE OPEN OUR MOUTHS & DO NOT REMAIN SILENT WHEN CALLED TO SPEAK.
For just maybe, we might be Alive & Living in relationship with others, “for such a time as this.” (The Book of Esther 4: 14b NASB)