Mordecai has asked Esther to go to the king and intercede for God’s people, the Jews who are threatened by Haman’s planned genoci in NJde. Esther responds by pointing out to Mordecai that this would put her own life at risk. She cannot simply go into the king as she pleases but must wait to be summoned. Unless he shows mercy when she goes to him by signalling with his sceptre, then he can have her put to death Esther 4:9-11).
Notice again, the difference between God as the good king and good husband versus Ahasuerus. We have free access into his presence through Christ’s death on the Cross. We can approach boldly without fear.
Mordecai’s response isn’t on the surface very sympathetic. He tells her two home truths. First, that God is able to deliver the people, with or without her. Second, that regardless of the king’s decision, her fate is already set for destruction with the rest of the Jews if she doesn’t act. Then he says perhaps the most famous words in the book.
And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”[1]
In fact, this is the central message of Esther. To human eyes, Esther may have simply been caught up in palace politics, she may have been through suffering that seemed random. She may even have found herself benefiting in the end personally. Mordecai points us to something deeper going in. God is at work and his timing is perfect. God has brought her to this position, to this role at this dangerous time in history so that she can act on behalf of God’s people (4:12-14).
Esther is chastened. She is now willing to go in to the king, even if it means risking her own life but she asks that God’s people join with her in fasting and praying first (4:15-17).
This reminds us of three things. First, that God in Jesus acted at just the right time in brining our salvation. Jesus is the one who goes into the Father’s presence to intercede for us.
Second, if we have been seeing that Ahasuerus and Vashti were the anti-Christ and the anti-Church, then Esther as the bride who willingly displays her beauty and the kings’ glory. She acts as the church is meant to as the bride of Christ. If Esther points us to the church, then this means we are here for such a time as this. God calls us as his bride and this means that we have our part to play, interceding, bringing good news of salvation and ensuing that God’s people are protected from danger.
Thirdly, there is an example for us individually. God has placed us in whatever situations we find ourselves in “for such a time as this.” It is no accident that you find yourself in your particular job or attending a specific school or university. It’s no accident even when you have to go through difficult and challenging times, even suffering persecution. God has placed you where you are to be salt and light.
[1] Esther 4:14.
Faithroots 