For Such A Time As This預覽

After the edict was signed, Mordecai entered into a time of great mourning for God’s people in sackcloth. At the time, sackcloth was a fabric usually made of goat hair that was a token of deep, deep grieving. 

Mordecai was not the only one who mourned this news. Widespread sorrow and loud grieving soon echoed Mordecai from the Jews that made up the 127 provinces of the Persian empire. (Esther 4:3) 

Not only did Mordecai’s unwillingness to bow spark Haman’s decision to destroy all Jews, but he knew a Persian law could not be changed once decreed. (Esther 1:19) He was devastated.

When Esther heard of Mordecai’s mourning, she became “deeply distressed” and attempted to comfort him with garments in place of his sackcloth. (Esther 4:4) 

Instead of accepting her gift, however, Mordecai sent it back.

Mordecai’s refusal of her gift raised a flag for Esther, so she sent Hathach, one of her servants, to find out what was really going on.

Mordecai told Hathach everything, and he did not hold back. In addition, Mordecai provided an exact copy of the signed edict as evidence for Esther’s eyes. (Esther 4:8) 

When Hathach reported all of these things to the queen, Esther’s initial response to Mordecai was spoken in fear:

“Then Esther spoke to Hathach and commanded him to go to Mordecai and say,  ‘All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.’” -Esther 4:10-11 (ESV)

It is here we expect Mordecai to freak out and say all of the Jews will die without Esther’s help, but he does not. Mordecai had faith. He knew God would ultimately protect His people either way, but he also saw the reason why Esther was chosen by the all-knowing, all-powerful King of kings: to save her people. And he wanted her to see that, too.

“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” -Esther 4:14 (ESV)

Six life-changing words were spoken over Esther, and she recognized them. Did you?

Perhaps Esther was made “for such a time as this”.

Mordecai’s response opened Esther’s eyes and prompted her to approach the king. Before doing so, however, she decided to first fast for three days with the rest of God’s people.

”Then, I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” -Esther 4:16 (ESV)

Reflection

1. What was Esther’s initial response to Mordecai? (Esther 4:10-11)
2. What were Esther’s options and the outcome of each one? 
3. What convinces Esther to go to the king? What does “for such a time as this” mean to you? 
4. Esther fasted for three days before approaching the king, even though she had already made the decision to go and see him. Why did she do this? 
5. What does it mean to wait on the Lord?
6. What evidence have you seen so far that demonstrates Esther and Mordecai’s faith in God?