Esther
Esther 1-2:20, 3:7-15, 4:8-17, 7:1-10
God is not mentioned once in the whole book of Esther. How can there be a book in the Bible and not talk about the one who breathed out the words written in it? (2 Timothy 3:16). The story of Esther is one of justice, God’s sovereignty, and the power of God’s will, all without him being directly mentioned. Esther is a Jew who, through her beauty, attracts the Persian King’s attention after having exiled the previous queen. Esther is then elevated to the status of queen, where she is quickly faced with a problem she never knew she was equipped to handle.
God knew that Esther would come into the world. He knew the exact time when some of the Jews would still be living in exile under the Persian empire. He knew that the king would choose for himself a new queen, and she would be Esther. He knew that the Jews would be hated and persecuted, and a decree would be sent out for their destruction. He knew every line of fine print within the story of Esther. He knew that she would be afraid, hesitant, and doubtful that she could prevail for the salvation of her people. But Esther is still asked, “who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” God knew. God intentionally ordained Esther’s life to deliver the Jews from destruction for the glory of his name amongst the nations, amen!
Injustice still thrives today. We see Black, Hispanic, and Asian brothers and sisters oppressed because of the look on their faces or the color of their skin. Immigrant children were torn from their families. Women are seen as objects to be used and abused. How do we live our lives in light of the gospel in a time that feels broken, dark, and unjust? The prophet Micah reminds us, “He has told you, O man, what is good…do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
Church, “who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Such a time to fight for justice. We follow a very just God. He ordained justice for the Jews in the story of Esther. He ordained justice for our sins through the story of Jesus.
God, perfectly merciful and perfectly just, ordained every tongue, tribe, and people to be justified through Jesus. Jesus has paid the price for our sins, satisfying the wrath of God through his death on the cross.
Church let us follow the example put before us by Jesus. Let us rise up not with our words but with our actions so that we may actively fight for those who cannot fight for the wounded, who cannot speak for the voiceless, who cannot plead for the not yet reconciled. Let us emulate the story of Esther who risked her life for the Jews. Let us emulate the story of Jesus, who laid down his life for sinners.
