INFLUENCE FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

Proclamation:

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish.  And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14 (NIV)

Explanation:

There is some debate among Bible scholars as to the human author of this Book of The Bible, but the influence of The Holy Spirit of God is present revealing how God can use ordinary people to accomplish His purpose.  Through a series of unlikely events, Esther, a beautiful Jewish girl who had been raised by her cousin Mordecai, had married King Xerxes, King of Persia and Media, and become Queen.  Mordecai found out about the plot to kill the king and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king.  Somehow the king honored Haman for this, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles.  All of the people were to kneel down and pay honor to Haman, for the king had commanded it.  But Mordecai would not kneel down.  Haman learned that Mordecai was Jewish and wanted to kill all Jews because of his disrespect. (Ester 3:5-6)  Mordecai sent word to Esther to beg the king for mercy and plead with him for her people.  Going before the king without being summoned by him could cost Esther her life.  Esther did as Mordecai had requested and the Jews were spared, and Haman was eventually hanged in the gallows which he had ordered built to hang Mordecai. (Esther 7:10)

Application:

Sometimes we are placed in positions of influence and need to speak up for what we believe.  There is a cost associated with taking a stand and speaking up, but there is also a cost for keeping silent when we should speak up and for not helping others when we could.  In our circles of family, friends, and co-workers, we all exercise some influence through our advice and opinions.  Let each of us speak up for Christ and make sure that our advice and opinions are solidly Bible based as we attempt to help others.  It is very possible that the events of our lives, the lessons learned, and the blessings received have prepared us to be in position that we are in "... for such a time as this" in order that we might be a blessing to others.  Let us pray to God that we use our influence wisely.