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In The Kingdom On Time
In The Kingdom On Time
The book of Esther is only one of two books in the Bible that does not mention the name of God. One may ask then, “Why is this book even in the Bible?” Well, this particular book is a part of, not only Jewish history, but also the history of God’s people in general. Matthew Henry once said, “If the name of God is not here, His finger is.” God is found throughout the entire book of Esther; especially in the way He used Esther to save His people.
This short, yet powerful, book of the Bible is about a young Jewish girl named Esther, who won a beauty contest and became the queen of Persia as a prize. King Ahasuerus had a feast in which all the people of the kingdom, both great and small were invited to partake in (Esther 1:5). Now on the seventh day of this feast, the king was very intoxicated and commanded his wife, Vashti the queen, be brought before him wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for the Bible says, “she was beautiful to behold” (Esther 1:11). The king’s drunkenness may have been overwhelming enough to make an example of his beautiful wife before the people, but he was sober enough to become furious and have anger burn within him when his wife refused to be made a showpiece (Esther 1:12). Vashti was punished by the king and dethroned as a result of her disobedience (Esther 1:19-21). It was by this event God’s providential hand began to play a role in the life of Esther. Esther’s cousin Mordecai raised her after her parents passed away (Esther 2:7). Apparently, Mordecai raised her right, for even though he had nothing to do with her being young and beautiful, he did have something to do with her virginity, all of which were qualifications for the next queen of Persia (Esther 2:3). One would think if all the women had to meet this criterion, how could a Jewish captive like Esther possibly stand out? Well, unlike the other women, Esther was a child of the Most High. As a result of Esther’s relationship with the LORD, she stood out and obtained grace and favor in the eyes of, not only the king, but also everybody who saw her (Esther 2:15-17). By this, Esther was crowned queen of Persia. Esther was a captive and Jewish girl, but no one knew she was a Jew, except the Jews, for Mordecai charged her not to reveal whom her family or people were and Esther obeyed (Esther 2:19).
Around the third chapter of the book of Esther, we are introduced to a character by the name of Haman. Haman was second in command of the kingdom, for he had lordship over everybody, except the king (Esther 3:1). Haman was a proud and arrogant man. He could not fathom the fact of how Mordecai would not bow down to him like everybody else, so Haman set out not to destroy Mordecai only, but Mordecai and his entire race (Esther 3:2-15). When Mordecai learned what had been decreed against them, Mordecai, as well as the rest of the Jews, began to fast, weep, wail, and mourn (Esther 4:1-3). When Esther learned of this, she became deeply distressed (Esther 4:4). So, Esther inquired of Mordecai about the meaning of this sudden change in disposition (Esther 4:5). Mordecai told Esther the queen what was going on and what was going to happen (Esther 4:7-8). Esther responds in verse 11 by saying, “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days.” In other words, Esther was informing Mordecai her hands were tied, for if she was to enter the king’s presence without being summoned, then it would mean death to her and she was not willing to jeopardize her position, her popularity, and her life for God, His people, and her family. This brings us to Mordecai’s challenging response to Esther in Esther 4:13-17.
After Mordecai’s challenge, Esther put her life on the line to do the will of God. As a result of putting God and His kingdom first, God provided the things necessary (Matthew 6:33). Due to Esther’s faithfulness, Haman was executed (Esther 7:9-10). Due to Esther’s devotion, Mordecai’s life and the Jews were spared (Esther 8:4-14). Due to Esther’s trustworthiness, Mordecai was given the entire house of Haman (Esther 8:1-2). Due to Esther’s loyalty, God saved His people so the Deliverer might come. The Lord has much work for the Christian to do. The harvest is ready, but the laborers are few (Matthew 9:37). Who knows? Maybe we are in the kingdom of God for such a time as this. God always has a purpose. Therefore, we are in the kingdom on time and it is time, we do something with this time before it is eternally and everlasting too late!
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