When Queen Esther learned of Haman’s wicked plot to exterminate the entire Hebrew race, she “was overcome with fear” (Esther 4:4). I would be too.
When the messenger came from Mordecai, Esther sure wasn’t relieved or comforted! No sir! Not a bit. “Explain it to her, and command her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead with him personally for her people” (Esther 4:8).
But… but… but… she protested. “All the royal officials and the people of the royal provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner courtyard and who has not been summoned—the death penalty—unless the king extends the gold scepter, allowing that person to live. I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the last thirty days” (Esther 4:11). She knew that King Xerxes was a ruthless tyrant who wouldn’t hesitate to have her beheaded if she displeased him, and she knew the rules. Nobody, not even the beautiful Queen, could enter the King’s presence without an invitation.
Mordecai’s response is the most memorable in the entire epic account. It has been quoted and its words have been immortalized, embossed, engraved, etched, imprinted, and embroidered. “Who knows, perhaps you have come… for such a time as this!”
The rest of the power-packed message reads like this: “Don’t think that you will escape the fate of all the Jews because you are in the king’s palace. If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s family will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this” (Esther 4:13-14)
Mordecai didn’t pull his punches. He declared, “If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s family will be destroyed.” He knew that God had a plan. And he knew that God would save a remnant of His chosen people. So, Mordecai promised Esther that if she failed to obey, God would find another way to save His people.
Here's what’s interesting. Mordecai didn’t promise that the Queen was exempt from trials and troubles. He didn’t say, “Because you’re special, you won’t be tested by the enemy and his devious plots and plans.”
Have you been told that Christians are exempt from pain and problems? “Christians are special. American Christians are extra-special. You’re always gonna be rich, happy and healthy!” Is that quote found on the pages of Holy Script? Nope. It’s not there!
But the Bible does promise that God is faithful, that He will “never leave you or abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5).
Trust the Lord. He has a purpose and a plan for you. “Who knows, perhaps you have come… for such a time as this!”
