“보라 네 왕이 네게 임하시나니”(스가랴 9:9)

Esther Series (4)

“Such a Time as This?”

Esther 4:1-17

In Esther chapter 4, when the Jews are faced with the threat of annihilation due to Haman’s plot, Mordecai mourns with loud wailing, and Jews across the provinces fast and lament. Esther, deeply concerned, sends her attendant Hathach to find out what is happening. Mordecai, through Hathach, informs her of Haman’s plan to destroy the Jews and the king’s decree, and urges her to go before the king and plead for her people.

Esther explains the royal law that anyone who approaches the king without being summoned could be put to death, and notes that she has not been called for thirty days. Even so, Mordecai sends back a powerful message: “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (4:14), calling her to a decisive moment.

In chapter 2, Esther appears to be living the pinnacle of life, having become queen and receiving the king’s favor (2:16–18). But by chapter 3, Haman’s genocidal policy against the Jews puts Esther at a crossroads. The Esther of chapter 2 may seem to have reached her life’s climax, but Mordecai challenges her: becoming queen was not the climax, but the beginning.

We often think the time has come to simply enjoy the blessings we’ve received and live in peace. But the Lord may say, “This is the beginning — for such a time as this.” Esther chapter 2 is about living for our desires; chapter 4 is about living for God’s calling.

Even the suffering in chapter 3, brought about by an enemy like Haman, though not allowed by God, still unfolds under His sovereignty. God does not let us settle into the comfort of chapter 2. Instead, He uses the crisis of chapter 3 to lead us into the decisive moment of chapter 4, where we can say with faith, “If I perish, I perish.” To live truly as a human being is to live according to the calling God has given us.

“An unexpected moment in my life may be the beginning of my calling.”

Small Group Discussion Questions:

• Like Mordecai’s words, “Who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?” — have you ever felt that your current position (job, family, community, etc.) is part of God’s calling?

• Esther hesitated out of fear at first, but ultimately made a faith-filled decision by saying, “If I perish, I perish.” Have you ever had a moment in your life that required a bold decision of faith?

• Have you ever encouraged someone else to make a faithful decision, like Mordecai did? Or has someone’s words awakened and challenged you? Please share that experience.

Application: God desires not just for us to enjoy comfort and success, but to use those positions to fulfill His purpose. Let’s reflect on how we can use our current resources (time, talents, work, relationships, etc.) to live out God’s calling.