SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1150

“For Such a Time as This”

For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? – Esther 4:14

Our reference Scripture verse is actually a rebuke of Queen Esther by her uncle Mordecai because she was hesitant to approach the king on behalf of her people.

Esther may have initially been woeful over her circumstances when she was taken from her home to be in the king’s harem. She may have thought ‘If only Queen Vashti had not acted foolishly, I would not be here.’ Now as queen, she has become comfortable living as royalty which prompted her uncle’s rebuke to remind her of her ‘kingdom assignment’. Esther responded appropriately:

“Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” – Esther 4:16

We see others in God’s Word who went through difficult and trying times. I wonder if Joseph ever thought ‘If only my brothers had not sold me into slavery, I would not be here.’ Over time, with more setbacks along the way, the Lord eventually brought Joseph from the pit his brothers threw him in to be second only to Pharaoh in all of Egypt. Joseph came to see how God worked his circumstances for him to fulfill his kingdom assignment.

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. – Genesis 50:20

Are you aware of your ‘Kingdom Assignment’?

Perhaps you are dissatisfied with your circumstances and the turn of events that brought you to your current situation. You begin to question God as to why He has allowed it. On the other hand you may be quite comfortable in this life, free from any stress, strife, or difficulties. Both scenarios can cause you to miss your calling to fulfill your kingdom assignment.

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will – Ephesians 1:11

We are not here in this time and in these circumstances by accident. We are here on assignment to be salt and light in a world steeped in sin and rebellion. We, the Church, must rise up and be a preserving force for Biblical values in our society. We must not cower within the four safe walls of our church buildings keeping our light hidden under a ‘steepled bushel basket’ as it were. Rather, the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ must be held high and evident in our everyday lives in this dark world.

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. – Matthew 5:13

May the Holy Spirit speak clearly to your heart and mind as to your unique kingdom assignment that God has prepared you for.

And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? – Esther 4:14