Who knows – you may be here for just a time as this.
Was Esther just the right person in the right place at the right time?

 Ordinary People: Esther [33:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1156)

Esther – a person who was in the right place at the right time … let’s look at the historical context for the story.

Around 479BC the remnant of Israel was in captivity. 50 years earlier, 10 tribes of the Northern Kingdom were lost to Assyria. Then Babylon conquered Assyria and the remaining two tribes (Southern Kingdom) brought into captivity. The ruling classes, the skilled people, the ones who could read and write, were taken leaving only the workers in Jerusalem.
It was a tricky time for Israel – would faith and Jewish identity survive?

Brief summary of the story – Esther is brought up by her uncle Mordecai (a court adviser who uncovers a plot against the king), who persuades her to put herself forward when King Xerxes decides he needs a new wife. She gets the job.
Meanwhile, Haman, the prime minister decides everyone should bow down to him. Unfortunately for him the Jewish people do not bow down to anyone but God. Haman (egged on by his wife) orders all Jews to be killed, and builds a 75 foot gallows for Mordecai.
This could be then end for Israel.
However – Mordecai asks Esther to plead their case to Xerces, and taking her life into her hands invites Xerces to a feast. Now (although the book doesn’t mention God directly) God is working behind the scenes. Before the feast, Xerces has a bad night and calls for his favourite reading matter “the Xploits of Xerxes” – and opens it at the place where it tells of Mordecai saving the king’s life. So when he goes to the feast is is well disposed to listen to what Esther has to say about Haman’s plans. Mordecai is made PM, Haman’s gallows is tested on Haman and it all ends happily for Esther and the Jewish people – who still celebrate the Feast of Purim.

• Faith survived because ordinary people like Esther and Mordecai kept “the rumour of God” alive
• Because of prophets like Ezekiel and faith leaders like Mordecai and willing servants like Esther faith made it through Exile
• Ezra and Nehemiah could rebuild because Esther was faithful

Never underestimate the power of the faithfulness of an ordinary Christian!

Est 4:14b “Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.”

 Ordinary People: Esther [33:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1156)

Recorded by Alan Howe

Rev Alan Howe is the Vicar of Chilwell. He has some interesting stories to tell.