Lessons from Esther: For Such a Time as This

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
-Esther 4:14

The story of Queen is familiar. A peasant girl ascends to throne and hides her Jewish heritage from the king. When her nation needs her the most, she hesitates, citing the danger of going before the king. 

All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.
– Esther 4:11

Lately, I’ve been wondering, how many Christians hesitate just like Esther? How many don’t want to take a bold step because of what it might cost them?

We don’t have to worry about losing our lives, but we worry about losing our livelihood. Our social circle. Our standing in the community. And often, we aren’t willing to stand up for what we believe in because we don’t want to rock the boat.

But do we really believe the troubles of this world won’t find us simply because we don’t proclaim our Christianity? Because we try to hide it behind platitudes and apologies? So many of us try to downplay our faith so we don’t appear different from everyone else. So we won’t be accused of being intolerant or a “Jesus freak.”

But didn’t Jesus tell us to let our light shine (Matthew 5:16)? Why hide it? If we do, are we no better than Peter denying Christ? Shall we forget the grief Peter felt over his act and pretend like we will face no consequences?

The world needs Jesus. Needs love. So why would we keep it to ourselves? Let’s loudly proclaim it. Let’s take that bold step like Esther.

After all, we never know if we’ve been put on this earth for such a time as this.