September 14th~For Such a Time as This

Ezra 6:14b-22

Ezra 4:6


Esther 1:1-4:17

We were given the details of two events that seem to be disconnected but which are actually very much intertwined. First, the Jews in Jerusalem finally finished repairing the Temple and dedicated it with great joy (Ezra 6:14-16). Soon after, they began celebrating their annual festivals, starting with Passover. It certainly was an exciting time. “There was great joy throughout the land because the Lord had changed the attitude of the King of Assyria toward them, so that he helped them to rebuild the Temple of God, the God of Israel” (6:22).

However, all of these things, the return, the rebuilding of the Temple, and the restarting of the Temple sacrifices were jeopardized by the second event. Circumstances had arisen that al- lowed a wicked official named Haman, the Prime Minister of Persia and enemy of God’s people (Esther 3:10), to pass a decree sanctioning the elimination of every Jew in the empire. It appeared that the excitement of the return of the remnant from exile would be short-lived.

On the surface, the situation looked hopeless, except that God had been working behind the scenes to elevate two of His own people high into the Persian royalty. A beautiful young lady named Esther had been chosen to replace the deposed Queen Vashti, and Esther’s guardian, a loyal man named Mordecai, had been promoted after unveiling a plot to assassinate King Xerxes.

After God had promised a bright future for His people, it seemed inconsistent to allow Haman to destroy them all. Of course, we know that didn’t happen, but at the time, this situation was quite stressful. Still, the Lord had arranged for a way to prevent Haman from carrying out his wicked plans. Here again is evidence of His sovereignty and providence, the fact that He is able to provide in advance, to work all things for His good purposes. He always has His people in the right places at the right time. Just as Daniel had risen to prominence for God’s purposes in Babylon, now Esther and Mordecai had been placed in key positions in Persia. Mordecai even reminded Esther, “Who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for such a time as this?” (4:14).

Daily Reflection

While the events in your life may seem to be random or haphazard, they are not. With God nothing is random or haphazard, but, instead, everything happens for a reason. He is working all things for His good purposes.

Have you witnessed God’s providence lately? How so?

Where you live, where you work, the things you do and the people that you are surrounded by are all part of God’s plan, to put you in places to influence others on His behalf. Have you been aware of His purposes and available for Him to use for His glory? Explain.

You are in the circumstances you are “for such a time as this.” Be ready to do your part.

BiAY.org | Day 257 — 108 Days to Go