Daily Devotionals

Who knows whether you didn't come into your royal position precisely for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).

It was a most difficult time for our people. Large numbers of Jews had fled after the destruction of the Temple in 586 b.c.e. to a more friendly place—Persia (modern-day Iran). Yet after a few generations, things became difficult there as well. An anti-Semitic government official named Haman convinced King Ahasuerus that these foreigners were a detriment to his country and that they must be annihilated. Lots were cast, setting the date of destruction for Adar 13. Terror gripped the Jewish community. However, God always has a way of escape, so that his covenant people may endure.

Previous to Haman's wicked plot, a beautiful Jewish girl named Esther had won a contest and had become Ahasuerus's new queen. Although she had previously hidden her Jewish background, Esther was challenged by her cousin, Mordecai, to stand up for her people in their time of trouble. This must have been an incredible test of faith for a young woman who was experiencing the privileges of being queen. Yet Esther realized that her true calling was to speak out for her people, no matter what the cost. The courage of her faith is reflected in her famous answer to Mordecai, "I will go in to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16).

The holiday ofPurim (the Feast of Lots) is a celebration of the deliverance of Israel, largely due to the faithfulness of Esther. To Messianic believers, there are no coincidences. God orchestrates the details of our lives. Perhaps we have been placed in our own sticky situations in order to share Yeshua's love "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14).

...seek to see the hand of God on my life in the place where he has planted me.

BK