Image by: Megyarsh

Introduction

The world is falling apart. What can we do as we are living in such a time as this?

Text: Esther 4:14c

1. Identify your privilege 2:1-4, 2:8, 2:12-14, 2:15, 2:17, 7:1-10

A. Esther had the privilege of knowing the king personally

The above verses says the king Xerxes issued a decree to bring all the beautiful girls in kingdom unto him so that he can choose one of them to be the queen. Many girls were presented. He spent a night with each one of them wasn't pleased with anyone. They had join his company of concubines. But there was a one Jewish girl named Esther. The Bible says that Esther was more beautiful than any other virgin the king had met before. The king was pleased about Esther and chose her to be the queen. She came to know the king personally. It was a rare opportunity and privilege. 

B. The privilege of knowing almighty God personally

We have a privilege that no one else has. To know the almighty God. We did not come to know Him by accident. God personally called us, chose us out of His great love and mercy. We know the deepest secrets in God's heart. God is revealing His plans, His desires unto us for we are His chosen ones. We can approach His presence freely. This is our privilege.

2. With great privilege comes great responsibility, 3:8-11

A. The Jews of the entire state were doomed

Haman one of the king's officials plotted to holocaust all the Jews in the land to revenge Esther's uncle Mordecai. He convinced the foolish king to issue a decree to destroy all the Jews. Mordecai and the Jews started weeping.

Can you see that every nation of the world is going through a similar situation. Satan's plot to destroy nations is in progress. There is blood shed in everywhere. Children and women are abused everyday. People are dying from the war. The economy is unstable. Moral values are fading. Are you sensitive?

B. We are not living in a world of excuses but in a world of opportunity

In Chapter 4 verses 8-11 we see Mordecai sending his messenger to ask Esther to persuade the king to withdraw His decree. Esther replies that she is not allowed to go to the king's presence without obtaining prior permission. Whoever approaches the king without prior permission will be put to death. However Esther had a privilege as the queen. She was a person of influence. She knew the king personally. The king loves her. She had the opportunity but gave excuses.

The church is repeating the same mistake. When was the last time you prayed for your own nation? Do you give excuses saying that you don't have time to pray for your land? God is calling you and me to plead before Him.

C. You are not safe just because you are a Christian

When Mordecai heard Esther's words he warned her not to think that she is safe because she is in king's palace. Some times we think our nations are suffering because of their own sin. Let me ask you? The cost of living and inflation is increasing every day. Imagine yourself going to a gas station to fuel your automobile. Can you say,

I am a Christian, and all of you are condemned. So you give me free fuel.

If my nation suffers I suffer with them. Being a Christian doesn't mean we are safe from external factors. Then let us intercede and ask the Lord to touch our nations.

3. Our time has come, 4:14

A. God has called the church for such a time as this

God made Esther so beautiful, intelligent and called her forward with a divine purpose. God was aware of what Haman would do in the future. Therefore he disqualified queen Vasti and and prepared the way for Esther who rescued an entire nation.

God has not called the church to heat the pews. God knows what Satan is planning for each country and nation of the world. He appointed you to intercede for your own nation. He wants you and me to change the destiny of this world and make history.

Some Christians tend to leave their country and go in search of a better land and life. It's easy to walk away and mind your own business. But we will answer God on the day we stand before Him.. In verses 15-16 we see Esther fasting and praying unto God asking for courage. This is what God wants the church to do. Because the church alone has the answer to every troubled nation.

4. God is faithful to those who are sincere 7:1-10

Once again God gave favor to Esther in the eyes of the king. In this passage we see God giving victory to Jews through queen Esther, and destroying the enemy that plotted the holocaust. God is faithful and He is a prayer answering God. If a wicked king like Xerxes granted the wish of queen Esther, How much more our heavenly father will grant our requests.

Conclusion

God has called us for such a time as this. You are the generation that God has called to the destiny of each nation. Esther changed the history of Jews through courage and sacrifice and the grace of God. We could do the same thing, only if we obey the calling.