Sermon Snippet – The Dignity of Doctrine and the Doctrine of Dignity – Part II
INTRODUCTION – Last week, we considered both the dignity of doctrine (Titus 2:1 – “But speak thou the things which become [are consistent with] sound doctrine” – see also Titus 1:9, 13; 2:2, 7-8) and the doctrine of dignity – human dignity (Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 139:13-17; Jeremiah 1:4-5; Philippians 2:5-8; Galatians 4:4-5; Matthew 17:1-3; Mark 8:36-37). Today, let us think about the Biblical example of Esther and draw a specific application to our lives.
1. ESTHER’S LIFE WAS CHALLENGING
Xerxes (Ahasuerus was the Hebrew form of that name) was the leader of the Persian Empire. Esther (her Jewish name was Hadassah) was a captive in this foreign land, and she was also an orphan (2:7), being raised by her uncle, a man named Mordecai (2:5). He worked at the palace in the capital city of Shushan (2:5). When Xerxes decided he needed a queen, he chose Esther (2:8-10) – a dehumanizing choice, based on her physical beauty alone. She had no say in the matter, yet she conducted herself with grace and strength of character. When a wicked and powerful man named Haman sought to kill all the Jewish people in the land – Satan has always tried to destroy them – Mordecai wisely counseled his niece to use her influence on the king (4:13-14). This intervention – an act of great courage, for Xerxes could have put her to death if he did not approve of her request – proved effective, and the Jewish people were saved. The annual Feast of Purim in late February or early March commemorates this dramatic deliverance.
2. THE PRINCIPLE OF ESTHER 4:14b IS FOR ALL OF US
Mordecai said to Esther, “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” If we trust in the sovereignty of God – and we have every evidence of His kind control wherever we look – we recognize that his statement applies not only to Esther (and also to Mordecai) but also right now. Many of us have cared for sick and dying family members; we were strengthened by our faith “for such a time as this.” We serve our Savior in various ways, with varied skill sets, “for such a time as this.” We bear up under personal frustrations and suffering, continuing to pray and to press on, knowing that the Lord is with us and has a particular plan and purpose “for such a time as this.” This knowledge of God’s providential, powerful, and personal preparation of each one of us encourages us greatly. It also enables us to see and appreciate the value of the lives of others and of our own lives. Let us not be interested in doing great things; let us instead be interested in doing good things as God directs – “for such a time as this.”
CONCLUSION – Esther 4:14b reminds me of II Corinthians 6:2: “For He saith, ‘I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured [sustained] thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.’” This quotation of Isaiah 49:8 directs our full attention to our need to trust in God the Son, Jesus Christ, for the eternal “salvation” that He freely offers to each one of us – right “now.” Let us trust in Him as Savior; and let us be confident that our lives matter to Him at this very moment, for He has placed us where we are “for such a time as this.”