Esther: Providence

There are a few sensations we might feel in relation to time. One of the more notable sensations is deja vu, where we feel like we have been in the same circumstance in which we presently stand, but at a prior time. Another sensation we have all felt is that we were in the right place, at the right time, for the right thing. It could be to provide a service to another. It was to have a conversation with another.

There is such a thing as circumstance, where everything seems to have come together by chance, but then there are times when we begin to wonder if it was providence, where everything comes together by divine orchestration. If you ran into a struggling brother at the store, you would probably insist that it was a circumstance. However, if you happened to go from being enslaved to the queen of the nation that has captured you, you at least ought to seriously consider the hand of God. Thus, Esther’s uncle, Mordecai, stressed: “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

Mordecai became privy to the plans of the enemies of the Jews, specifically a man named Haman. Haman, a sporadic egomaniac, had determined that he would entreat the king to kill all of the Jews — Mordecai saw the opportunity in his niece. He saw that, perhaps, his niece was not just placed in the king's palace, but positioned (she could actually do something about it!). He brought to her attention what action requires - courage. Additionally, he gave her something serious to weigh out, obligation — if it was true that God brought all of this together, how then should I conduct myself? What sacrifices ought I make? What courage ought I possess? What boldness should I have?

Not all of life falls under the purview of providence, but some does — and we cannot properly look back or forward and determine when. We have to take each opportunity we receive and work the works of righteousness, no matter the personal cost. We would do much better if we viewed every opportunity as a God-given one.