"For if thou altogether holdest
thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance
arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house
shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom
for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14
This verse is perhaps the
most famous in the Book of Esther. Queen Esther's cousin Mordecai
encourages her to speak to the king on behalf of God's people to save
them from Haman's wicked plot. As you read the account, it is apparent
that Esther was put in the right place at the right time, to do the
right thing. I have been on that theme often this past year as I think
we all must examine our place in creation and what God would have us do
for His kingdom. Do not let this truth pass over you without conviction.
Where ever you are, in whatever state you find yourself, you are there
for such a time as this. Be assured the Lord can use you even here, do
not waste the opportunity. Your gifts, talents, personality, prayers,
contacts, all bring potential influence for the advancement of the
Gospel and the pure good that God's kingdom represents. Do not neglect
such a time as this.
Yet, this verse also
has a warning to it. If Esther ignored her place in history and did
nothing, there would be consequences. Notice the consequences would not
befall God's people. Haman would be destroyed and the Church preserved
no matter what because God is always keeping His promises, and He is
always on the throne, and the gates of hell shall not prevail. The
warning comes to Esther and her family. God would destroy her house for
its uselessness and find someone else to do his work. Let us also be
warned 2400 years later. Let us as individuals and as Grace Community
Church not hold our peace. Let us use our knowledge of God and of His
Gospel to advance His cause and His message. He will advance His
kingdom, may our prayer be that we are used of Him. Do not despair if
your gifts do not look like the gifts of others or other churches. Let
us use what we are as a church for Him. We are in Bridgewater, NJ in
2016 for such a time as this and though the world may call us weak and
unimpressive, we know that those are the instruments God uses most
keenly. With the coming fall, let's not hold our peace - lets pray,
teach, disciple, serve, and stand as never before. We love the Lord
Jesus Christ and to him be all the credit and glory! Amen!
In Christ,
Pastor Basile
