“For Such a Time as This”

Esther 4:1-17

 

“Behold the turtle; he makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.” These words by James Bryant Conant have special meaning for author James Michener.

 

In 1944, when Michener was nearly 40, he was serving in the U.S. Navy on a remote island in the South Pacific. To kill time, he decided to write a book. He knew that the chances of anyone publishing it were practically nil. But he decided to stick his neck out and give it a try.

 

Michener had decided that the book would be a collection of short stories. A friend told him that nobody publishes short stories anymore. Even so, he stuck his neck out and went ahead with it. The book was published and it got only a few reviews. Kenneth McKenna loved the short stories, but when he tried to persuade his studio to make it into a movie he was turned away. The studio disagreed with McKenna’s suggestion saying this book "…had no dramatic possibilities."

 

This time McKenna stuck out his neck and brought the book to the attention of composers Rodgers and Hammerstein. When Broadway cynics heard that Rodgers and Hammerstein were planning a musical about these short stories, they guffawed and said, "Have you heard about this screwy idea? The romantic lead is going to be a guy past 50.

 

Roger and Hammerstein stuck out their necks, and wrote a play called “South Pacific”, and the rest is history. "You can understand," said Michener, "why I like people who stick their necks out."

 

Over 2,400 years ago a young orphaned Hebrew girl, who became queen, was asked to risk it all for the sake of her people. In our text today, Esther must decide whether to sticks out her neck and go to the king, or say nothing and let her people die. After 22 years in the ministry, I’ve realized that very little of any significance happens that does not involve risk. Whether that be in our family, jobs, or in life in general.

 

First let’s define risk. According to (Merrian-Webster.com), a risk is an “Action with purpose that exposes you to the possibility of injury or loss.” There’s a whole array of risks from the little ones where you can get egg on your face, to the big one where you could be killed. Truth is that you must take risks in order to move forward in life.

 

But make no mistake that there are foolish risks and wise risks. God urges us to practice a level of wisdom to balance things out for us. Foolish risk is the quality of lacking good sense. It’s often characterized by impulsive or reckless behavior, poor decision-making, and a lack of foresight. Wise risks on the other hand, are the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. It’s characterized by thoughtful decision-making, a long-term perspective, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

 

Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers."

 

It is through wise God honoring risk-taking that we exercise our faith in God to put things right. In today’s text, Mordecai finds out about Haman’s plan and says, “Our only hope is Esther.” And so, he sends word to Esther, “You must go to the king. You must tell him who you are and plead for your people.”

 

And she responds by saying, “If anyone enters the throne room without being sent for by the king, you die, unless he lifts the scepter?”

 

Mordecai, then sends word back, “Don’t think you will escape death in the king’s palace. Help will come, who knows maybe this is why you are queen.”

 

Esther agrees and asks Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa and hold a fast for three days. And then she says, “I will go to the king though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

 

I love the story of Esther; it’s a story that inspires us to become risk takers right where we are at. Stories like this in the Bible encourage men and women to resolve that “I will take godly risks for my King.”

 

If you never risk, never have taken that chance, realize this; you may gain more in the short term but in the long term it will haunt you, and you won’t grow in your faith. 

 

Eileen Guder from her book “God, I’m Bored” makes this pointed statement. “You can live on bland food so as to avoid an ulcer; drink no tea or coffee or other stimulants in the name of health. Go to bed early and stay away from night life, avoid all controversial subjects so as never to give offense. Mind your own business and avoid involvement in other people's problems. Spend money only on necessities and save all you can. And you still can break your neck in the bathtub.”

 

Risk-taking is not easy because it means you might fail. We worry about what other people think. If Esther would have died, we may not even know her name, but she would only have been known as a failure by the world’s standards.  Many do die literally, and figuratively, but to risk is an integral part of our faith, and faith is never a failure.  When you risk, when you attempt something new, you may not know everything you’re getting yourself into. You may not anticipate every contingency. But risk anyway.  Be as prepared as you can, then let God make up the difference. 

 

I have some good news for you. It’s often true that when we are willing to give up the very thing we hold onto most tightly, when we are willing to risk it all, God showers us with blessing.

Esther was willing to give up her life, the thing she cherished most. God blessed her with not only her life, but the lives of all her people, and an elevated position for her cousin, Mordecai. All because she was willing to say, “If I perish, I perish.” Her act of bravery not only saved her people, it kindled hope among them.

 

What hope is God kindling in your heart right now? Is God saying, “I have chosen you for just such a time as this. Don’t be afraid, I’m with you?” Each of us has been called according to God’s purpose for us. We are invited to be part of God’s story, right here, right now, for just such a time as this. Will you accept the invitation?

 

Until Next Week When We Meet at the P.E.W.

(Pastor’s Encouragement Weekly)

Pastor Joel