“…If you don’t speak up now, we will somehow get help, but you and your family will be killed. It could be that you were made queen for a time like this!”[1]
We started with the story of Queen Esther last month. Today, I will refresh us all on the importance of her story for you and me.
God instructed and warned Queen Esther through the prophet Mordecai. Esther was faced with a choice: obey God at the risk of losing her life or disobey God. Fortunately for her and the Israelites, she followed God’s instruction. I am awestruck at how often God uses a single person to bring about a massive miracle in Bible stories.
So, what do we learn from Esther’s experience?
- God gives her an instruction.
- A warning accompanies the instruction.
- The instruction is the will of God. God will perform the instruction with or without Esther’s acceptance.
- Esther accepts God’s Instruction.
- God’s will is accomplished.
- Esther and the Israelites’ lives are saved, and a despotic king and his people destroyed.
Let’s discuss these points:
- Does God give us instructions in our day and age?
- Yes, the New Testament is filled with instructions.
“You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.”[2]
- Do warnings accompany these instructions in our day and age?
- Yes, in some instances, but not always.
“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.[3]”
- Are all instructions in scripture the will of God?
- Absolutely, they are. The instructions will be accomplished with or without our involvement.
“I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: my plan will take place, and I will do all my will.”[4]
Esther obeyed God, and God’s will was carried out. This blessed all. And the same applies to us in our day.
You might now ask, ‘Are there prophets today?
The answer is yes. Bold truth-tellers are still called to proclaim God’s Word. You may not see someone with a dark gown and hoodie approach you, saying, ‘I am a prophet.’ But all day, every day, if you have an ear for it, you will hear God’s word spoken. If you are one of those who have conversations with God, you will listen to many prophetic words.
Since the foundation of humanity, God has spoken. God will never stop talking; I ask, ‘Who listens? ‘Well, many hear and obey God’s voice. But as you and I are ordinary people, we don’t know how many do. Yet by faith I know.
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”[5]
You ask, ‘How do I hear God’s word?’ You hear God’s word by listening to God or God’s truth-tellers speak it. My family says that I have a ‘hot line to God.’ If one can say that conversing with God is a hotline, I have it!
You ask, ‘How can some people speak to God and hear God’s reply? Are these special people?
Not in the least. All who desire to do the same can ask, believe, and receive this gift. God doesn’t have favourites.[6] God gives to those who desire gifts.
Let me tell you a story.
Michael was only five when his parents took him to the beach on a warm, sunny day. His mum and Dad were lying in the sun, and Michael sat under an umbrella, building a sand castle. While he was building, he happened to look up at the beach below. The tide was out, and several starfish were lying in the hot sun. “Mummy, what are those?”
“Starfish, Mikey.”
“Why are they lying in the sand and not swimming in the sea?”
“They were left behind on the beach when the tide ran out.”
“Are they dead?”
“No, but they will die in the sun if the tide does not come in soon and rescue them.”
“Can I go and see them?”
“Yes, but no going into the sea unless daddy or mummy are with you?”
“Okay.” Michael wasted no time descending to the sea’s edge, carrying his little bucket and spade, gazing at the still starfish lying in the hot sun.
“God, please help these starfish not to die.” Pleaded Michael.
“Why don’t you pick them up and throw them back into the sea, Mikey?”
“Will they live if I do that?
“I’ll see that they do, Mikey.”
Mikey’s parents watched as the little boy scooped up the starfish one by one and threw them into the sea.
“Why didn’t you tell Mikey that starfish dying on the beach is just part of nature’s cycle?” Michael’s father questioned.
“He’s too young to face that information; besides, there is time enough for him to learn that death is part of Nature’s cycle. For now, he feels he is helping some starfish.”
“I see your point.” Michael’s Dad lay back and closed his eyes.”
“God, I’m tired, can I stop now?”
“Sure, take a breather, I’ll look after the rest.”
Satisfied with God’s acceptance, Mikey returned to his parents.
“Well done, Mikey. It looks like you helped save a few starfish.” His mother looked at her son admiringly.
“I see you saved a few. What about the rest?” Michael’s dad sat up.
“I did my bit; God will save the rest.”
You and I only have to ask, and God will draw us into conversation. There will be a couple of requirements, though:
- Have trust in God like children have.
“Then he said: I promise you this. If you don’t change and become like a child, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.”[7]
- Practice opening your mouth and speaking to God—not in King James English but in simple conversation. Don’t hit God with a shopping list—just chat. You’ll witness a miracle if you are patient, determined, and never give up.
Love and blessings
Peter-James.