For Such a Time as This

Esther was a Jewish girl who became queen to the Persian king Xerxes. Her
story is told in the book after her name in the Old Testament. The Jews
were a dispersed people. Whilst inhabitants of a foreign land they
maintained their identity even as they participated in the life of Persia.

However, they had their enemies. The story is one of jealousy, intrigue and
deception, as Haman seeks to get the Jews destroyed. Esther’s cousin
Mordecai tells Esther that she was in her influential position ‘for such a
time as this’, and Esther petitions the king on behalf of the Jews and
exposes the real agenda of adversary Haman.

It is a story of God’s purposes triumphing against considerable odds, of
God’s sovereignty, of prayer and trust and faith. It is a story for today.

We live in 2011 in a rapidly changing world. God’s message today is not
welcomed and God’s people often held in disdain. The church in our nation
continues its decline in terms of numbers and influence.

It is a time for bold faith and action for all who bear the name of Christ,
to live faithfully, prayerfully and boldly. What sort of future do we want
for this nation, for our children and grandchildren? To what extent are we
prepared to pray and work for this future?

I believe each and every one of us are put here ‘for such a time as this’.
We are not here by accident, and neither are we here just to enjoy a good
time. We are here to make a positive difference in God’s world.

For us at St Lukes we are reflecting on our goals and visions for the
future as we come to this time of vision and commitment. I invite you to
ask God what it means for you to be part of our community at this time? How
can you participate and contribute to play your part in us together making
a difference in the Frankston district?

Please be part of one of our vision events at the end of June. Like Esther,
may we all discern God’s call upon us and recognise that we were born for
such a time as this.