Who’s Your Backup?

Several things about Esther’s story keeps bringing us back, interested enough to enjoy the move, “One Night With the King”, about a beautiful woman with exceptional bravery. There’s that one verse, too, that applies to all of us:

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)

God’s people have been chosen for annihilation more than once. Haman (always said with a hiss!), Hitler, most recently Iran’s president, who was quoted in his own official website:

اسرائیل بايد از صفحه‌ی روزگار محو شود,
Israel should be erased from the page of history.

Would it appear from the story before verse 4:14 that God was working in Esther’s life? Her people were in bondage, but were going about daily lives. She was orphaned, but part of a larger family group that provided support. She did not rebel against her government, there were no protests, no wails of how inappropriate it was to gather beautiful maidens across the land simply for the pleasure of one powerful man. There’s not even a mention of God, only a hint of His work, in this book.

There is a full-fledged display of faith that “then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews” with or without Esther’s cooperation. I believe that commitment by God to this people is just as valid today as it was then. I also believe it is valid for all who love and serve Him. He has a purpose, a plan, that will be accomplished.

Often, we cannot see the His plan in the works. Mankind has a tendency to add a definition or two. The life – and death – of Jesus is a perfect example. Satan tempted Him three times to take an easy out, thinking Jesus’ life and His message was God’s plan of salvation. It wasn’t, and mankind was the least of those who did not know God’s plan:

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Corinthians 2:7-8)

There wasn’t a backup for Christ – He was perfection and no backup was necessary. God, Himself, was the plan. But there was a backup for Esther. We’ll never know what might have been simply because she followed through. She was in the right place, at the right time. She responded to the call. She faced death and survived. The deliverance from another was not required.

Now, apply this to our lives. Who’s our backup, and will they be needed to complete the purpose God has planned for us? Our answers speak loudly to where God is in our lives.