That question has been percolating in my mind this whole week. This past Monday and Tuesday were the two days Israel celebrated the Feast of Purim for this year. This special feast was begun because of the events in the book of Esther. Purim means “lots.” A lot was much like throwing dice. Haman cast lots to decide the day the Jews would be killed. The story took place in the decade 483-473 B.C. The dates on the Jewish calendar for this feast are Adar 14th & 15th. It is a time of great joy remembering the deliverance of the Jews who were slated for hanging by Haman, an evil man, that was hanged on his own gallows. Today’s blog isn’t about that story, but about one phrase, an admonition, that Mordecai says to Esther. It is found in Esther 4:14. “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall their 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?” (I have underlined for key thoughts).
The original question in our title, does God need us? I want you to know that God doesn’t need us at all. This is a truth that you and I need to truly understand. I have listened to preachers say things from the pulpit, in a passionate sermon, that make for great emotional moments calling God’s children to serve the Lord. “If you don’t do this job, God’s work won’t get done.” I truly think these men mean well, but the theology is wrong. It is my contention that God wants us to serve Him out of our love for Him, but let’s not jump to the conclusion that because the Lord has a plan and wishes for us to be involved that He needs us.
David was a man after God’s own heart and truly wished to build the “house of the Lord.” Did God need this special man, to whom He made a covenant that the Messiah would sit on his throne, to build the first Temple? No. As a matter of fact He told David He wouldn’t let him build it because of so much blood on his hands.
Moses is among the top in respect in Israel’s history. At the nations beginning we have Abraham but Moses was the one chosen by the Lord to write the commandments and ultimately the Law. Did God need that great leader to bring the people into the Promised Land? No. Moses himself wasn’t allowed to enter. God had Joshua for that task.
Mary, the mother of Jesus is respected and loved by millions around the world. Was she the only young virgin in Israel that could have been the vessel for the incarnation? No. For centuries, the young virgins of Israel hoped they would be the one from whom Messiah would be born.
Each of these, and all others, had the blessed privilege to be included in the plan of God but had they not been willing, the Lord would have raised up someone else. That is a truth articulated in Esther 4:14.
There are other things to notice in this simple verse. Quickly let me mention some.
1. She had to make a choice. “If thou…” You and I must decide will we serve the Lord. It is our privilege to be in the work of God. Esther could have gone either way.
2. Mordecai challenged her to think about where she was. As Queen, she had the unique opportunity to save her people. Two outcomes were on the table. One, if she chose to stay silent, thinking she would keep her cushy position, she was wrong. She was a Jew and the pogrom would ultimately come around to her and her family. Two, she could go before the king, Ahasuerus, and stop the madness of Haman.
3. Mordecai then says perhaps you are there “for such a time as this.” You have the chance to do something bigger than you.
Christians should be a grateful lot. Sadly, we have a great number that wish to be left alone so they can live their lives as they choose without serving God much at all. However, at a time of great need and possibly death, they want to get serious with the Lord. Why? That’s human nature and make no mistake we still have an old sin nature. We should fight it tooth and nail. Our will should rule instead of our emotions and selfish lusts and desires. The Lord has a plan and I simply ask the Lord to let me be a little part of it. I am under no allusion that God can’t get along without me and you shouldn’t be either. We get to serve the Lord; we don’t have to. It isn’t a drudgery to serve God; it is a blessing. There is no greater life than the life of a believer that walks with God and serves God!
A final warning. The day you were saved, the Lord began working in you (Philippians 1:6). His plan for you was to, “be conformed to the image of Christ” (Romans 8:29). He won’t stop. No matter how fast you run from the will of God, He is relentless in His purpose. The old preachers from a few hundred years ago called the Holy Spirit the “hound of heaven.” Once saved, God was on your trail to be like Christ. A part of being like Christ is to serve like Christ. Often, in our disobedience chastisement comes. It comes in various forms and fashions, but wise people know when the Lord is dealing with them. Does God need you and me? No, He doesn’t but He wants you and me. He loves you offering the abundant Christ life and would like to bless you but if you don’t submit, He’ll find a Christian that will and they will receive what could have been yours. The choice is yours, but the consequences are also yours.