Carrying Out God’s Specific Purpose

Carrying out God’s specific purpose. Esther was a beautiful, young, Jewish girl. And God used her for a specific purpose. To save the people of Israel from annihilation

Carrying out God’s specific purpose. He positions us to represent him.

The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. (ESV, Esther 2:17)

Between 483 to 473 BC, King Ahasuerus ruled Persia where the Jews lived in exile. And when his queen, Vashti, refused to appear before him as requested for an occasion, he recruited a harem of young, beautiful replacements. The one that captured his heart and he crowned as his new queen was Esther, a beautiful young jewish girl who was raised by her uncle Mordecai.

The Hebrew word translated “grace” and “favor” is chen which means favor, grace, charm, acceptance, and elegance. In other words, Esther was more than physically beautiful. There was a sense of class in her demeanor and carriage that set her apart. What we might call today, the “X” factor. But the appointment to that influential position was more than coincidence. God put her there for a special purpose.

As Christ-followers indwelled by the Holy Spirit, we too, should positively influence our culture for Christ.

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, (ESV, 2 Corinthians 2:15)

The message of the gospel is powerfully life changing. And as God’s ambassadors to a lost world, Christ-followers should present a faith that is attractive and hope-filled. Sure. Only God’s Spirit moves people to conviction and repentance. But we should strive to influence others for his kingdom, knowing it is part of our purpose.

Carrying out God’s specific purpose. He makes his will known to you.

Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus. (ESV, Esther 3:6)

Haman was the king’s second in command and demanded that everyone bow down to him. But as a Jew who bowed only to God, Mordecia refused. Infuriated at this disrespect, Haman convinced the king to issue a decree to kill all Jews on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month.

So, Mordecia met with queen Esther and urged her to disuade the king from carrying out the decree. But she hesitated. Because a law limited access to the king. Anyone who approached him uninvited was executed unless the king raised his golden sceptor to indicate his favor. For Esther to appeal to the king uninvited could mean her death.

And who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (ESV, Esther 4:14)

But Mordecia presented a convincing argument. Perhaps, her rise to the throne served a specific purpose. The salvation of God’s people.

It poses a question every Christ-follower should consider: “What skills and abilities has God given me? And what areas of influence can I leverage for God’s glory?

Esther doesn’t get a clear answer from God. But she acts on faith. Prepared to die.

Carrying out God’s specific purpose. Lay out a careful plan.

And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king. (ESV, Esther 5:4)

Esther didn’t wing it, but devised a plan. It demonstrates that when God calls us to a purpose, he doesn’t do all the work. But expects us to use our God given gifts and abilities to participate in it. To plan. Organize. And actively engage in the work.

After successfully gaining audience with the king, Esther invites Ahasuerus and Haman to join her for a feast. And during the meal, the king asks her again what she wants. But she defers and invites the two men to another feast the next day.

It’s a familiar strategy. Build up the king’s anticipation and soften him up as she prepares for her big ask. Like a child buttering up parents before presenting a bad report card. Haman goes home elated. Excited to be invited to another feast. In fact, things were going so well he had gallows built with plans to hang Mordecai on them.

But during the next day’s feast, Esther appeals to the king for her life and the lives of her people. And she identifies Haman as the one behind the evil plot. Although the king cannot rescind the decree, he quickly issues a new one. The Jews can defend themselves against any attack. As a result, the Jews coordinate a defense and are saved, and king Ahasuerus orders Haman to be hung on the gallows he built for Mordecai.

The story demonstrates the importance of listening for and responding to God’s voice, acting on faith when called, and using your gifts to serve the Kingdom of God.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.