For Such A Time As This

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“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) There are four thoughts in this passage.

1 - “If thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time.” - “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:” (II Cor. 4:3) The word “hid” means to be covered where no trace can be seen. The saints of God are expected to rise up with courage and boldness giving the testimony of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now of all times the need is desperate! Be of good courage; speak of Christ!

2 - “From another place;” – “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Matt. 9:37-38) The problem is not with the harvest! It is ripe and ready for the picking, but where are the ones that will go out and reap the harvest? If you are a believer, you are commanded to go; but if you will not fulfill your duty, God will raise up someone else to go and reap souls.

3 -“Thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed:” – “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” (Rev. 2:4-5) A church (a flock of believers) has received orders from their Head (Christ Jesus) to go forth witnessing of the Good News in the power of the Holy Spirit. If they will not go, then there is no need of the Holy Spirit’s presence upon the church; thus, Jesus will remove the Spirit. The church will be powerless and will wither and die.

4 -“Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” – “We then as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. … behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (II Cor. 6:1, 2) There is no such thing as “by coincidence”; God has put us here at this time in our particular locations “by purpose”! Our Lord did not save us to wander around scratching our heads. We are in this time to give clear testimony of His salvation!