preached by Rev. D. A. MacLean, M.A., Halkirk, Retiring
Moderator of Synod, at Glasgow, on 21st May, 1968.
Text: Esther, Chapter 4, v. 13, 14.
“Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.
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?”
To begin with we may say that the Lord’s dealings in providence are wonderful and His Kingship ought never to be ignored. We find here the wicked Haman in the court while Godly Mordecai is in the gate. The same situation arises with innocent Joseph in the prison, David in the wilderness, and Elijah in the cave, while their enemies are living in the lap of luxury.
Now this has been a temptation to many. It was a temptation to the Psalmist as we find that brought before us in Psalm 73. He could not understand for a time why the righteous were chastened every morning while the wicked prospered. But he did understand it when he went into the sanctuary of God and saw their end.
More particularly what is brought before us here is the book of Esther. It has been argued that this book is not canonical. However, the Jews always regarded it to be on the same level as the rest of the Old Testament writings and so should we. The great objection that was found to this book was that the name of God was omitted, and also that there is no mention of Palestine, or Jerusalem or the temple or any allusions to the law or any previous Jewish history except two.
The first of these concerns the captivity under King Nebuchadnezzar. In chapter 2, v. 6, we read: “Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.”
The second reference is the subsequent dispersion of the Jews over all the various provinces of the Persian empire and there in chapter 3, v. 8, we read: “And Haman said unto king Ahasueras, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws; therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them.” So we conclude that the history referred to in this book concerns the dispersal of the Jews, and Haman showed throughout his bitterness to them.
As we already noticed the name of God is absent from the book, but we can say that the Almighty has no need to write His name to let us know that His wisdom and power are controlling the march of human events. He is God Himself alone and the name of God may be absent but His power is everywhere visible.
Throughout the book and in His providential dealings with His people we can see God’s special providence in bringing His chosen instrument to this kingdom for a purpose. At this time (at such a time as this) Esther appeared and was His chosen instrument. Friends, the Lord can use the weakest of weapons and the Lord can advance the weakest of weapons in order to be of use to His cause and help His people. This is exactly what He did here.
We have seen that Haman received a decree to destroy the Jews. The Jews have had their enemies and they still have them and it seems that they will continue to have them until they will turn to the Lord, the Lord whom they crucified, the Lord whom they rejected, the Lord whom they would not have to rule over them.
This decree which Haman had obtained to destroy the Jews gave Mordecai and the other Jews reason to mourn bitterly. We read that Mordecai was clothed in sackcloth in the king’s gate and even Queen Esther was in a very delicate position, as we read in the text. In chapter 4, v. 11, we read that she had not been called to come into the king for thirty days. How could the Queen feel sure of her position? We think that she could not feel sure of her position when she was not called into the king for that period of time.
When we come to Mordecai’s address to the Queen, we see that Mordecai does not only reproach her for being indifferent to the fate of her fellow country men, but he calls her attention to the fact that her own life was in danger.
How can we apply what is before us here to our own day? I may say that the Lord has not left himself without witness as we see in the difficult circumstances brought before us in this book.
The Lord has His remnant in every generation, and not only has the Lord His remnant in every generation but in every generation we believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied. The quotation before us here is not only a direct message to Queen Esther but it is a direct message to every God fearing person in every age. May we be brought by the word and Spirit of the Lord to consider our duty “in such a time as this”.
We live in perilous times and what are we called upon to do in these perilous times? We are called upon not only to witness but also to labour while the opportunity is before us ‘at such a time as this’.
Now we may consider a few matters more particularly :
- The time.
- The providence of God.
- The opportunity that Queen Esther had.
- The privilege that Queen Esther had.
- The outcome.
1. The Time
For the Jews it was a time of mourning. Their life was in danger. Their very existence as a people was at stake and this happened before in the history of the Jews, but the Jews are still a nation, and the Jews are beloved for their father’s sake. We were thinking of the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 83, when the language of the enemies was: “Cut him off from being a nation”. We can say that the language of wicked Haman was “Cut him off from being a nation”. Yes, his language was in his very heart.
What about Mordecai? We read his words with interest. He feared the Lord and he watched every movement of the enemy. To Queen Esther, he says “and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
It was a most difficult time for the Jews. Haman had obtained a decree to put the Jews to death and letters were sent out to this effect to destroy the Jews, both young and old. Could we not say that Haman was just another Pharaoh seeking to blot this people out of existence altogether, but was this possible?
In view of the time and circumstances it was very clear that the Jews required someone to help them, but what we must remember is this, that the Jews were God’s people and the question is this: would the Lord forsake them? What did Haman know of the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 94, “For sure the Lord will not cast off those that His people be, neither His own inheritance quit and forsake will He.” God was not going to forsake His heritage and the Godly were among the Jews and Mordecai was one of them.
There is also a remnant of the Lord’s people left and thankful to the Lord for that. Not only should we but we should praise the Lord for leaving the remnant. He has a remnant and He will use them to the glory of his name. I was thinking of the words of the prophet Chapter 5, v. 7, 8: “And the remnant of Jacob shall be as a dew from the Lord, as showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men. And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he goeth, both treadeth down and teareth in pieces and none can deliver.” This passage shows us how the Lord will use the remnant of his own glory.
We should look upon these words as if they were directly addressed to ourselves. What are we doing in these perilous times? Remember, friends, the heathen are on our very doorsteps, and thousands in this land, so called Christian, are ignorant of the truth. Those who go out into the world know this from experience. They know the appalling ignorance that is prevailing. Are we seeking to bring the word of God to them ‘in such a time as this’? Nothing, friends, but the word and Spirit of the Lord will change the hearts of men and women. Nothing but the word and power of the Third Person of the Godhead will change the hearts of men and women, old and young, in this nation and other nations. It was said of another that she did what she could. Can that be said of us? Are we, ‘at such a time as this’ commending Christ to others as the only Saviour? Remember, what the Church said in the Song of Solomon when the daughters of Jerusalem said: “What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women?” (Song of Solomon 5, v. 9). What was the Church’s answer? It was this: “My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.” (Song of Solomon 5, v. 10).
Friends, Christ Jesus is the only Saviour. He is white, He is ruddy, He is the chiefest among ten thousand, and the altogether lovely one. He is a most suitable Saviour, and in passing I would say that it is a mark of the Lord’s people that they are satisfied with Christ, and they want others to take His yoke and learn that very purpose that the Gospel of Jesus Christ may be converted.
When we were the servants of it. When we were the servants of a willing heart consider the world. Social, political, and religious and what unrest and crime! Coming nearer holiness, the majority of parents in the home, and you find that parents not what it was.
What about the church? In the church you have error and what can you expect of the rising generation, when they are not being instructed at home or in the church?
Now, friends, I ask you this question — Who is suffering today? The cause of Christ is suffering. How can it be otherwise when so much false doctrine is declared and when there is so little discipline in the churches of our land today? They have not the truth and they know not the truth experimentally. How can they have anything to offer the people ‘at such a time as this’?
Our day is a time when the Church of God is in danger. Is this matter giving us any concern? What do you think of what is needed in our day? We are on the path of the backslider as a generation, and you cannot close your eyes to it. What is the remedy? The remedy is to turn to the law and to the testimony.
The question ‘at such a time as this’ is who is on the Lord’s side? If you are a praying person you will soon show where you stand. Others had a name to live and were dead. What we need is the Spirit of God to revive and quicken. The whole world is the field and there is much need of taking a practical and active part in the cause of truth.
We may ask the question at this time — Who is grieving for the afflictions of Joseph? Friends, your own conscience will answer but what I am going to say tonight is this, — Fathers and brethren we are faced with great difficulties but we are also faced with a great opportunity. Our duty is to go out and in going on to have the prayer of Godly Jabez: “Oh that thou wouldst enlarge my coasts”.
It was a time of trouble and perplexity for the Jews but a time when the Queen could use her position for their deliverance.
2. The Providence of God
“Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom at such a time as this”.
As we mentioned at the outset it is difficult for us to understand the book of God’s providence. “His ways are in the deep and does not give an account of any of His matters. Mordecai sees very clearly how events are shaping place. The man of God has his trust in the God of Israel. I know friends what is true of the person who has his name of the Lord. That person is a safe and joyful.
Mordecai believes in the providence of God and he watches dual grouping of events and knows that they have not place by chance. He believes in an over-ruling providence.
It might be amazing that a Jewess should sit on the throne of but we can say truly that there was one higher than Herus present and working not according to human plan. The hand of God is here.
There had been a great crisis in the history of this kingdom. Events in providence show this and we believe that Queen Esther came to the kingdom by divine appointment. What we have to say, friends, is that the Lord God of Israel is ruling in providence in the kingdom of Heaven.
The Lord in His dealings in providence can turn men (the heart strings of all men are in His hand) and can use them for His own purpose. This is exactly what He was doing here.
There is much also in the case of Cyrus. The covenant God of Jacob calls Cyrus his servant and makes use of him. Esther was ready when Haman’s plot was culminated. David and the armies of Israel were ready when they were threatened by the uncircumcised Philistine and coming nearer our own time Luther was ready when the time was ripe to expose heresy. I was also thinking of our own nation, how so far it has been kept back from entering the Common Market. I was thinking that the Lord in his providence was making use of De Gaulle even although our leaders are too blind to see it.
In each generation the Lord has his servants, and even today the Lord has his servants. We pointed out already that he has his remnant and he will use his remnant and he will use them to the glory of his Great Name, in this land and in other lands.
You have the example of the Roman Empire which threatened the whole world. They did not succeed but they made much progress and the progress that they made was of benefit to the missionaries who went forth to carry the glad tidings of great joy to others.
The world today is threatened but the Church and believers are threatened to a much greater extent. What is the Church of God threatened by? They are threatened by the errors of communism, Romanism and materialism. That is true, but let us take comfort from the fact that a triune God is ruling and “he sits on the flood”. The Lord is working and the government and his people will never be cast off. He is in things spiritual but also.
3. The opportunity the Queen had
Esther was Queen. As we noticed already she was a Jewess. Her life was, therefore, likely to perish with the rest because of the decree that Haman received. Mordecai saw very clearly that the only hope of escape was Esther, as we have in the words of the text: “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time.” Was there a danger that Esther would hold her peace? Esther could be tempted. Was Esther likely to hold her peace at a time when to speak was necessary to save her countrymen out of destruction?
There is a time to be silent and a time to speak for the profit and progress of the cause of Christ. The Psalmist was saying “Set, Lord, a watch before my mouth, keep of my lips the door”. (Psalm 141 v. 3). These words show how we can sin in speech, but we can also sin by remaining silent.
Compromise is dangerous. Was there a danger that Queen Esther would compromise? Would there be a danger that Queen Esther would be tempted to remain silent when it was so necessary for her to speak. The silence to which Queen Esther would be tempted, would be the silence of complacency.
She knew how greatly the Jews needed help, but she could be afraid that her own position as Queen might be in danger. This silence is very common. We dread to speak lest we offend others, lest our ease, comfort or enjoyment suffer thereby. Nothing is so painful as being silent in the face of wrong. There is need to speak at such a time.
The Jews at this time would require courage and conviction and the Lord will give courage and conviction. In the narrative we see that the Lord gave Queen Esther courage and conviction and she went in to the king although it was against the laws of the king to do so.
The safest path for any believer to be in is the path of duty. Let us remember, moreover, that the work and progress of the work of God will not suffer through a particular man’s disability. We are but mortal. Even although this treasure, which is the gospel, is in the earthen vessels, the Lord when he calls on a servant to his Eternal rest, will raise up another to take his place. The case is different here. If one person fails to do his duty, relief will arise from some other direction. This is exactly what Mordecai pointed out to Queen Esther. It is certain that God for all eternity purposed that the gospel be preached to all nations. He will see to it.
As Queen Esther had an opportunity, so have we, and we to consider that. Because we have this opportunity, let us forth in faith at home and abroad, remembering that the Lord will bless the word that he has given to us to declare. “His word, as we read in the prophecy of Isaiah, “will not return unto him void.” Think not that we can fight against the purposes of God and remain uninjured. Such a thing would be impossible. Mordecai reminds Esther that the palace of the king would not protect her, and the palace of the king will not protect those who will not stand in the path of duty. Such are waging a war against the king of Heaven and you know how dangerous that can be. If the Lord makes known to you through his word the path of duty, it is your duty to follow that way. This way is very often the way that he is opening up for you in his providence. We see clearly that those who go against the purposes of God, do so to their own hurt.
Just as the Queen had an opportunity so have we. We as a church have the word of truth as the Apostolic Church had it. Our fathers laboured and we are entered into their labours. Our fathers handed down the pure word of God to us. In our church we can serve the Lord with a good conscience, because the people in the Free Presbyterian Church are in full sympathy with the doctrines we declare, and we ought to be very thankful for that.
What are we doing with the truth? Those who are true believers among us have come like Esther to a kingdom. The kingdom to which we have come is a kingdom which cannot be moved. What is our duty then? Our duty is to seek grace and to have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear. We ought to take every opportunity which presents itself so that we as a church may prove equal to the times in which we live.
Christianity is continually presenting two aspects, the defending and proclaiming of the truth. Are we to rest satisfied with doing one? We ought not. We are living in a day when the doctrines of God’s word are attacked and we must guard them, and we are under vows to guard them, and not only to guard them but to do everything in our power to proclaim these precious doctrines and thus further the kingdom of Christ world wide.
The duty of the church is to preach the gospel to every creature. That is to go out into the world. We mentioned already the prayer of Jabez: “Oh, that thou wouldest enlarge my coasts”. We should have that prayer in going forth into the wide field that is before us. We believe that when the Spirit of God is poured forth the people will flock to where the whole counsel of God’s word is declared.
It is our duty to be watchful and to resist attack, but at the same time to be watchful to make progress. “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” When you think how diligent the Mormons and the Jehovah Witnesses are, how diligent we ought to be in seeking to bring the word of truth to our fellow men.
4. The privilege
She was once a poor orphan when Queen Vashti had the royal crown but now the poor orphan has a place of honour and it was the wonderful providence of God that brought about this change. God worked for her and she was advanced to a place of honour. Now it was her privilege to work for Him in delivering his people, and we believe it was because the Lord loved his people that he made Esther Queen in Persia.
What about us who were once without grace and without God and without salvation? Now we confess openly that we know the way of salvation through the great Mediator, the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The truth has brought a blessing to us and are we to keep back from making it a blessing to others? Remember your neighbour! Remember him in your prayers! Remember he has a soul! For that reason it is our duty to speak to him in the spirit of the gospel and to pray. It is our duty to hand out a simple gospel tract which brings the way of salvation to the recipient. When you think of the millions who are on the broad way, how can we remain unconcerned!
Our privileges are great, but, fathers and brethren, our responsibilities are great. Do we realise how great our responsibilities are, when the Gospel in all its riches and fullness is in our hands? Let us, therefore, go forth in the strength of divine grace and declare the unsearchable riches of Christ in the highways and byways, and compel people to come in that his house may be full.
You will say there are so many things to discourage. I agree there are many things to discourage, but remember the words of the Apostle Paul when he said: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, in as much as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Our duty is to labour and to leave the results with the Lord. He will bless his own word. We believe that, and the greatest honour a person could have in this world is to engage in Gospel duties or be occupied in any way with the furtherance of the Gospel or in bringing it to others. Those who will be instruments in the hand of God to bring sinners to Christ will shine as the stars for ever and ever. The reward will be eternal. We may not look for the reward in this world, but the reward will be sure. Remember the words of the blessed Head of the Church, who said concerning himself in the Gospel according to John chapter 8 v. 4: “I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.”
This is our time and it is our duty, privilege and opportunity to labour in the gospel for the cause of Christ.
5. The Outcome
It was a dark day for the Jews. Their enemy Haman was promoted above all the princes of the king. Godly Mordecai was forgotten for the time being and he was covered with sackcloth in the gate, even although he had been instrumental in times past in saving the life of the king. Friends, what we have to learn is that God’s purposes cannot be done away with nor frustrated. The Lord will redeem his people even supposing the whole world be overthrown.
We look ahead and see nothing but darkness. That is true in our day. We see nothing but social unrest, we see immorality, crime and indifference to law and gospel. This is true, but as we see it we hope and pray for better days. As we said already, the government is upon his shoulders.
But we should be thankful to the Lord, for there are tokens to encourage us. We must not always be looking at the dark side. The Lord has not left Himself without witness. Samuel Rutherford was saying if one soul from Anwoth would meet him at God’s right hand, his Heaven would be two Heavens. Here and there throughout the congregations in our own church, there are some coming forward to witness on the Lord’s side. What makes it so encouraging to us is to see so many of the young interested. We believe that this is the work of the Lord. What I am going to say is, may they be blessed and made a blessing.
Mordecai bowed not nor did reverence to Haman. The wheels of providence never stop. We have this in Psalm 75, v. 7: “God is judge, he putteth down one and setteth up another.” That is what happened here. In the prophecy of Isaiah 14, v. 27, we read: “For the Lord of Hosts has purposed and who can disannul it? and His hand is stretched out and who shall turn it back?”
The Queen obtained favour in the sight of the king. She touched the top of the sceptre and she was received, and the king was willing to give her to the half of the kingdom. The Queen, however, was more concerned about her people. Haman, in the midst of all this, was invited to the Queen’s banquet, and the gallows were prepared for Mordecai, but on that important night God again is working in providence.
The king could not sleep. He commanded to bring to him the records of the chronicles and there he found that there was nothing done to honour Mordecai for saving his life. The result was that Mordecai was honoured and Haman not only lost favour but he began to fall and it was said to him in chapter 6 v. 13: “If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.” Haman fell to his death. He was hung on the gallows prepared by him for Mordecai.
To the Lord we turn and say: “Thy ways are in the deep.”
Mordecai was saved and the Jews were preserved. Here we see what will become of those who will be enemies to God and to his people.
There is one other example coming before my mind. It is not in connection with this at all. It concerns Joseph in prison in the land of Egypt. How could his dreams be fulfilled? “The word and purpose of the Lord did him in prison try.” (Psalm 105 v. 19). In God’s own time Joseph was taken out of prison and advanced to a place of honour, so that the Lord’s promises were fulfilled.
We have the same situation in the book of Esther, which proved that the purposes of God cannot be overcome or frustrated. It is our duty to wonder at the Lord’s works of providence. His purposes will be fulfilled and his people and cause will benefit and prosper. It is our duty at all times to wait upon the Lord. May the Lord add his blessing.