"Such A Time As This" Esther 4:14 I. Introduction. A. The king of the Elamite dominion made a great feast. 1. His wife, Vashti, also made one for the women. 2. Vashti, who was "fair to look upon," was summoned by Ahasuerus to parade before the king and his guests. 3. Vashti refused: Ahasuerus was angered. 4. Vashti is banished for her disobedience. B. The king desires another wife. 1. Mordecai, a Jew, heard about the search. 2. There was a young maiden, Esther, a cousin of Mordecai, who had raised her. 3. Esther was an orphan "fair and beautiful." 4. Esther is taken into the number at the king's palace, under the care of the "keeper of women." 5. The nature and disposition of Esther won the keeper's respect and protection. 6. Note: Esther 2:15b. 7. The new queen: Esther 2:17. 8. Esther would become the link between the Jews and the royal government. a. Saved Mordecai from Haman(who would destroy all of the Jews, if possible). b. Esther learned of the plot; Haman is hanged on the gallows intended for Mordecai. C. The purpose of Esther's place in the king's palace: Esther 4:14. D. The result: safety of Hebrews and elevation of Mordecai. II. Body. A. Esther was in the right place at the right time. 1. Her courage and dedication led to the saving of the Jews. 2. God had a hand in all of this. 3. The apostles were in the right place at the right time. a. As were many others in apostolic time. b. Opportunities abound: recognizing such is not always easy. 4. Note: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. 5. Now is the time: Romans 13:11. B. What kind of time do we live in? 1. A time when there is a lack of respect for authority. a. In religion. b. In the home. (1 Ignore: Ephesians 5:22-23. (2 Discredit: Ephesians 6:1-4. c. The church of Jesus Christ. (1 Messages of inspired men. (2 Note: I Peter 5:5. d. Civil government: Romans 13:7. 2. A time of immorality and ungodliness. a. A different "life-style"?("Political correctness") b. Invades all ages: teens, adults, oldsters. (1 In the news, on the streets, in the TV, in the movies, etc. (2 Note: I Timothy 5:22. c. It takes courage and dedication to not let this time poison our souls. d. It is a time for all of us to live pure and godly lives. 3. A time when people are indifferent to spiritual responsibilities. a. In our time, we need: Romans 12:11. b. Indifference is a choking disease that squeezes the spiritual life from a person. 4. A time when material possessions overshadow the care one has for his/her soul. a. The Almighty dollar is the god at which many bow. b. The accumulation of riches will not save one's soul: Luke 12:20. c. Paul said: Colossians 3:2. 5. A time of "competition, tension, and hurrying to and fro"(I. Himmel). a. Don't have time for the Lord, to study His word, to attend services, to associate with brethren, etc. b. Our time is spent on making sure we stay ahead of the other fellow. c. The Psalmist advice: Psalm 46:10. d. We literally rush past life and wonder where it went. e. Anxieties add to our problems: "relax and trust in the Lord." f. Avoid the "raging storm" of some lives; live at peace with self and others. 6. A time when some "self-appointed critics" want to discard gospel preaching. a. When it is most needed! b. Paul said: I Corinthians 1:21; 9:16. c. For 2000 years, the gospel was God's word and message to all; it still is today! III. Conclusion. A. Esther was a woman for her time: she served the purposes of God. B. What are we doing in a "time such as this?"-jy(based on an article by Irving Himmel)