silence

For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

- Esther 4:14 (NKJV)

 

Esther, an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, was a Jewish girl exiled from Jerusalem.

Through a series of extraordinary events, she became queen and ultimately saved the lives of the Jewish people living in King Xerxes’ kingdom.

Despite her fear, Esther risked her life by breaking several laws and speaking up.

She knew the danger she faced, especially since Queen Vashti, the very queen she replaced, had been exiled for disobeying the king's commandments.

Mordecai convinced her to speak on behalf of the Jewish people, declaring that she was placed in her position “for such a time as this.”

What if Esther had been silent?

What if she had decided not to speak to the king?

These questions resonate today.

What happens when we remain silent on issues impacting the world around us?

Holocaust Remembrance Day was one month ago, January 27^th,
Pastor Martin Niemöller, a Lutheran pastor in Germany wrote this after World War II:

First, they came for the Communists, and I did not speak out-because I was not a Communist.

Then they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out-because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out-because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me-and there was no one left to speak out for me

Those are some very chilling words, even today, especially today.

We can't stay silent.

If there is something terribly wrong, stand up for what you believe in, stand up for what is right, and stand up for God.

We are here, now—for such a time as this.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible