If You Remain Silent

When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:12-14 (NIV)

Have you ever been afraid to speak up, lest you be reprimanded, mocked, or ridiculed? In High School, I was often silent in class because I was afraid that my question would sound stupid. Sadly, this carried on even into college. I was afraid of being rejected by peers, being embarrassed, or being ridiculed by professors. The silence was broken when I was filled with the Holy Spirit and discovered that God had not given me a Spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). I realized that God had given me a voice for speaking the truth, but the enemy fights to keep me silent so that evil will triumph. 

The book of Esther tells of a Jewish orphan girl who found favor with the King because of her beauty, and later became Queen. Four years passed between the removal of the former Queen (Vashti) and Esther’s appointment. During that time, she lived in seclusion as a victim of sexual exploitation. A plan was in motion to wipe out the Jewish people. Esther’s uncle Mordecai urged her to use her position to plead for the salvation of her people and stop the planned genocide. The problem was that Esther could be killed for approaching the King uninvited. As Esther weighed the danger, a shift took place in her heart. She realized there was something only she was positioned to do. By speaking up, she was willing to risk execution to save her nation.

As I reflect on this pivotal moment in Biblical history, the one thing that captures my attention is how God’s providential hand is seen in the story. Even as the Jewish people were threatened with genocide, Queen Esther (being Jewish) was perfectly positioned to do something to save them. She was directed to fast and pray and speak on behalf of her people. She risked her life in doing it. Providentially, the Jewish people were saved and the Jewish celebration of Purim is still celebrated today to commemorate it.

Where are you uniquely positioned to make a difference, to speak on behalf of others, and to save someone? I think we all can agree that our own nation is in deep trouble right now. Christians need to speak up if we are going to see a shift in our culture, deep repentance, and a restoration of our broken churches and ruined cities.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. I trust that you are at work even when I cannot see it. Open my eyes so that I can see how you have positioned me to speak up and make a difference. Awaken me to see the current threats against religious liberty, Biblical values, marriage (between man and woman) the preborn, and the aged. Break the curses spoken against your people and liberate all those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness and your Kingdom. Show me where I am deaf to the voice of truth, and silent on issues that matter to you. Empower me to take risks and raise my voice to proclaim the Gospel and not be silent.