Sermon Note: For Such a Time as This

Introduction

As we conclude our Uncommon Wisdom series, we turn to the story of Esther—a powerful narrative of courage, timing, and divine providence. This week, we reflect on Esther’s brave decision to speak out for her people, even at the risk of her own life. Her story invites us to consider the moments when we are called to act with courage and conviction, trusting that God has placed us exactly where we need to be “for such a time as this.”

In Esther’s story, we see that wisdom isn’t just about making the right choices for ourselves; it’s about recognizing when we are called to be agents of change and justice for others. As we prepare for Sunday’s worship, let’s reflect on the ways God might be calling us to step up, speak out, and make a difference in our own unique contexts.

Illustration Video

Note: The end of the clip below includes language that some may find objectionable. Please consider this before viewing.

Why this video?

This scene captures the essence of courage and standing up for justice in the face of adversity, much like Esther’s story in the Bible. Erin’s determination to advocate for what’s right, even when others doubt her abilities, reflects the wisdom, strength, and bravery that Esther demonstrates when she speaks out for her people. This video encourages us to think about how we can use our unique gifts and positions to make a difference, even when others might underestimate us.

Video Discussion Questions

1. In the video, Erin Brockovich makes a courageous choice to stand up for a community facing injustice, despite being underestimated. How does her determination inspire you, and how does it relate to Esther’s actions in the scripture?
2. Think about a time when you felt called to speak out or take a stand for what was right. What gave you the courage to act?
3. How can Esther’s story encourage us to recognize the moments in our lives where we are called “for such a time as this”?

Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 20-22 (NRSVue)

¹So the king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther. ²On the second day, as they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” ³Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have won your favor, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me—that is my petition—and the lives of my people—that is my request. ⁴For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have held my peace, but no enemy can compensate for this damage to the king.” ⁵Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has presumed to do this?” ⁶Esther said, “A foe and an enemy, this wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.

⁹Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Look, the very pole that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, stands at Haman’s house, fifty cubits high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that.” ¹⁰So they hung Haman on the pole that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the anger of the king abated.

²⁰Mordecai recorded these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, ²¹enjoining them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same month, year by year, ²²as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday, that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor.

Scripture Discussion Questions

1. Esther’s story is marked by moments of bold decisions and timing. Have you ever experienced a “just such a time” moment in your life where you felt you were meant to be in a particular place or situation? How did you respond, and what was the outcome?
2. When things go well for us, we often attribute it to divine providence. How do you see God acting in the world when things don’t go as planned or are disappointing? How do you find God’s wisdom in those moments?
3. Haman’s plot against the Jews and his eventual downfall demonstrate that deceit and manipulation often lead to self-destruction. How have you seen this truth play out in real life? What can we learn from this about living with integrity and wisdom?
4. The Feast of Purim, established in Esther 9:20-22, is a celebration of deliverance and survival. Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant “deliverance” or change. How did you commemorate or celebrate that moment?
5. James 5:16b states, “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” How do we discern what makes a prayer “right” or “wrong”? How can this understanding guide our prayer lives and actions?

Additional (optional) Questions

1. How did Esther’s courage affect her people?
2. Is Esther’s story of courage unique in scripture? Can you think of other examples of women in scripture who display courage in their part of God’s story?
3. What characteristics do you think it takes to influence a person effectively?
4. How can we use our ability to influence for the good of those around us?
5. When is a time you have seen someone have a positive influence on another person?
6. What does the story of Esther teach us about the importance of timing and seizing the moment?
7. How do you think God might be calling you to act “for such a time as this” in your own life?

Weekly Action

This week, take prayerful time to consider a situation or context where you feel called to make a difference. Whether it’s standing up for someone who needs support, speaking out against injustice, or taking a bold step in your personal life, ask God for the wisdom and courage to act. Write down what steps you might take and pray for the strength to follow through.

Prayer

God of Grace and God of Power, you have formed us for this hour. We pray that we will embrace the challenges that you place before us, striving to do your will in all things. Grant us the courage to act, the wisdom to discern, and the faith to trust in your timing. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.