Saturday, April 04, 2009

For such a time as this

Esther had won a beauty contest, married a king, and from her position of influence had uncovered a plot to kill all the Jews. She had a mentor, Mordecai, who told her, "You didn't get into this position by accident. Who knows but that you have come to Royal position for such a time as this." (Esther 4:14) And so she had. The task before her was to approach the king (very dangerous in those days) and expose the plot.

I don't suppose that Mr Bates relished having multiple myeloma and he must have been even more disappointed to die from it only six months later. He never even knew what it was all about, but I was sent to take a blood sample from him when he got the diagnosis. He took that opportunity to witness to me and invite me to his church. Perhaps he witnessed to many people, I don't know. He never knew it, but the Sunday after he died I visited his church for the first time and if he had not died I doubt that the preacher would have preached that particular sermon that led to my conversion. I hope Mr Bates was given the good news when he arrived in heaven. He may not have understood but his widow did and so did the members of the prayer group that had been praying about those whom he witnessed to.

When disaster falls upon us we are often perplexed as to why. What have I ever done to deserve this? What sort of God are you to bring this upon me? Is there a God at all? The questions slip easily onto out lips. But we do have a God who cares and his main priority is to save souls from Hell. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should turn from their wicked ways and live. It is certain that unless the Lord returns we shall all fall sick and die.

The sheriff surrounded by superior weaponry is apt to say, "You may kill me, but I'll certainly take some of you with me."

I'm going to heaven, but I hope to take some of you with me.

4 comments:

Deb Light said...

Thanks for sharing how you came to know and love the Lord with us Dr. Terry.

I want everyone I know and love to be in Heaven with me also.What a celebration that will be!

God Bless,
Deb

Anonymous said...

Thank you. I needed these words today.

Liz W.
St. Paul, MN

Irv Noble said...

The story you told about Esther happened in the 6th century BCE. The Persians freed the Jews from their Babylonian captivity. Haman was the King's closest advisor and minister. He hated the Jews and cast lots for their destruction. The King's wife Esther who was a Jew persuaded the King not to listen to Haman who ended up being hanged. The Persian Empire (part of greater Iran) was very large, the Persians almost defeated the Greeks. Their empire extended from Afghanistan, Pakistan, includindg Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The Persians were defeated by Alexander the Great.
It is interesting to follow how these countries fell from one conquerer to another. What is not so interesting is the bloodshed and human suffering that followed these battles of conquest.

Irv Noble
Canada

Anonymous said...

I also needed to read your comments today. I lost a son to cancer last December and my husband has cll and is in w/w but soon need treatment.