Today’s scripture: Esther 4:12-17 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Keith Phillips):
This story from Esther is a turning point in the events that are celebrated during the Jewish holiday of Purim. Purim was recently observed for Jewish Year 5771 from sunset March 19, 2011 to nightfall March 20, 2011.
In this episode Mordecai sends a message to his cousin, Queen Esther, warning her of the plot to kill all of the Jews throughout the Persian empire: “Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.” I like that sense of destiny, that I have a part to play in the mighty acts of God, even though God’s hand may be unseen until after the fact. No matter who we are, we can help God fulfill God’s purposes in this world!
Recently I joined other LGBTQ folk and our allies at the Equality for All Hoosiers Rally on the steps of the Indiana Statehouse, and I realized that our tribe can know more specifically that same courage and strength that Esther displayed as she saved her people from brutal oppression. You see, up to this point in the story, Esther had been in the closet. She had been advised by Mordecai not to reveal her basic identity as a Jew to King Xerxes when he chose her to be his bride (Esther 2:10). Now, Mordecai wants her to go to the king as a Jew and plead on behalf of her people.
Initially, Esther justifiably feared for her life. One did not enter the king’s presence without being summoned. Certainly Esther remembered the fate of her predecessor, Vashti, who was de-queened for taking the initiative with the king. To approach the king uninvited would mean death for Esther, unless he happened to hold out his royal scepter.
Mordecai sends the message, “Don’t think that just because you live in the king’s house you’re the one Jew who will get out of this alive. If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from some place else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.” Fortunately, Esther chooses to reveal her identity to the king, no matter what the consequences, even potential death.
Although I was out during college and seminary, as a married Baptist pastor and even afterward, I was not public about being gay. My logic was that I had no reason to be out unless I was in a meaningful gay relationship. (The irony was that I wouldn’t be in such a relationship unless I came out!) But by the grace of God, a defining moment came when my personal integrity won out, and I didn’t want to keep the secret any more. Now, my family, my friends, my co-workers, my representatives in government, and a whole lot of other people have the opportunity to know a gay Christian who loves and serves God.
LGBTQ people have made amazing progress over the past few years, but we are still obviously marginalized and oppressed. May we all have the courage and strength of Esther who chose to be public about her identity despite the potential consequences and therefore made a difference.
Thought for the day: Lord, empower every one of us to be your open and active agents, transforming this world into a kingdom of peace and justice for all.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.