Bold Choices Can Precede Greatness

 

TUE EP Reflection 092220 (Esther 5:1-14; Luke 3:15-22)

There are times in life when we feel stuck. Our noble desires for a successful career and family life get bogged down or derailed by the challenges before us. Whether it be a difficult circumstance or our own limiting beliefs and fears, we can’t seem to get past what holds us back. When I was much younger, I used to learn life from stories through “Imigani” [The Rwandan word for legends] which were often told by grandparents who, in turn would have learned them from their parents. We were always curious to find out the end. The storyteller often began with setting the stage, character presentation, the plot showing real human challenges and sometimes a backstory.

I will begin here with the backstory of the book of Esther. Although the book of Esther does not mention the name of God, we have the impression that the finger of God is all over saving his people. The Jews were scattered in different provinces at the time and were ruled by heathen/pagan nations as Jews called them. What is intricate is that Jews followed strict religious rules that often clashed with their host nations who ruled over them. In this case, King Ahasuerus had highly promoted Haman the Agagite and ordered everyone to bow down to him. But Mordechai the Jew, would not bow down to him. Haman was infuriated and began to plot the destruction of Jews. His plan was put into motion when letters were sent into all provinces with instructions to destroy Jews. Queen Esther, a Jew herself had found out about the plan after Mordechai marched in protest against the decree to annihilate all Jews. Bold choices can precede greatness.

Queen Esther decided to boldly approach the King [which was a risk in itself] with a master plan. She presented her invitation to the King for supper as well as Haman, the archenemy of her people the Jews. The plot thickens… I applaud her bold move, because it’s not easy: how many of us are prepared to take a risk towards something that will save other people? On the road to greatness, hidden heroes lead ordinary lives. She was a simple Queen, probably outranked by many others. Perhaps many of us might not be subjected to such horrific trouble, but we can try to understand their anguish, and learn lessons. (1) God can turn anyone’s heart. The King did listen to Queen Esther’s plea. If we could get over our fears and be bold! Queen Esther shows us that at a crucial moment, she could rise up to the occasion in the most diplomatic way. She risked her life in doing the right thing… Mordechai had told her: “Who knows but that you have come to a royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NIV; (2) Be prepared to make sacrifices, be bold and do the right thing; pray for divine moments/opportunities; fast and pray if need be, there is hope for divine deliverance. (3) Our specific gifts are needed in our parishes. Who knows why you are placed in this particular congregation, or the position in your family, or in your company? Opportunities for greatness are around the corner, for you to make a difference in the Kingdom of God. Believers are confronted with evil all the time. May we not be passive when evil happens in front of us. May we be bold in displaying the power and wisdom of God.

Our Gospel lesson (Luke 3:15-22) told a story of John the Baptist and how he exhorted and proclaimed the good news. He told Herod the ruler how marrying Herodias, his brother’s wife was wrong. This boldness and prophet like way to label things as they are, is a hallmark of a touch from heaven. A no ‘nonsense’ tolerance outlook on life, whether it is a Queen with high stakes of a people in peril or a simple preacher like John the Baptist, with a mandate to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ of repentance in a world in disarray.  They were not passive in front of challenges: They spoke up boldly! They knew the stakes were high and they didn’t shy away from them. Bold choices can precede greatness! Let us pray:

Lord God, our heavenly Father, give us wisdom to know what to do in simple or extraordinary circumstances, give us the boldness, that touch from heaven so our actions may render you the highest glory you deserve. Allow our witness to be genuine, and pointing to Christ our Savior. Give us faith, so we can open our eyes and see things from a spiritual perspective rather than an earthly perspective. Rise the sleeping giant of faith in us, awake the hidden hero within us, one that is always thinking of the good of others rather than our own… Where we feel stuck, allow us to get over our fear and follow you!