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REFLECTION
“For such a time as this” is the theme for our reflection. “For such a time as this” is an expression that indicates that something happened in the past to fulfill a purpose in the present time. We shall deliberate on the fact that God strategically places us in influential positions for our own benefit and for the benefit of the masses.

Beloved in the Lord, when God places us at places of influence, power and leadership, it is because He expects us to use our positions for the benefit of all including ourselves. When Haman planned to annihilate all the Jews, Mordecai sent a message to Queen Esther, “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. ¹⁴ 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 4:13-14). In other words, Esther was reminded by Mordecai that it was God’s plan to place her in a royal position so that in such a perilous and desperate time, where the lives of the Jews were in danger Esther would be used by God to save His nation from annihilation or total destruction. Esther understood her role as the only Jew who was close to the King and could intervene to save her people therefore “…Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ¹⁶ “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:15-16)

Dear friend, God has a divine purpose for elevating us to the position of power in our family, workplace, Church and society. We have a great responsibility to look beyond our personal needs and use our privileged positions of power and leadership to the mutual benefit of the masses. Unfortunately, many of us easily forget our past and our people when we occupy positions of power and influence. In most African countries, when politicians want power, they come to the homes and communities of the electorates to campaign and beg them for votes. They make promises to the masses and it is on the basis of these promises, hopes and aspirations the majority of the people vote for them. Immediately, most of our politicians ascend to power or are elevated to positions of influence and power they forget their promises and ignore the plight of their people. Some of these political leaders further impoverish their people through corrupt and unjust practices and bad governance. They expose their people to harsh external economic policies in exchange for international loans and bonds. Esther teaches us that godly leaders do not turn their back on their people during times of adversity. Most of our politicians are Christians. Some are also Muslims. It is on these religious grounds that some electorate even vote for them, with the hope that they will be godly men and women of integrity who will have the plight of the masses at heart. Unfortunately, some of our political leaders are just wolves in sheep’s clothing. Some of these political leaders use their positions to indiscriminately destroy, amass and share the nation’s natural resources while further exposing the poor and vulnerable to economic hardship and all forms of environmental hazards. When Joseph ascended to the position of power in Egypt, He did not only think of himself and his nuclear family, he saved his entire Jewish family including his brothers who maltreated him. “His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. ¹⁹ But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ²⁰ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. ²¹ So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. ” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:18-21). Ultimately, Jesus was made our Lord and Saviour to liberate us from sin and death, therefore “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17) Dear friend, finding ourselves in a position of power or leadership is not by accident, God has made us stewards over our people, especially, the vulnerable and indefensible masses. Like Queen Esther, let us use our positions of influence and power to protect the lives and dignity of the masses against ungodly, corrupt, vindictive and wicked leaders like Haman.

In summary, we have deliberated on the theme ” For such a time as this” We have discovered that God strategically places us in influential positions for our own benefit and for the benefit of the masses. Let us fully avail ourselves as leaders to be used by God for His glory and for the redemption of the oppressed.

PRAYER
Holy Spirit, empower us to use our positions of influence and power for the benefit of humanity and the development of our churches and societies. Fill us with the spirit of selflessness so that when we find ourselves in positions of power and influence we shall be impactful and fruitful to the glory of God. Amen.