Esther 4:14 "For Such a Time as This"
When we are relationship with God, God prepares our hearts and minds to bring about God’s goodness in the world. Little moments happen daily in life - like when we notice the pain of another and offer comfort, or when we look at our child with understanding instead of exasperation. But there are some moments in life that are Esther moments. These are the moments when we think, “Oh. This is why I am here.” We make the decision to accept that we are here “for such a time as this,” or we let the moment pass. These are often situations where it is hard to do as God would have us do. God has prepared us to do this hard thing. Knowing the story of Esther and knowing this passage can help children and adults be empowered to listen to God and act when called upon, whether in the little moments or in the Esther moments.
Read It
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Esther 4:14
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?” |
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Memorize It
“For such a time as this” -Esther 4:14b
Do It
Learn the story of Esther. If you choose to use a story Bible, make sure you as the parent or caregiver have read the actual book of Esther from the Bible!
0-2 Years: Tell the story using finger puppets or little people - or even stuffed animals.
3-5 Years: Read Esther’s story from a children’s Bible.
6 Years and Up: Read the book of Esther, whether in one sitting or over the course of a few days. Unpack it together, pausing to explain occasionally.
A word about watching an interpretation: Veggie Tales and many others have made kid-friendly versions to watch. These are fine to watch, they give interesting takes on the story and can help children get intrigued. But try not to let watching Bible stories replace reading them. These interpretations often stray farther from the biblical story than a story Bible will. In short, videos can be good, but the Bible and a parent or caregiver is even better.
Celebrate Purim: If your family really gets intrigued by Esther, consider celebrating the Jewish Festival of Purim. In 2018, it begins the evening of February 28 and ends the evening of March 1. It includes reading the book of Esther, giving gifts of money and food, having a feast, dressing up in costumes, and playful food. In general, it is a fun and interesting celebration. Learn more about it and give it a try!
Talk about your moments: At the beginning of the day, say a prayer asking God to help your family be open to the moments where God wants you to be God’s love. At the end of the day, tell about the moments from that day. Did you say yes when the moments came? Was it hard or easy? Often these moments will be times of standing up to injustice or helping someone in need.
0-2 Years: Tell the story using finger puppets or little people - or even stuffed animals.
3-5 Years: Read Esther’s story from a children’s Bible.
6 Years and Up: Read the book of Esther, whether in one sitting or over the course of a few days. Unpack it together, pausing to explain occasionally.
A word about watching an interpretation: Veggie Tales and many others have made kid-friendly versions to watch. These are fine to watch, they give interesting takes on the story and can help children get intrigued. But try not to let watching Bible stories replace reading them. These interpretations often stray farther from the biblical story than a story Bible will. In short, videos can be good, but the Bible and a parent or caregiver is even better.
Celebrate Purim: If your family really gets intrigued by Esther, consider celebrating the Jewish Festival of Purim. In 2018, it begins the evening of February 28 and ends the evening of March 1. It includes reading the book of Esther, giving gifts of money and food, having a feast, dressing up in costumes, and playful food. In general, it is a fun and interesting celebration. Learn more about it and give it a try!
Talk about your moments: At the beginning of the day, say a prayer asking God to help your family be open to the moments where God wants you to be God’s love. At the end of the day, tell about the moments from that day. Did you say yes when the moments came? Was it hard or easy? Often these moments will be times of standing up to injustice or helping someone in need.
Pray It
God, thank you for the way that you prepare us to do your good work. Help us to be ready and to say yes when we come to such a time as this. Amen.
