The Hour of Destiny

Series: Four People and One Person
Part 1 - The Hour of Destiny
by Jack W. Hayford

Text: Read Esther 4

"Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such
a time as this?" (v. 14)

Background: Despite the fact that it might have meant her death, the Jewish queen Esther appeals to her king on behalf of her people, against whom a plot by the king’s own representative, Haman, threatened total eradication. This moment of ultimate truth, that will determine the effect of a nation’s future, certainly depicts as dramatically as any event in Scripture what an hour in human history can mean to people who are positioned in a place where they can make a difference.

Right now, I believe that we are at a time as crucial in history as that of Esther. I believe that only as the Bride of Christ accepts its moment in its relationship with the King of the universe, can change take place in our world. We live in a pagan world that looks at life with a fatalistic eye, as if things happen by chance. Even among the Christian world, there are those who believe that things are on a predetermined timeline, and we’re simply counting out the spaces on the calendar until we come to the end of all things. Further, on this downhill slope destined to take us from bad to worse, it is said that the Church is simply to know its saving grace in Christ, rejoice in fellowship with one another, try to witness to as many as possible, and then watch the slide of history take its course.

There is nothing in the Bible that suggests anything of that order. The almighty God of the universe has made a sovereign choice in endowing His Son’s Bride with unusual powers that all come under the category of intercessory prayer.

Scripture says of Esther (v. 11) that only if one comes before the king and is invited to touch the scepter, will they have access to the king’s authority and power. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have collectively been brought to a unique hour.
The lives and futures of multitudes of peoples, on every continent, are on the line right now. You say the nation, and I’ll say "Amen" for them to find, in this hour of history, the entry of God’s grace with power in ways that will draw them to the Savior, and bring them into life and purpose in the love of God.

No human negotiations, no church programs, no radio or television broadcasts will bring about that possibility and transform the day apart from the praying Church. The Church’s prayer responsibility is an inescapable reality if we are to see a change in our world. The inescapable principle is that responsibility is ours to accept or neglect – and the difference will be horrendous if we neglect it.

God, in all of His sovereign power, has invited His Son’s Bride – the Church, like the counterpart, Queen Esther – to come and touch the His scepter. If the Church will accept that charge, there will come a turnabout, as it took place when Esther did that. There is a difference made when the people of God recognize the hour.

Esther was willing to risk her life. I believe that we are looking at moments in which we must determine what exactly is at stake. The Church, in terms of its purpose, is what is pivotal before us: Will the Church live out its intended destiny and design in God’s purpose? I believe that is the summons to us at this hour.

Next: Part 2 – The City of Assignment

"Brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He consecrated for us..." Hebrews 10:19-20

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Last updated on: 7/09/03