If You Seek Justice, Seek God

Recently, I began a Bible Study with a small group of women. Upon asking God where to begin, I was led to the book of Esther. At first, I felt it was unnecessary for us to read about a woman just because we were women. But as soon as I began my research on the book, I quickly understood why He chose Esther. Because believe it or not, the events of Esther are actually very similar to what we are going through today.

Overwhelmed by the situation in the world, our Bible study began with discussing racism. As younger women, we couldn’t believe we were still dealing with the same situation that we ignorantly thought had already been dealt with in the 60’s. Sure, we knew racism still existed, but hadn’t we already come far enough to overcome it? We had been ready to move on and raise our children as an antiracist generation. Why was this still happening?

As it turns out, the very situation Esther dealt with should have already been taken care of as well.

A Bit of Background

Long after Israel was freed from their captivity in Egypt, long after they made it to the promised land, the Jews found themselves exiled for their constant disobedience. They were now living in Babylonia under Persian rule. And though the prophets were in the process of bringing them home, some Jews remained. This included the families of Esther and her cousin, Mordecai.

The book of Esther begins with Persian King Xerxes dethroning his wife in an impulsively drunken rage and then essentially holding a beauty pageant where Esther comes into reign. However, at this same time, Haman also rises up as the King’s right hand man.

The problem here is that Esther is a Jew (unbeknownst to the King) and Haman is an Amelikite, dating back to the cursed son of Noah. So we have here a man of a cursed people and a woman of a chosen people – obvious utter enemies.

In fact, their warfare was nothing new.

The Oppression of Exodus

In Exodus, Moses & the Israelites fought the Amelikites on their journey to the promised land. In this infamous battle, Moses would stand at the top of the hill with the rod of God in his hand, and as long as his hands were up, the Israelites would have success in the war. However, if he let his hands down, the Amelikites would succeed. Aaron and Hur had to help Moses hold up his hands until the Amelikites were completely defeated.

Thus they announced “The Lord is My Banner” – “Because the Lord has sworn: The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

Now three things can be learned from this passage.

• One, any battle must be fought with God first and lifted high.

• Two, we need to be there to help and support the weak and those in need.

• Three, because our God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, He is still our Banner.

Which means God will fight this racist oppression from generation to generation.

In summary, this is God’s fight. Our job is to support each other while keeping God first and foremost.

The King’s Mistake

Now, let’s fast forward a bit to life in the promised land – to the first King of Israel – King Saul.

Once again, the Israelites are at war with the Amelikites. And King Saul has one job – obliterate them. Which he did – except, he let the king live. This disobedience is what caused his kingdom to be completely stripped from him.

As the king of the Amelikites approached, he said, “Surely, the bitterness of death is past.”

Notice even he thought the worst was over (till he ended up chopped to pieces).

So here is where we learn obedience is greater than sacrifice. Here is where we learn that King Saul should have taken care of this from the beginning. But because of his disobedience, this battle, this “racist oppression”, obviously pursued all the way to Esther’s time.

The Time of Esther

So fast-forward to our story of Esther and Mordecai, the Jews (and an actual descendent of King Saul). Then take Haman, the Amelikite, and his complete injustice towards the Jews.

Now Esther did not reveal she was a Jew. So when the decree went out to destroy all Jews, She and Mordecai had one of the most memorable conversations written in the Bible.

Mordecai told her, “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the kings palace any more than all the other Jews.

For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your fathers house will perish.

Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:13-14)

Esther responded asking for her people to pray and fast, saying, “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And If I perish I perish.”

Such a Time as This

Now, do you see the similarities of Esther’s situation and the current events of the world today?

Like Esther, we are dealing with a situation that should have already been over with. But due to the sin of man, we continue to face this battle.

And as Mordecai put it, do not think you will escape it any more than anyone else. Do not think you can hide from it or stay silent.

There is a war against racial oppression, against racism, and it is inevitable. It is in your backyard. It is in your family and your workplace. And it must go.

This is the time. We are here for such a time as this.

And as both Moses and Esther needed help and support, we must be there to support the people who need us.

When Esther ended up standing up for her people, the tables turned. Instead of the Jews being destroyed, Haman and the Amelikites were officially finally done away with.

The Interesting Part

God was not mentioned once in the book of Esther. You do not see His Name anywhere. However, it is beyond clear that He was behind every movement in this book.

The point? Even when we don’t see Him, He is with us!

Ask Him to help you in this battle today. Ask Him to speak to your heart and reveal any sin that hinders progress. Ask Him to show you what to do and what to say for such a time as this.

For His Word makes it simple, “Justice for man comes from the Lord.” – Proverbs 29:26

So if you seek justice, seek God.

“Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the LORD understand all.” – Proverbs 28:5