When I was asked to present the flag to the daughter of a Navy veteran at her father’s funeral, I readily accepted. As a veteran myself, and the son of a veteran, I knew the poignant power of a flag-draped coffin.
The day of the funeral, I introduced myself to the bugler. We talked of our military experience and then I mentioned that I had written a devotional article about the song “Taps” (played at US military funerals). “I thought you might be a believer!” he exclaimed.
I felt gratified! But I wondered: How many times have observers of my life not had a clue that Jesus is important to me? So often I choose to blend quietly into the background.
In the book of Esther, it’s possible that the exiles from Judah had so effectively assimilated into their captors’ pagan culture that God is never mentioned throughout the book. Queen Esther herself had kept her Jewish identity a secret.
And yet, the pivot point of the story is Esther’s identification with her people—the remnant of the people of God. Haman’s genocidal plans against the Jews had just been decreed, and Esther was uniquely situated to intervene, but not without great personal risk (Esther 4:11). Her uncle Mordecai told her, “If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Esther took the bold step to approach the king.
We can try to blend into the scenery. Or we can show our colors and identify with the One who calls us to acknowledge Him “here on earth” (Matthew 10:32). One choice watches history happen. The other choice makes it.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Romans 12:1-21
More:
Read Esther 7:1-7 and see how Esther courageously identified with her people.
Next:
In what creative ways can you show your colors as a follower of Jesus? Ask Him today how you can do that.
Gary Shultz on November 23, 2015 at 6:23 am
Being older I have faced more questions more often, and the one you ask in the “Next” section is one I often ask myself. I have come up with a basic grid for me, since at work it is not acceptable to originate conversation about religion or politics….. One of the biggest things I see is the language you use. The marketplace has become a perverse sewer of verbiage. Another thing I look to do is be kind – be helpful, listen, lend a hand, try to be understanding. The another item is eating, often at lunch is a golden opportunity, without a glance, without a word bow your head and give thanks. One other thing some might not count important, but I do, is have a sense of (good) humor and use it wisely. Thanks, thanks for your service and have a great Thanksgiving.
Tim Gustafson on November 23, 2015 at 6:42 am
Good words and sound advice, Gary. Yes, it’s the little, visible things that get noticed over the long run. Thanks for your faithfulness to our Lord!
jim spillane on November 23, 2015 at 12:16 pm
Gary – you are so right. We are challenged to display our faith every day. How many meals to we prepare and eat each day, and how many times do we bow our heads and give thanks. The next time you go to a restaurant of any kind, try to observe how many customers bother to take the time to do such a simple thing as that. And let me just say that I am as guilty as anyone. But we should also keep in mind that we are not to be acting like the Pharisee who stands on the street corner and prays so that all will see him. Let’s keep our intentions proper and pure as we try to balance devotion and humility. Blessings to all.
Winn Collier on December 6, 2015 at 9:32 pm
It’s a powerful thing when we use our voice.