A Sea of Changes

Esther 4:4-17
Each of our readings today contains a significant and noteworthy transformation, what Shakespeare calls a “sea change” (The Tempest, I. ii. 403). In Esther a pliant, child-like niece is transformed into a Queen and the deliverer of her people. When her uncle Mordecai tells her that she may have “come to royal dignity for just such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) Esther begins to issue instructions and to formulate a plan. This verse comes as close as any in the book to revealing the presence of God. In fact, we may assume that God has begun to work through Esther at this point to bring about God’s will in the midst of God’s people.

Acts 18:1-11
Another sea change takes place with Paul’s words, “From now on I will go to the Gentiles” (Acts 18:6). Paul had been rebuffed by the majority of Jews in Corinth (v. 6). So Paul sets his sights elsewhere. Not only does this mark a change in Paul’s ministry, but also a change for the Christian movement in general. Not long before Peter had still claimed the role of missionary to the Gentiles (15:6-7), but from now on it is Paul who will take on this role. Indeed, through the rest of the book Paul moves even more to the front and center as the gospel continues to spread.

Luke 1:1-4, 3:1-14
John the Baptist’s call to repentance plays a key role in the early story of Jesus’ ministry which is, of course, the greatest sea change of all. Interestingly John’s message is not one of impractical asceticism, but of real repentance, real “turning around.” If someone is in need share from your abundance. If you are a tax collector collect only what you are due. If you are a soldier be satisfied with your wages and do not extort others. These challenges are reasonable and yet they mark a profound change in the lives of those who accept them.

What does all of this change mean to us? It means that we can expect God to move us in unexpected directions, to challenge our comfortable notions, to draw more from us than we knew we had to give. Esther might never have known how decisive and determined she could be until she was challenged by Mordecai. Paul and the early church both found new definition and a new audience that might never have been fully reached without Paul’s realization. And John the Baptist’s audience might never have known the practicality of social justice had he not come to prepare the way of the Lord. How will God challenge you and me today? And how will we respond?

Prayer: Help us to discover in ourselves the resources we need to serve you and others in an ever-changing world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.