Christians and the affairs of Cesar (Esther 4:13)

(Audio: English, Spanish) ->Alternate

SUMMARY: In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of Christians participating in the secular process, particularly in voting. They emphasize the need to discern what belongs to Caesar's realm and what belongs to the Kingdom of God, and to obey the laws of the land as long as they do not contradict higher laws of the spirit. However, if the claims of Caesar are in contradiction with the claims of Jesus Christ, believers are compelled to put priority on the Kingdom of God. The speaker also warns against a rebellious disposition and encourages an innocent but discerning approach to questioning and resisting laws. The story of Esther is used as an example of a polarized and urgent situation where a decision had to be made about participating in the political system. The speaker ultimately argues that voting is not optional for Christians and is part of respecting the law and allowing their voice to be heard.

In the Book of Esther, Esther had to make a decision to participate in a situation that could have resulted in the destruction of the Jewish people. Mordecay believed that Esther had been placed in that position for a purpose and that she could be the one to bring deliverance to her people. The Book of Esther does not mention God directly, but the presence of God is seen throughout the story. Sometimes God will use natural means to carry out supernatural means, and we can be the agents of God's action and will in the world. We are living in urgent times, and it is important to discern the times and make decisions that advance the interests of the Kingdom of God. There are two essential orientations of reality: one that is secular, humanist, and rational, and one that is God-oriented, humble towards reason, and respects the word of God. We must judge our candidates by their heart, spirit, and attitudes, discern the totality, and not just by rhetoric from the outside. We must participate in this time, and as a church, we must discharge our responsibility to help our members make a decision. We should register to vote and seek wisdom and guidance from God as we make crucial decisions that advance the interests of the Kingdom of God.

Now let’s go to the word of the Lord in the Book of Esther. I’m going to read a couple of verses from there. Book of Esther. Let’s go to chapter 4, verse 13. It’s a passage that we have heard many times in different kind of contexts, I want to apply it somehow to the theme that God has placed in my heart this morning.

Let me translate loosely from the Spanish here. It says: “…. Then Mordecai asked that they would respond to Esther, that whey would give this message to Esther: It says, “do not think, Esther that you will be able to escape in the House of the king more than any other Jew, because if you stay silent in an absolute sense in this time, relief and liberation will come from some other place for the Jews, but you and your house and the house of your father shall perish, and who knows if you have come to the Kingdom for such a time as this.”