An Absence of Awe By Chris Seiple President of the Institute for Global Engagement November 1, 2006 “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance of the Jews will arise from another place…who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 Next week we Americans will go to the polls and vote amidst uneasy and trying times. Abroad, the world appears to be going to hell-in-a-hand-basket. From nukes in North Korea and soon Iran, to the seeming morass of Iraq, to the threat of terrorism, we are physically threatened. At home, both political parties provide simplistic positions to motivate their base while avoiding complex issues. Indeed, among the people I talk to, Republicans are repulsed by their leadership’s inability to speak clearly on torture, to be honest about Iraq and Congressional scandals, and to spend taxpayer dollars responsibly; while Democrats are disgusted by their leadership’s inability to provide a viable alternative. The result is two parties defined against each other — instead of by what they are for — serving no one, not even themselves. It is no wonder that perceptions of America abroad, and American perceptions of politicians at home, are at all time lows. Yet Christians belong to both parties, and are therefore a part of the problem. Is it possible that we Christians, who are called to a “more excellent way,” can set a different tone for our country — individually and corporately — no matter our political differences? I think the answer is yes. But we have to overcome our “absence of awe” for God and the way He works his will in human affairs. This absence is often particularly evident in our conduct toward one another in political life — a conduct that loudly proclaims that we feel we are the center of the universe and that we are more important than our neighbor. If Christians who happen to be Americans are called to love their neighbor during this election season, then we must forge ahead by recovering our awe for the living God of history, and the gifts He has given us, especially the stewardship of our democracy. Fortunately, God provides some principles for living shrewdly amidst geopolitical complexity and local politics through the example of Esther. Esther, a Jewish orphan in exile, grew up in Persia (Iran) during the 5th century B.C. Raised by the devout Jew, Mordechai, she won a national beauty contest as a young woman and became the wife of King Xerxes, and Queen of Persia. However, the King’s senior advisor became angry with the Jews because of Mordechai’s devout example. He then planned, and won the King’s approval for, genocide against all the Jews throughout Xerxes’ Middle East kingdom. Esther shrewdly used her influence to not only defeat the advisor, but protect and preserve — through the rule of law — her minority faith’s right to worship freely. This remarkable result hinged on Mordechai’s challenge to Esther (cited above). Christians can interpret and apply this challenge in one of two ways. The first manner is selfish, focusing only on that famous phrase, “for such a time as this.” By considering this last part of the verse in isolation, Christians over-spiritualize allegedly unique moments, seeing what they want to see. As a result, any collection of coincidences becomes an opportunity to see God’s hand of validation — from our desire for parking spaces to personal prosperity to our political positions. The created, not the Creator, is the point of reference. The second interpretation is not afraid to claim the phrase “for such a time as this,” but it does so only in the context of Mordechai’s admonition at the beginning of the verse: If not you, Esther, “deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place...” Interpreted in its complete context, the Creator is now the point of reference. God will provide for the Jews ... because He can. God is sovereign. He does not need you, Esther, but this is a chance for you to be obedient. Esther, this is a chance for you to steward the gifts and opportunities that God has given you for His sake, not yours. Esther understands the moment, and moves intentionally against the policy of genocide. Curiously, she does not organize a simplistic advertising campaign that misconstrues the facts or insults the opposition. Instead, Esther fasts. She waits upon God for wisdom and discernment. With the resulting peace, and insight, she tricks the King’s advisor — who considers the moment as “such a time” for his own political gain — into moving too quickly. He hangs himself politically, and then is hung by the King for his treachery. Most intriguing about this account is the fact that the name of God is not mentioned once in the entire book of Esther. It doesn’t need to be. His name is revealed and revered not so much by what Mordechai and Esther do — or even say — but in how they do it. His voice still speaks to us today through their character, through their relentlessly redeeming example of faithfulness, humility, and obedience. It is a voice that we Christians would do well to remember as we consider the example we set for each other, and the world: The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars ... The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the Lord shakes the desert… The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in His temple all cry, “Glory!” ...the Lord is enthroned as King forever. (Psalm 29:4-5, 7-10) Does the living God of history speak through your example? Do your words and actions reflect a profound awe for the Creator of the universe? Is your life, to the best of your human ability, an honest attempt to be obedient — where “such a time as this” is reverentially revealed in every moment of a life humbly spent seeking the face of God? Is He the point of reference, not you? Or, is “such a time as this” a chance to validate your political position, as well as your latest efforts to gain wealth, prestige, and influence? There are no easy answers and, truth be told, most of us, beginning with me, spend the majority of our time validating our selfishness. So here’s a suggestion for my fellow American Christians: fast. Sometime before the election, find the time to fast, and seek the face of God. As you fast, listen for His voice. Seek wisdom and discernment about how best to love your neighbor in these complex and divisive times, as you also steward that gift from an awesome God that is your American citizenship. (c) 2006 The Institute for Global Engagement