Previously in this series, it was mentioned that every peculiar time calls for peculiar people who choose to stand for their convictions. The major hallmark of change agents is their unflinching resolution to stand alone when and where necessary. The Samarian woman, who met Jesus Christ at the well, became a change agent after that day’s encounter. The family is a veritable tool in raising godly children who eventually become change agents to their generation.
This week, we shall x-ray the lives of two bible characters who changed the course of history in their life time. Esther was a young woman of humble background who later became queen to king Ahasuerus. At a crucial point in time in the history of the Jewish nation, she took the bull by the horn and put her life on the line. Hamman’s plot to annihilate the entire Jewish nation would have come to pass if Esther did not rise to change the narratives. Listen to queen Esther in her words to Mordecai: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16). King Ahasuerus was misled by Hamman to make a decree sealed with his signet, to the detriment of the Jews’ existence. Change agents are fearless and undaunted in the face of any challenge that comes their way. Is there any worthy cause you are afraid to venture into? Friend, I challenge you to launch out and pay the ultimate price. Don’t sit in the citadel of Shushan, dare to hold the lion by the jugular!
The second bible personality who stood his ground in the face of overwhelming pressure was Daniel. In the midst of abundant royal delicacies in Babylon, he chose not to defile himself with the portion of the king’s food. Traditionally, it was their custom to feed anyone living in the palace with the best of foods and drinks. Daniel declined and rather requested for common beans and water. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor the wine which he drank…” (Daniel 1:8). At the end, he turned out ten times better than his counterparts who dined and wined with the king. He changed their long-standing custom and tradition. It takes a man or woman of determination and purpose to be a change agent.
Be ready to play your role as you strive to be a change agent. God bless you richly. (To be contd.)
