For Such a Time

This is from the junior devotional by Dorothy Eaton Watts called “Getups!” I’ve copied from the devotional on January 20th, and my thoughts are at the end.

For Such A Time

“Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

Thousands of spectators were gathered on Capitol Hill the cold, clear morning of Inauguration Day, January 20th, 1961. Some had been there all night in 22 degree weather in order to assure themselves a good look at the thirty-fifth president of the United States as he rode up Pennsylvania Avenue.
A crew of 3,000 had worked all night to remove eight inches of snow that had fallen the day before. As the hour of noon approached, all was in readiness.
The sun was glittering bright at the ceremony began. Bareheaded in spite of the cold, John F. Kennedy removed his overcoat and stepped to the lectern.
Conversation in the crowd stopped as he placed his left hand on the open Bible, raised his right hand, and repeated after Chief Justice Earl Warren: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States.”
Millions of people around the world were stirred as they heard him say: “In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do no shrink from this responsibility – I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation.”
Suddenly people were glad to be living at such a moment, glad for the challenge to sacrifice and the devotion given by this youthful president: “My fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”

Today, in the year 2006, we also live in a time that is amazing. Natural disasters have taken on greater proportions than many have seen in their lifetimes. For the first time, we ran out of letters for names in our alphabet, and had to start using letters from the Greek alphabet for naming the tropical storms heading our way. Technology is making possible the fulfillment of the Great Commission, to tell the good news to everyone in all the world. Then, Jesus is coming back in glory and majesty. We should be glad to live in this great moment. We should be thrilled to be part of this time in the world’s history! And we are here, for such a time as this. Can God count on you and I to do our part and tell the world that Jesus is coming soon?