John Fischer The Catch

Today we are publishing not two, but three pieces that I hope you all pay attention to.

1. Marti’s now-famous article: “For Such A Time As This” that no matter how many times you’ve read it, read it once more. That goes for me too.
2. Of the incredible responses we have received so far, the one that stands out is one by Peter from Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA. We are printing it here after Marti’s article for your inspiration and as an example of how one member of our Catch community is taking action.
3. Study Questions for Lesson 4. I think you will agree, these questions will help you unlock what God wants YOU to do for such a time as this.

FINALLY, write us as Peter and others have done and let us know how God wants you to take action. You can comment publicly below or privately by replying to this email.

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We are re-publishing this for three reasons:

1. Because it’s critical

2. Because it’s critical

3. Because it’s critical

Also, we urge you to tackle the three study questions and action step at the end. They will help you bring the message home.

For Such A Time As This…

by Marti Fischer

There’s a moment in Scripture — tucked into the Book of Esther — that has echoed through generations of God’s people. Mordecai’s words to Esther cut through her fear and hesitation: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14

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If my reach doesn’t go beyond my grasp

Then what’s a heaven for, and for what do I ask?

          – John Fischer from the song “Too Many Teachers” (Based on a Quote by Robert Browning)

Shortly before my father’s passing, he and I met in Branson, Missouri, the entertainment capitol of the world, to attend the shows of some of his favorite singers. It was a rare opportunity to be alone with my dad on what turned out to be one of our last significant times together. I was never very close to my father so I was hoping to make something memorable happen. Marti helped me out with this by telling me, as I walked out the door, “Don’t forget to get the key from him before he dies.”

“The key? What key?”

“He’ll know,” she said. “Just ask him for the key.”

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When the heart moves out to others by the power of the Holy Spirit, heaven touches earth.

by Marti & John Fischer

I wanna live in the world not inside my head   – Jackson Browne

You and I know the Scriptures. Some of us have traced Greek roots, unpacked Hebrew idioms, and written footnotes that would make a seminary professor proud. Yet, our scholarship often remains on the page, and our faith lingers in the pews. Meanwhile, lives around us wait for the healing, hope, and love that only God can provide through ordinary people like you and me who are willing to obey.

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There is a guy who lives alone across from the mail store I frequent almost every day. He doesn’t own a car, walks everywhere, and sometimes appears to be muttering to nobody in particular. He’s about my age, often wears his shirt unbuttoned to his belly, and someone at the local grocery said he thinks he’s God’s gift to women. Well, I don’t know about that, but he does like to show off his chest. On warm days, he doesn’t wear a shirt at all, and his tanned and leathery skin will attest to that.

He presents himself as an artist. He’s always displaying some kind of large picture on his front lawn, usually of a rock music group. A picture he did of Jim Morrison and the Doors is always on display. Last week he put up a large sign thanking Brian Wilson for the good music and happy memories.

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Yesterday we published an article by Marti Fischer titled “For Such A Time As This…” It’s the pace-setting article for our study of Esther and our focus on the importance of our MemberPartners. If you haven’t read it we are publishing it again in today’s Catch and if you’ve already read it I encourage you to read it again. I then would encourage you to spend some time with the questions following the article which should take you through the weekend. These are well thought out questions that will help you drive the important points deeper into your heart. I also you to write down your answers. You always remember so much more when you write things down. Think of it as a spiritual journal.    – JF 

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I somehow wish I could put today’s Catch by Marti in neon. Something to make it rise up out of the plethora of information we have facing us today and be seriously considered by everyone in our community. It’s that good. No, “good” is the wrong word, though it is good. It’s important. It’s necessary. I’m afraid you’re going to miss it. I’m afraid you’re going to breeze through this inspired piece with a thousand things on your mind and go on to something else. And what a shame that would be. So am I trying to get your attention? Yes. Am I being successful? Only time will tell.

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Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” So Mordecai went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him. Esther 4:15-17

The edict had been issued; the notice had gone out to the whole empire, sealed by the king’s signet ring, that “all Jews—young and old, including women and children—must be killed, slaughtered, and annihilated on a single day. This was scheduled to happen on March 7 of the next year” (Esther 3:13). It’s important to note that it was a hard and fast rule of the Persian Empire that edicts by the king were irrevocable. Another one of those irrevocable rules was that no one could approach the king in his chamber without an invitation upon penalty of death. The only exception being someone to whom he extended his golden scepter. This was Esther’s only hope. So Esther called on all the Jews in the city to fast and pray for three days and on the third day she went in to see the king.

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The story of Esther is a story in which timing plays a critical role. Just consider the theme: “for such a time as this.” Esther finds herself in the right place at the right time to assist in saving the lives of her countrymen and women, the Jews.

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