I have a Silver Generation Passion Card, a card that I appreciate a lot these days, moving around Singapore. But this card not only gets me around; it reminds me of the urgency of the season of life that I am in.

Just like my Silver Passion Card, if there is one Scripture text that speaks to me urgently about the times we are in, it would be Esther 4:13-14:

“Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Many of us would be familiar with the Esther story and the deliverance of God’s people that hinged on this pivotal Mordecai moment and challenge to Esther: “For such a time as this.” Will she say “yes” or “no”, for the destiny of God’s people?

Now what’s interesting to note here is that even as Esther was key to God’s plan and purpose, what is really inspiring and convicting to me, when we apply a generational lens to this deliverance story, is that we see the critical and vital role of Mordecai in God’s plan of salvation.

Therefore, as we pray to Turn Singapore Godward, there is obviously an urgent call to pray and see a generation of Esthers rising up to their destinies to answer God’s call “for such a time as this”. 

But we must see, too, “for such a time as this”, that it is just as crucial for a Mordecai Generation to stay connected, step up and speak out for the next generation. 

Even as a younger Esther Generation rises up to their destiny, we need the older Mordecai Generation to stay connected, fasting and praying for the next generation. 

For such a time as this

Now here’s an amazing revelation: While Mordecai understood the times and kept watch over Esther, fasting and praying, supporting her with insights, speaking into her life, reminding her of her identity and destiny, Mordecai did not really give her a plan or tell her what to do. 

Esther received for herself the God-directed strategies and, most of all, that supernatural courage: “If I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16)

Mordecai spoke up and Esther rose up. Mordecai prayed and Esther received. Esther was key but Mordecai helped unlock it. 

“Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.’ So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions.” (Esther 4:15-17)

I believe, this is what Acts 2:17 is all about. In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men (and women) will see visions, your old men (and women) will dream dreams.

So, young men and women, rise up, step up. God has a vision, a plan, a strategy for you for “such a time as this”. 

And to all my dear Silver Generation brothers and sisters – to the Mordecai Silver Generation: Let’s dream on! Let’s stay engaged and walk alongside the Esther Generation of today. Encourage, support and pray for them! 

Let’s commit ourselves to 1 Samuel 12:23: “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you” – the next generation. The time is now!

So each time you hold this Silver Passion card in your hand, do join me to pray:

Dear Lord, refresh and re-fire the Mordecais in our land! Help me and my generation to live out our God-given purpose, for such a time as this, walking alongside, encouraging, supporting and praying for the next generation! 

In Jesus’ most powerful name we pray, Amen!

Reflect

1. Read and reflect on Esther 4:13-14. How is God speaking to you through this verse? Do you identify with Mordecai or Esther, or perhaps both?

2. What is God stirring in your heart to pray for the Esther Generation? 

3. Who are the next generation people in your circles you can commit to praying for and supporting in their Kingdom purposes?

Pray

1. Pray for fruitfulness at every age. If you are in your silver or golden years, thank Him for His grace and gifts upon you all these years, and offer them back to Him to use as He will. Give thanks for these special later years of life which He has called you into, a call not given to all. Ask for Him to show you how to be worshipful and purposeful all the days of your life.

2. Whether you are a Mordecai or an Esther, pray for courage to follow God’s will, even when it may seem daunting. Pray for the conviction and boldness to make decisions that align with God’s purpose for you, that you may be a vessel of His love and message of salvation.

3. Pray for unity and partnership between generations, that the older may share wise counsel and experience, even as the younger lead with energy and zeal.

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