They each have a long history in Judaism. It is especially significant at this moment when the Christian world is contemplating a new millennium. The answer is not simple. Quietism sometimes results in our failure to act to save ourselves or to save others who are victims of the oppressions and limitations of an unredeemed world. On the other hand, messianic activism has had disastrous results where violent actions are pursued to push the end.
Messianic fervor is often irrational.
The God enthused can be dangerous. Redemption and messianism are not necessarily the same thing. The issue as I think about it really not about redemption as much as it is about living an significant live. Joseph and Esther in extraordinary situations and their actions have dramatic consequences. They can be role models when we recognize that in some ways they are ordinary people.