“Then when the King’s edict is proclaimed throughout all his vast realm, all the women will respect their husbands, from the least to the greatest.” Esther 1:20, NIV
King Xerxes had a problem.
His Queen publicly disrespected him. Refused his request. Made him look like a fool.
“Then the King become furious and burned with anger.” Esther 1:12b, NIV
He consulted with his seven vice-regents on what to do.
“Get rid of her,” was the answer, “or no woman will show her husband due respect.”
Now, the King needs a new Queen. What are the required qualifications?
Beautiful? A must.
Young? Of course.
Humble, reverent, and submits to authority? Hmmm, he might not have articulated it, but deep down, that’s exactly what he wanted. Because his first Queen didn’t possess those qualities, King Xerxes found himself searching for another.
A plan is put into action. All the beautiful and young ladies are rounded up and slowly presented to the king.
He can choose any of them.
Who will he choose?
Esther did not lead a charmed life. She grew up without either a father or a mother. Thankfully, she did have her cousin Mordecai, a devout Jew who took his guardianship responsibilities seriously. He taught Esther humility. He taught her reverence for God and for those in authority. He taught her respect and how to show it.
He didn’t know as he taught little Esther, he was raising an effective Queen and preparing one of the biggest heroines in biblical history.
“Now the King was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other woman, and so won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her Queen instead of Vashti.” Esther 2:17-18 NIV
Unbelievably, Esther won the King’s favor. But she didn’t let it go to her head.
When she discovered trouble, she relied on Mordecai’s advice and her and her servant’s fasting – searching for God’s great plan in all this mess.
She did not rely on her earthly position. She did not cash in on her hard-won favor. She didn’t dream of ordering around servants to save herself.
She humbly went to God in a three day fast. Then, she humbly went to the King, inviting him to a banquet where she would further serve him.
Did she know that each time she served him she endeared herself to him all the more?
Maybe, this queen became more than an ornament. Maybe the love and respect she showed him was commanding his attention off her lovely appearance and was attracting his heart.
Esther was, by biblical record ‘lovely in form and feature.’ But beyond her pretty face was something that served to captivate a king. That something moved Esther from the status of concubine to Queen.
The power of this woman was in her humble heart. She knew where the greatest power resided: in God. She wasn’t afraid to humble herself before Him and ask His will. She also didn’t feel the need to “prove” herself worthy of status. Her power of position was on her knees, submitting to God’s will. Through her obedience and service, God saved His chosen people.
Reflections:
What position of power do I frequently choose?
What is the source of power I choose to wield? Is it an ability of myself or do I rely on God?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Please help me honestly evaluate where I stand in my attitudes and actions. Please convict me where needed and help me to change the focus of power off what little power I think I possess to focusing on Your power and allowing You to use me as a vessel. Thank You for never giving up on Your children, Amen.
Thanks for reading! Please return by Monday, May 23, or the next post.
I read over several parts twice. I have two authority figures that I sometimes struggle with feeling fear around. God help me to stay humble and know my life is in His hands.