Instead of taking it verse by verse, I'm simply going to make a few points about the story of Esther and her life. I encourage you to read the book in its entirety and bask in the raw, painful beauty of the whole story.
1.Being used - The story of Esther is all about being used, and we get our first glimpse whenever we meet Vashti. During the first of many banquets, the king's beautiful wife is summoned to bare her beauty for all of the king's friends to see. When she refuses the drunk king, refusing to be used and disgraced, she is dethroned. And that is all we hear of this brave, beautiful queen who was tired of being used.(Check out Esther 1)
Then we meet Esther. Her older cousin/father figure encourages her to join the harem of women who are waiting to be paraded in front of the king, preparing in hopes that they will be the next queen. She's being used by Mordecai to gain them a better life. That's not all bad.
Then, after being chosen as queen, she's being used by the king for her beauty. Her body. (Check out Esther 2)
Then, after being chosen as queen, she's being used by the king for her beauty. Her body. (Check out Esther 2)
And next, and best of all, she's being used by God. Used - in the right place, in the right time - to accomplish His purpose. She was put there for a bigger plan, one hidden until the right moment. The moment that Mordecai whispers, "I don't know, my dear, maybe God put you here for such a time as this." To save your people. To turn weeping into rejoicing. To change the course of history. Maybe it has all led up to this.
"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?”(4:14)
"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?”(4:14)
I pray that we overcome being used by people and allow ourselves to be used by God. Even if we don't see His divine plan - maybe He's allowing you to be where you are for "such a time as this." Be patient. Have faith. And look for opportunities.
2. Suffering and saving - While Esther is living life in the palace, keeping hidden the fact that she's a Jew, her people are being persecuted at the hands of Haman - the king's right hand man. Not only do they face persecution daily, but now they are faced with their impending death. Her people are weeping in the streets, and Esther is feasting in the palace.
She doesn't stay sheltered for long. Mordecai persistently shares the plight with this Jewish queen...realizing that she is their only hope. At first, it doesn't seem that Esther wants to risk her life for the life of her people. For that would be what she would be doing if she dared approach the king without being beckoned. Not to mention the risk of admitting she was a Jew. But then the reality, the struggle, the tears sink in...and Esther makes a courageous move on the behalf of her people. (Read Esther 3 and 4)
Are we ignoring hurting people in our lives? Is it too easy for us to close the palace windows and enjoy our perks, while others are suffering? Look at the big picture today and reach out to someone who needs it.
3. Beauty,brains, and braveness - Esther is chosen by the king because of her beauty, she is chosen by God because of her brains and braveness (courage). It took courage for her to approach the king without invitation. It took wisdom and clever understanding for her to invite the king and Haman to dinner...twice...before making her request known. Like any good wife, she understood her husband. And with God's guidance, she knew the best way to approach the situation. She didn't act hastily but patiently waited for the right time. And she put her own life on the line for the lives of her people.
"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.” (4:15-16)
4. Coincidences?- I hardly believe in coincidences but, if you weren't a Christian, Esther is full of them. Esther, the Jew, being chosen as queen just in time to save her people is a pretty amazing God-thing...but that one isn't the one that makes me smile in satisfaction the most.
See, in the book of Esther there is this little rat of a character named Haman. Haman hates the Jews, and Mordecai is his least favorite. Haman has the king wrapped around his finger and uses the king's ring to seal an edict for the annihilation of the Jews. One night the king can't sleep, so he gets someone to read old records to him. Sounds boring enough - stay with me here. These old records record a man saving the king's life. A man by the name of Mordecai. So the king wants to honor this man. Never able to make decisions on his own, the king consults Haman. "Haman, how should I reward a man who has done a great thing for me?". Haman rambles on and on, listing some pretty lofty rewards...thinking that the king is talking about Haman himself. Not so much.
Oh, I love to imagine Haman's face when Esther speaks up during that second banquet. Wanting her people to be free. And wanting justice served. Yes, our God is a God of justice and mercy. I wonder how long it took Haman to realize it all. To put the bigger picture together.
Yes, it's true. On the day that Mordecai was to be hanged...Haman took his place. And that lofty reward? Yep, it was Mordacai's.(Read Esther 5, 6, and 7)
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