| Esther 1:1-3:15; I Corinthians 11:17-34; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 21:19-20
“…bring Queen Vashti before him with her royal crown. He wanted to show off her beauty to the people and the officials, because she was very beautiful. But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command that was delivered by his eunuchs. The king became furious, and his anger burned within him.” (Esther 1:11-12)
King Ahasuerus was ruler over the Persian territories at this time. He threw a huge party that lasted about six months for all of his staff, officials and noblemen. He requested his wife, Queen Vashti, come down so he could show how beautiful she was. She refused and it absolutely set the world on fire. “Oh my, if the other women find out, they are gonna buck their husbands. She has got to go!” Actually, Vashti shouldn’t have disrespected her husband like that. She didn’t feel like being paraded as an object but sometimes it’s not all about us. When she stepped into the role of queen, she accepted certain obligations that came with it. I assure you that she received the blessings as well. Any older women (or men) in the Lord or people that are in positions of authority have a certain way they need to behave, if for nothing else out of respect for the office we hold. Order honors the Lord.
The king, fearing an upheaval throughout his territory from Vashti’s disobedience, stages a huge beauty pageant in order to replace her. This opens the door for Esther. She is one of the young virgins chosen for the contest. Esther’s parents both died leaving her orphaned at a young age. Her cousin, Mordecai, took her in as his own, officially adopted and raised her. Yes, adoption is of the Lord. It is a selfless act of mercy and kindness for someone who has been in some way abandoned.
“Esther did not reveal her ethnic background or her birthplace, because Mordecai had ordered her not to.” (2:10)
Despite the fact that Esther was an orphaned, minority female raised in an oppressive society, God used her greatly to fulfill a particular call He had designed especially for her. This goes to show us that our early beginnings do not have to define who we are. Our ethnicity does not have to define who we are. Our gender does not have to define who we are. It is our spiritual connection with God and our ability to listen and be obedient to His purpose that defines who we are. Never let any of the above things hinder you from your path. God is well able to raise us above our circumstances and limitations in order for us to fulfill our destiny. If Esther, with all of her challenges can do it, so can we. You have purpose!
PRAYER:
Lord, I ask You to reveal to me what my purpose is. I pray to have the confidence and ability to fulfill what You have called me to do. Help me to not get stuck on my background or shortcomings. Teach me to rely on You knowing that as long as I am in Your will, taking care of Your business then I will always succeed, one way or another. Thank You God, in the name of Jesus I pray. Amen. |
