Esther – Beautiful and Courageous by Design
The book of Esther has several important events leading up to the climax of the story.
First, Queen Vashti was exiled for refusing to appear in front of King Xerxes and his drunk friends. Because of this, King Xerxes gathered all the beauties in Susa’s royal district so he could pick out a wife. During this period, a Jewish man named Mordecai resided in Susa and looked after his orphaned niece Esther, a beautiful young woman. Esther was escorted to the palace, where she was chosen as the king’s favorite and named queen out of all the young women. She kept her Jewish ancestry a secret, as Mordecai had recommended.
Second, while walking in the royal courts, Mordechai overheard two of the King’s eunuchs conspiring to assassinate him. Mordechai then reported to Esther, and Esther relayed the information to King Xerxes, foiling the assassination and having the conspirators executed.
Third, Haman, the king’s evil adviser, and second-in-command demanded the servants of the king to bow down to him as well. But when Mordecai refused to do so, it infuriated him. Learning that Mordecai was a Jew, Haman devised a plan to eliminate the Jews.
So, what was the point of Esther’s story? Yes, we all know that Haman’s plot was foiled and that Esther succeeded. But if we go through the entire story, there is more to it than the victory of the Jews through Esther. Here are three things we can learn from her:
God is sovereign regardless of whether we are aware or not.
In the entire story, God has never mentioned it. Does that mean he was not with the Jews at that time? The book may not have mentioned God, but he was there with them. Behind the curtain, pulling strings and facilitating events to lead up to the salvation of his people. What were the chances for Esther to be selected as the queen at a very opportune time? Had the eunuchs succeeded in assassinating the king, would there be someone with the authority to stop Haman’s plans? In our life, God is sovereign. Even when things seem to be non-sensical, we just have to remain courageous and know that God is going to work things out for us.
God is faithful in His promises. He will make things happen, one way or the other.
When Esther initially refused Mordecai’s plea, he tells him this, “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14.
Mordecai knew that even if Esther refused to help the Jews, deliverance would still befall God’s people. He knew that God was faithful and that He would honor His covenant with Abraham and Mosses.
Courage and sacrifices for God will never be in vain.
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so, will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. Esther 4:16.
Esther knew that appearing before the king without being summoned was punishable by death. However, to fulfill God’s purpose, she was willing to die in the hands of her husband. But instead of death, she was met with affection and love. Xerxes extended his golden scepter and offered half of his kingdom if she desired so. God rewards our courage and will see us through if we deny ourselves fear for His sake.
God is never blind to our circumstances. If he puts you through it, He will get you through it, and all you need is faith and courage.
