She lived in a different culture and period. No social media; instead, a royal decree was issued. A disguised orphan, she walked through the King's palace gates. The young, beautiful girl was separated from the only caregiver she had known. He watched from a distance, admiring the young woman she had become while praying for her safety and well-being. Esther certainly felt alone, but she would remain under his continuous care. Daily, for twelve months, her guardian, Mordecai, paced in front of the court of the women's quarters to learn of her welfare. He only wanted the best for the child he grew to love as his daughter.
Esther immediately pleased Hegai, the custodian of the women, and found favor with him. Hegai moved Esther alone with the seven hand-select attendants to the best place in the house of the women. Certainly, Mordecai felt pleased as they ensured Esther's well-being and gave her the best provisions. Her cousin's investment in her created returns. She's safe; lacking nothing. She didn't know how the position of Queen would become such a burden to her. The twelve months of preparation with oils of myrrh and perfumes beautifying her didn't serve as a warning.
Faith to Warn of Danger
Mordecai's position allowed him to remain at the King's gate. His wisdom positioned him as the link to guide his young orphaned relative's in life matters she would have to endure. Minding his own business and probably drinking his water, too, Mordecai overheard two furious King's doorkeepers who allowed anger to override their judgment. Spewing their disgust regarding the King, the doorkeepers plotted against the King. Mordecai sent word to Esther. "Bigthan and Teresh, the King's doorkeepers, plan to kill your husband. You must inform the King."
Esther trusted Mordecai. He raised her and continued to be present in her life, guiding her when needed. After all, Mordecai's actions led to her being placed in a position to become the Queen. Indeed, he wouldn't leave or forsake her now. Esther informed the King of the planned assassination, as revealed by her cousin, Mordecai. Undoubtedly, Esther earned more favor with the King for saving his life. God, working behind the scene, would soon weave together this moment into Mordecai's future.
Faith to Accept Conflict
She didn't know. How could Esther have ever expected such a request from Mordecai? Wasn't it enough she delivered the first message? Wasn't it enough she obeyed and allowed him to guide her throughout her life and become Queen? Of course, she appreciated all that Mordecai sacrificed, but why put her in a position where she could die? Mordecai, well-informed of the cultural dilemma of women, knew the royal protocols. As a Jew, she understood his reasons for not bowing to Haman. Only God was worthy of such adoration and honor. Esther recalled the protocols in a message to Mordecai and noted the dangers of his request to approach the King regarding Haman's plot to kill the Jews.
His response captured her heart, mind, and spirit. "Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the King's palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, and you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? "
The Royal Queen stepped into her spiritual role. Esther sent word to call a fast for all the Jews present in Shushan. Leaders with integrity and respect model desired behaviors and join the people's despair. Esther directed Mordecai to fast and committed herself and her maidservants. Esther realized her position was not for her but designed by God for the people. Her resolve was evident, "…and so I will go to the king, which is against the law, and if I perish, I perish." Esther did not fast to decide if she would take a stand; she decided first, then fasted for direction. The three-day fast was her time of supplication to seek God's intervention.
Esther approached her husband, the King, and received favor. Upon his asking, Esther requested to have Haman at her banquet. She didn't rush. She presented herself with such grace and class that Haman left the first banquet, bragging to his wife and friends. Haman greedily agreed to the suggestion of preparing a gallows to hang Haman. Unfortunately, Haman didn't have a spouse like the King, who had Esther to protect him. Love protects. Encouraging murder gave Haman fuel to believe his evil practices would work out in his favor.
Faith Operating Over Fear
The collocation, cool, calm, and collected, is a slang I often heard as a child. It meant "chill," as in today's term, "unbothered." Cambridge's definition is showing great control over your feelings regarding Esther's demeanor during the second banquet. Esther shared the request with the King. In chapter 7 of the book, named after her, Esther didn't request death from Haman. Esther spoke life, "…let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request (Esther 7: 4).
No yelling. No blaming. No cursing or cussing. No feeling threatened by Haman's presence. Most importantly, she did not waste her words for evil but for good. She didn't even mention Haman's name until her husband asked. The amount of emotional restraint was incredible! You can't get any more cool, calm, and collected than what Esther exemplified.
Life Connections: Living by Faith
Everywhere we plant our feet as disciples of Christ, we can be challenged like Esther. Mentally highlight that Esther was not in the temple of the Lord or at a baptism in the Jordan. In her luxurious home, conflict found her. Esther leveraged her position and title instead of allowing the title and position to use her. Several legitimate reasons brought on fear. However, love for God's chosen drove fear away. Prayer gave her strategy and strength.
Will you allow God to steer the wheel? Is there a place or time you have decided not to bring God? Is the title and position too prestige to risk? Will it be too embarsssing to give up the accolades that can with the promotion? Does the salary outweigh your spiritual commitment and purpose? Do you trust God to say that whatever is lost is lost?
Salvation is free. The relationship costs. "Then Jesus went to work on his disciples,"Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat;Â I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me, and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for? (Matthew 16:24-26 MSG).
Like Mordecai, God is behind the scenes working and weaving it all together for your good and His glory. You have trusted him for the position, now trust Him with the position. Honor Him daily.
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