ESTHER 2:8-9 (8)So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. (9)And the maiden pleased him: and she obtained kindness of him: and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.
More than likely Esther was forced to go to this queen contest. After queen Vashti refused to obey the king's command and he banished her from the kingdom, the royal decree went out that all the virgins in the land were to come to the palace for a time of purification and preparation to be queen. She was orphaned when her parents died. Her cousin Mordecai raised her and he told her what to do and not to do. She listened to him. One thing he told her was never to tell that she was a Jew. Now Esther is in the palace along with all the other virgins in the land. Hegai is the keeper of the women. He is taking care of them and teaching them how to conduct themselves. He immediately liked Esther and she obtained preferential treatment.
Sometimes God wants us to do something and at first it may not look like something we want to do. If we will have a soft, pliable heart and obey God we will soon see we are in a situation where we are favored and given special treatment. God's Word tells us in Proverbs 3:3-4 "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man." If we act with mercy and according to God's truth, if we keep them with us and in our hearts, we will find favor and good understanding in God's eyes and in man's. We see this is true in Esther as well.
ESTHER 2:17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
We know that Esther had obtained favor in God's eyes as we read the rest of the story. She also obtained favor in the king's eyes. According to the Jewish Talmud, Esther was one of the four most beautiful women who ever lived. Once king Ahasuerus saw Esther he decided he found his queen. She was beautiful and she did all the things she was instructed to do. This beautiful Jewish orphan found herself crowned queen and no one but her cousin knew she was a Jew.
God's people have always been under attack. This time in history is no different. Esther is in danger. All of the Jews are. The enemy is walking the halls of the palace and in a matter of time he strikes! What should Esther do about it? Everyone knows if she goes to the king unannounced he could have her head chopped off. Haman the arch enemy of the Jews has convinced the king to annihilate the Jews from off the planet. The king blindly goes along with this horrific scheme and the plan is put into motion. The royal decree goes out and it's up to Esther to save her people, but the king had not asked to see her in a while and she could not simply go see him on her own without risking her very life.
ESTHER 4:13-16 (13)Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. (14)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 and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (15)Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, (16)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.
Mordecai tells Esther that it's up to her to save her people. If she won't do it, he reminds her that the king's castle is no safe hiding place. The decree is to annihilate all of the Jews and she would not be an exception. He reminds her that she was put in the palace for such a time as this. This is her purpose, her destiny. She is going to save a whole nation if she will be brave and courageous. Esther sends back the message that they must fast for three days and three nights with nothing to eat or drink. I have fasted that way for that length of time before and it is a powerful way to get your body under subjection and to hear from God. The fast began among the Jews and within the palace with Esther and her handmaidens. When you need a miracle from God, fasting and praying is a great way to get things moving!
Esther knew the gravity of what was being asked of her. She was young. She wanted to please her cousin. She wanted to be a good queen. She wanted to use her favor and influence for something meaningful and now is her chance. The last statement she made was powerful. She tells her cousin she trusts that he is guiding her correctly. She knows it is no accident a young orphaned Jewish girl is now in a place of power and honor. She boldly states that she will go to the king even though it is against the law and if she dies, she is willing to die.
What things in your life are you facing that seem to be overwhelming? Maybe there is no decree to annihilate you and your family, but maybe you are looking at something big and scary and you are afraid. God wants to encourage you that you are right where you are supposed to be. He will make the way of escape for you. He will lead you and guide you where you need to go next. He will fill your mouth with what to say. Do you trust Him? What were you placed on the earth, right now in this moment, for?
1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
JOHN 16:13 Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.
EXODUS 4:11-12 (11)And the LORD said unto him, Who made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? (12)Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
As we go through the upcoming weekend, let's look for opportunities to do good. Let's ask Holy Spirit to guide us in the paths to walk in. Let's pray for God to fill our mouths with what He wants us to say. We can do all things as Jesus strengthens us according to Philippians 4:13. Let's think about what we were made to do and let's do it with everything within us. God will give you favor with people. You will get the promotion, the provision, the promise. Don't give up. Stay faithful to the one true, faithful, loving God and lean on Him. He will see us all through.
I hope something I have shared today has given you strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!
~Bridgett Owens
No comments:
Post a Comment