In Sunday school yesterday, after reading from the book of Esther, the teacher asked this question:
What strikes you about Esther?
Now, I love the book of Esther. I have studied it many times. It’s probably the book of the Bible that I know best. But yesterday I saw something I hadn’t seen before.
This is what I wrote regarding Esther.
What is so striking about Esther is that while her life always seems to be falling apart it is actually all falling together for God’s purpose.
Esther’s life was never in her control. She became an orphan at a young age. The scripture doesn’t tell us the details but it does say that her mother and father were killed. As her life continues, Esther the orphan would be no stranger to tragedy. She was taken in by her cousin Mordecai and he cared for her until she was suddenly taken from his home by an order that came from the King of Persia, Xerxes. Events detailed in chapter 2, lead to Esther being made Queen of Persia. Shortly after she becomes queen there is a decree issued from the king that commands that every Jew in the kingdom would be put to death. Tragedy strikes again.
Esther’s background has been kept a secret but it will soon be revealed. It is at this time that Esther decides to go before the king, without being summoned, which is an action that is punishable only by death. When the King sees her, he raises his scepter and spares her life. She invites him to a couple of banquets where she reveals her nationality and requests that her people be spared. The king cannot reverse the decree but he did issue a new one that allowed the Jews to protect themselves. Through this act the Jews were preserved and Esther goes down in biblical history as one of the most courageous women of all time. I encourage you to read Esther for yourself, it’s a short book with only 10 chapters.
What I want you to see here is that no matter what tragedy struck Esther, from the death of her parents, to her removal from Mordecai’s home, to facing death at the hand of her own husband, God’s hand was always upon her. No matter how bleak things looked, God always provided for her. She had to do some hard things. She walked a difficult road. But because she trusted the Lord she was used mightily to spare her people, God’s people.
I don’t know your journey. I don’t know the pain in your path but I do know that God is faithful. Whether you’re facing a small problem or a devastating tragedy, God is faithful. You may have to face dark days, you may have to make difficult decisions but know this sweet sister, God’s hand is upon you.
If I can pray for you today, please don’t hesitate to send me a message.