King Xerxes was drunk and angry and called for his Queen so he could flaunt her beauty.The queen refused to appear before her husband. Upset with his Queen, wife, the king decided to look for someone to replace her position. Officers were commanded to gather beautiful, young, virgins for the king and the young lady who pleased the king the most would be chosen to replace Queen Vashti. Many beautiful, young women were brought to the king, but none were more beautiful than Esther, cousin of Mordecai. The king adored Esther above all the woman, so setting a crown upon her head, he placed her as his new queen.
Haman, one of the kings officials, was promoted to be the top official. The king declared that all people were to bow down to Haman, but Mordecai, a man faithful to the instruction of God, refused to bow down. Haman grew furious with Mordecai. (Esther 3:5). Haman Knew that Mordecai was a jew so he deceived a plan to kill Mordecai and all the Jews throughout Persia. The king foolishly agreed to Hamans evil plan. When Esther heard of Haman's plan she didn't know what to do. She knew that she was not allowed to come before the king without a formal invitation or she could be put to death. Mordecai came before Esther was advice full of faith.Mordecai assured that Esther would risk her life if she approached the king uninvited, but if she didn't her relatives and people would be put to death. Esther knew what she must do. She fasted for three days to humble herself and seek Gods Guidance. Then she approached the king, ready for the consequences. Queen Esther invited the King and Haman to supper and after their second supper Esther came before the king with a request. She said, "If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. For we have been sold, my people and I, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. Had we been sold as male and female slaves, I would have held my tongue, although the enemy could never compensate for the king's loss" (Esther 7:3-4). The king became very mad asking, "Who is he, and where is he, who would dare presume in his heart to do such a thing?" (verse 5). Esther pointed to Haman who denied of doing such things. The King commanded for Haman to be hung.
Esther is an example of how we need to be faithful to the Lord and be willing.
John 15:13, (NIV) 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
We need to follow the example of Esther and Mordecai, who were faithful. We should have a loving relationship or faith, built on a love, trust, and believing in God.
Esther did protect her friends when she saved all the Jews. I appreciate you bringing this up in your post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing