By David Faust
The book of Esther contains dramatic storylines, interesting characters, and ironic plot twists. It stirs a wide range of emotions, from anger and fear to joy and admiration. Oddly, this inspired book never mentions God by name, but it shows God at work—protecting and caring for his people during a pivotal time in biblical history.
AN UNLIKELY CHOICE FOR QUEEN
Unlike the fictional tale about Cinderella, what happened to Esther is a real-life, rags-to-riches story of an ordinary girl who rose to a high position despite heavy odds that were stacked against her. Her people, the Jews, were captives dominated by the powerful Medes and Persians. Esther (also known as Hadassah) was an orphan whose father and mother had died. Yet, this young woman had a lot going for her. Her wise cousin Mordecai adopted her and cared for her as his own daughter. Esther “had a lovely figure and was beautiful” (Esther 2:7). The king’s attendant lavished her “with beauty treatments and special food,” assigned seven female attendants to care for her, and made sure she lived in “the best place in the harem” (v. 9).
But that was the downside: She had to be part of the king’s harem! Esther was attractive and pampered, but she was neither safe nor free. The pagan king treated this lovely Jewish woman like a trophy wife for his sexual enjoyment. Yet, even King Xerxes seemed to recognize Esther possessed more than physical beauty. “She won his favor and approval” above other women; he put a royal crown on her head and made her his queen; and he held a great banquet and declared a national holiday in Esther’s honor (Esther 2:17-18).
A LESSON FOR US
There is much for us to learn in the book of Esther. One practical application we find in the first part of Esther’s story is this: with recognition comes responsibility.
What was the higher purpose of Esther’s extraordinary attractiveness? God didn’t bless her with unusual beauty so she could stare at herself in a mirror and vainly congratulate herself for her good looks. Later in the book, Esther faced risky situations with profound consequences for the Jewish people hanging in the balance. The recognition she gained and the privileges she enjoyed as queen brought with them the heavy responsibility to use her position and power the right way.
Do you ever feel jealous of others who seem specially blessed—the ones who appear to get all the breaks? Do you envy her good looks or his good fortune? Do you wish you were the one who got the promotion, received the public accolades and the big salary, or got the nicer office space? Keep in mind that the higher you climb on the ladder, the more conspicuous your weaknesses will appear, the more criticism you will endure, and the more difficult the decisions you must make will be.
Jesus said, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48). If you are blessed with education, talents, physical skills, and material possessions, you must use those gifts to glorify God and benefit others. Esther’s story reminds us “it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Personal Challenge: What unique gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities has the Lord given you? How are you using them for his glory?
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