ESTHER MOMENT – (30MAY19) Queen Vashti did the unthinkable
during her time – she defied her husband. During biblical times, women did not
have the right to be independent as they do now. There was no women’s rights
movement and women were supposed to be submissive to their husbands, fathers,
and/or other males in their families. Therefore, it was unheard of for Vashti
to refuse the king’s command to come before him and his guests, despite what
she may have felt and thought. It was such a serious matter that she was disposed
of and a message was carried all throughout the land for men to ensure that
they ruled over their households. This defiance was not going to be tolerated
by the king, nor any other male, so that women would not think that they could
model after what Vashti did. She was dethroned and her crown was removed
forever. Yet, God was in the mix because there was a greater plan at work where
one queen would be removed, and another would take her place.
In today’s time, many women cringe at the thought of submission
to their male counterparts. They have often fought for equal rights, equal pay,
and equal status where they want to be valued in their own right and feel that
they can nearly do anything that a man can do. We have seen changes over the
years when it has come to women voting, family planning, working outside the
home, and even the military. Women are being able to be in military combat and
there is talk of them being allowed to be drafted for military service in the
event of a war. Yet, the story of Vashti was more than just a woman who wanted
to say “no” to her husband. This story is about a movement of God that was soon
to take place where one person had to be removed for God’s will to be done. God
has often worked throughout history to rearrange people, events, and places to
accomplish His will. Therefore, Vashti had to be demoted where an Esther could
be promoted. The Prophet Daniel said that God raises kings and He disposes of
them. Something to ponder…
QUESTION OF THE DAY – (30MAY19) The king was advised to have
a search for a new wife. Therefore, young beautiful maidens were selected
throughout the land to take part in the king’s search for a new queen. Hadassah
(Esther) was one of the beautiful young women chosen. She had to take part in a
year-long spa treatment of oils, cosmetics and perfumes. During this time, she
was given much favor where she and her attendants were given the best room and special
food. There was no coincidence that she received the favor that she did. God
had granted her favor with the king’s officials, for she was going to be
crowned the next queen.
Do you know when you have the favor of God on your life?
When God is favoring you, doors will open that would have normally been closed.
Opportunities will arise in the least expected ways. People will support you who
would have otherwise had no interest in you. Miracles will happen where the
impossible was more than likely. God’s favor is not about cars, houses and huge
bank accounts as so many people want to teach and preach, but it is about being
in position for God to do a work in you for His edification and glory. Therefore,
favor is all about God, not us. When God favors you, ask Him, “Lord, how can I
use your favor to best glorify you?” Watch the blessings of God flow even more
when we take away self-interest to promote His interest. Something to ponder…
ESTHER MOMENT – (30MAY19) Haman had an issue with an individual
that he turned into a collective problem. He despised Mordecai for not
embracing his narcissism and decided to trick the king into settling his
personal vendetta. Haman made the king think that he had his best interest at
heart when told about a “rebellious” people who were pests to the kingdom.
This, however, caused events to unfold where Esther was needed in order to save
her people from mass genocide. Her cousin, Mordecai, held back no punches when
he told her that she too would die and be disgraced along with her father’s
family if she did not have the courage to go before the king. Esther knew that
this was a risk that she would have to take. The king had not called for her to
be in his presence, but unless he reached out his scepter to her, she too would
be like Vashti and dethroned for being in defiance.
It takes great courage to oftentimes do what God has called
for us to do. When we speak out against wrong, take a stand for what’s right, go
against what’s popular, and turn friends into enemies, it is not always easy.
Yet, just like Esther, we must be willing to pay the cost when the world is
going in the wrong direction. God has called for us to be courageous and stand
for Him no matter to cost. The Bible says that those who try to save their life
will lose it, but those who lose their life for Christ’s sake will save it. Many
people have paid the ultimate price for Christ. Are you willing to have the
same attitude as Esther did…if I perish, I perish? Something to ponder…
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