References: Esther chapter 1 KJV

The Book of Esther is one of the most fascinating in the Old Testament. While it is true that the word “God” does not appear in this beautiful book, it is nonetheless full of glimpses into God’s heart and gives purposeful insight as to what God expects from the Christian life.

Esther was more than just a queen—in her time, she was doubtless the most powerful woman in the world. Her husband, King Ahasuerus, ruled a vast empire that stretched from India to Europe. But Esther isn’t remembered for her wealth, beauty or power.

She is revered for her character. It is this last that makes her such a compelling example of the church that Christ died to redeem, the church for whom He is soon coming.

Let’s look at her story in closer detail with the goal of discovering what God wants from each of us.

First off, Esther’s story doesn’t begin in a palace. She was a nobody—a Jewish orphan who, had it not been for one life-altering event, probably would have lived and died in the shadows. Perhaps, like Esther, you don’t appear to be much on the outside but God knows just what you have to offer on the inside.

Christ isn’t attracted to beautiful church buildings or fancy LCD screens. Remember, He chose to be born in a manger. It’s what inside us that gets His attention—the potential that each of us has to be a vessel through whom He can work.

So what changed Esther’s story?

When the king’s wife, Queen Vashti, refused to obey his commands, he divorced her. Whether or not 21st century women agree with the concept, the truth is that Jesus Christ holds the same rights over our lives.
We need Him but He doesn’t need us. He can dispose of us at any time, but we need Him with every breath that we take.

Too often, we treat Christ as though He were our servant instead of our God. Too often, we ask Him to bless us, to protect us etc. but we don’t devote ourselves to doing His will or even ask Him what He wants from us as an individual.

Ask yourself: do you obey Christ’s commands? When He compels you to pray, are you too busy?

I myself have been guilty on this one.

Here’s another toughie: as a married woman, are you willing to let your husband be the leader God calls him to be?

I can’t help but wonder how many Christians miss out on the beauty of God’s presence simply because we refuse to surrender our will to His.

We love God’s grace but never mistake grace for a “get out of jail free card.” Grace is there to forgive our mistakes and to give us power to live above sin. But the Bible gives us a stark warning about the purported Christian world in the last days.

They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

Jude 1:4bNIV

Vashti’s story is there for a reason. It’s a warning that we all need to hear. If we don’t live in harmony with Christ then He will find someone else who will. The warning of Revelation 3:11 is worth repeating,

Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. (NKJV)

Each of us has to choose every day whether we will be a Vashti or an Esther in our walk with Christ. Our choice will determine how close we remain to our King.|

JP Robinson

In the Shadow of Your Wings 
An unforgettable historical thriller.  Watch the trailer.  Read the book.