In discussing this subject, we refer to what God said in Jeremiah 29: for I know the plans I have for you, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. An instance of God’s statement was in the life of Queen Esther recorded in the book of Esther in the bible (Old Testament) which will be our pivot for discussing this subject although there are countless biblical examples of how God intervenes in the affairs of others. We pray that the Lord will lead us in our study through Christ Jesus our Saviour.
Who was Esther?
Esther was a maid, without father or mother because both had died. She was therefore adopted as a daughter of a captive from Jerusalem by king Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. In effect, Esther was a maid to a slave in a foreign land of his master’s captor. She therefore in her wildest dream thought she could rise to the occasion of becoming a queen yet by God’s plan it happened. Sometimes, God plan for us begins with a humble note or beginning. A humble or difficult beginning does not change God’s plan nor disqualify us from receiving God’s blessings but rather prepares us to handle bigger future events.
How Esther become a queen
Whilst Esther was still a maid and a slave, King Ahasuerus gave a banquet for seven days for his princes, servants, his army chiefs, nobles and governors of his province. The occasion was to show his royal riches and glory and splendor and pomp. The King invited Queen Vashti (Esther 1: 11-12) to bring before him her royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty for she was fair to behold. Queen Vashti declined so consequent upon the imminent royal embarrassment, she was dethroned.
Esther then became the queen and the wife of King Ahasuerus who reigned over one hundred and twenty seven provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. Esther’s rise and success was through rigorous contest and upon the advice and counseling of Mordecai, a true godly man who adopted her. We must not be afraid in contest for what has been ordained is ordained. God’s plan for us is secure and will change only for the better. James 5: 16 says the prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. How effective is our prayer before God?
What informed Queen Vashti’s refusal?
Some of the reasons that account for Queen Vashti‘s request from King Ahasuerus can be gleaned from Esther 1: 11-12 among which are as follows:
She disrespected authority
Although Queen Vashti has a right of refusal, she adopted a wrong approach which did not show respect to the king’s royal authority. Titus 3: 1 says, remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for any honest work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men.
We must allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in our actions in all circumstances. Arrogance or disrespect has no place in the kingdom of God. Proverbs 18: 12 says before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility goes before honour. Proverbs 16: 18 says pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Some of our challenges and setbacks stem from our ungodly attitudes so we mut be measured always. Psalms 138: 6 says for though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he knows from afar.
She misconceived beauty
Queen Vishti misconceived the power of her beauty to be an invincible strength and indispensable. However, beauty fades whilst character flourishes. 1 Peter 3: 3-4 say let not yours (beauty) be the outward adorning with braiding of hair, decoration of gold, and wearing of fine clothing, but let it be the hidden person of the heart with imperishable jewel of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. She allowed her beauty to overshadow her acceptable character.
She misconceived the power of her physical beauty and thereby despised the King. Unfortunately, those we despise in this life are to be the most indispensable in reality. 1 Corinthians 12: 22 says on the contrary, the parts of the body which seem to be weaker are indispensable. Accordingly, 1 Corinthians 10: 12 says let any one who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. Character of the heart is the most beautiful of all things which does not fade and that is an indispensable asset.
She misconceived equality
Queen Vishti by her royal position or marital status presumed equality with King Ahasuerus. The presumption of equality in marriage must be guided by biblical principles. Presumed right of equality in marriage does not diminish humility and respect. Although we may be equal before God, we have different divine roles to play in a relationship which have their set of rules.
Philippians 2:6 says though he (Jesus) was in the form of God, did not count equally with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Relationship however cordial does not obstruct the structures and their requirements. The life of Christ Jesus dispels misguided belief and conduct of presumed equality. Colossians 3: 19 says wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Queen Vishti missed this point and incurred the consequences.
She ignored her past
Our past must always be a guide as a reminder to the future. Queen Vishti was the daughter of King Belshazzar who was murdered at night. She was also the great-granddaughter of King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon who died eating grass like an ox and his body grew like feathers of eagles and nails like bird’s claws (Daniel 4: 28-37). She was brought up to be queen and married her father’s steward.
In spite of what happened to her father and grandfather, she did not learn her lesson. She was a wicked queen who brought Jewish women into the palace, stripped them naked and ordered them to work on the Sabbath. So, by God’s design King Ahasuerus’ request to her to perform at his banquet meant that she could appear nude at the banquet on a Sabbath day just as she had done to Jewish women.
Galatians 6:7 says do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he shall also reap. Matthew 7: 12 says so whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Queen Vishti was to taste her own medicine to which she felt no ill about. 1 John 2: 10-11 says he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. We must not be blinded by wickedness.
She showed no remorse
She treated King Ahasuerus’ request as a contemptuous violation of her self-value and dignity, hence, she showed no remorse. We must have the attitude of accepting our guilt and wrongs rather than being deceived by our own wisdom and understanding. 2 Corinthians 7: 10 says for godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death. In order to have godly grief, we must lean on God’s Holy Spirit to direct us
Events and rules of tomorrow are unknown so we must always be careful. James 4: 14 says what is life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes! Queen Vishti thought she was on a firm ground which was only imaginary or an empty hope. 1 Corinthians 10: 12 says therefore let any one who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. May the Lord heal our character in his holy name.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we are grateful to you for how far you have brought us. We are sorry for our unsavory attitudes and conduct by which we will lose favour with you. We need your cleansing and redemption by your grace so we may keep a worthy relationship with you. Please renew our hearts and give us hearts of humility and meekness ready for your service. Let our past be our guide for the future by your Holy Spirit so we may be measured in all things. Accept our prayer in your holy name, Amen!!
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