About one year ago, I spoke for a ladies retreat on the topic of "Esther." The lesson was one of intercession. But since then, in this same book of Esther, I have found an interesting story of contrast. A study in the book of Esther is making a good admonition to all of us for the importance of submission.
You will not have to read too far to find a character by the name of "Queen Vashti." Now while I am not certain how long she had reigned with Xerxes as queen, I can attest to this fact: she had gotten a little too comfortable in the role. One might even assume she took for granted that there was no threat to her queenly positioning.
However, because of this lack of attentiveness to her duty, being bound to submission under the head of King Xerxes. Vashti found out very soon otherwise. When summonsed to appear before the King her response was an avid “no”. Now some might argue that Xerxes was wrong in his request to call her before his company. I will submit to you that right or wrong; he was still the King.
It is amazing to me the lessons we could learn from such an action as Queen Vashti. She had not only become complacent, but presumably possessed such traits as pride, selfishness, and bitterness as well. None of which glorifies God. These pervasive attitudes cost her the crown.
You may be thinking this concept is from the Old Testament. Might I remind you that in the New Testament God compares the submission we ought to have to that of the women of old by saying in I Peter 3:5–6, “For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord. Wow. Makes you stop and think about our standard for submission. The Bible makes it very clear regarding the standard by which we are to live.
Esther on the other hand is a beautiful example of submission. She submitted to all in authority over her from her Uncle Mordecai, to the King, and to God! Her impeccable ability to show us the manner in which we ought to live, for such a time as this, absolutely astounds me. I look at Esther’s example and am challenged to submit to those in authority over me in a way that glorifies and honors God.
It is also an amazing thought to realize her submission was very instrumental to the working out of God’s plan for His people. Vashti, mind you, worked into the plan through her rebellion by making a way for Esther to be queen. No wonder this book is used so often to declare the Providence of our God.
What if … what if Esther had not embraced the high calling of submission? She would have missed out on the opportunity to be Queen. And would have negated the overall plan of God to save the Jewish people at this time in history.
For such a time as this … I know you would agree that it seems highly unlikely you or I would be called to such a great work. But, how can we know? Esther’s started out as a simple beauty pageant out of submission to her Uncle who had charge over her. She had no idea it would lead to the turning of the heart of a King and the redemption of her nation.
Small opportunities surround us everyday. We should learn well the lesson of a contrite spirit which holy women of old were indeed adorned. Esther being a supreme example.
Whether submission to a king, our boss, the officer, a husband, to God, or to His Word. God’s standard in this area does not, has not, and will not change.
When we lay down our own personal agendas to follow and honor God we will enjoy the fulfillment of His greater purpose and plan for our lives, as well as the peace this attitude affords to all who will endeavor to walk in deep humility.
Micah 6:8 NKJV “He has shown you, o man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
