FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT ESTHER
How much did you enjoy the story of Esther? How much did it stir your heart to live differently? Have you vowed to be more intentional to find the purpose for which you were created? As you think about her story and how she has impacted your own life, consider these amazing facts ~
The book of Esther was written nearly 2,500 years ago.
Esther wouldn’t have thought of flipping a coin about a life’s decision. Instead, she fasted and prayed.
She was married to someone who did not share her faith and she struggled to know how to serve both her husband, and God.
Her name is recorded 55 times in the Bible, more than any other woman including Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Her great grandfather was Jesse, the father of King David. That makes David her great-uncle.
Esther exhibited love, courage, wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord – all the essential characteristics of a woman who lives in the Gifts of the Spirit.
The name of God is not mentioned in the book of Esther but He doesn’t have to be mentioned to be noticed. He is seen in the light and countenance of those who belong to Him. His Shekinah – His Light – is amplified through you and affects those around you. Xerxes chooses Esther as he is drawn like a moth to the flame of the shekinah surrounding her.
Many critics decry the fact that Esther did not live as a true Jewish woman should, denouncing the fact that she did not adhere to the strict Jewish diet while in the palace. Yet Esther was more about her relationship with God and her soul was not defined by what she ate. Intuitively, she knew this even before Jesus preached it 450 years later in Mark 7:18-20:
“Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart buy his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods. And He said, ‘What comes out of a man, that defiles man. ‘”
Esther’s willingness to serve her God was stronger than her fear of death. Even more so, she understands that perhaps she was born “for such a time as this.” God put her on this earth for a reason, and He was giving her His ultimate purpose for her life. If she was destined to die, then so be it. She had her solid trust, and faith, in God. She took Proverbs 3:5-6 (written by her cousin King Solomon) to heart:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
How glorious and wonderful to know how much God loves you as much as you love Him, and to know that He made you exactly the way you are, and the time where He placed you, for His glory and for His purpose. You are special to Him just like Queen Esther– don’t ever forget that. His purpose for you is to further His kingdom, and He has put you where you are, with specific people surrounding you, for a reason and for a purpose. And He will lead you to it, if you only ask.
Originally published Monday, 20 May 2019.
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