Esther 1-11.2.22
Scripture
Esther 1:17-18
“For the queen’s conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands and say, ‘King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she would not come.’ This very day the Persian and Median women of the nobility who have heard about the queen’s conduct will respond to all the king’s nobles in the same way. There will be no end of disrespect and discord.”
Observation-What does it say?
The King wanted his wife to make an appearance at the party because he was proud that she was his wife. Scripture said she was very beautiful and lovely to look at. Queen Vashti refused to come and it made the King angry. So, he banished her from his presence and took away her royal position.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Regardless of whether or not it was fair that Queen Vashti got banished from the kingdom, 2 lessons are learned here.
The King consulted with trusted advisers for wisdom. He didn't make the decision to banish her on his own.
One person's unwise choice can affect a whole kingdom. In Queen Vashti's case, she refused to submit and was disrespectful towards the authority of her husband. As a result, it was feared that there would be a spread of disrespect and discord in the kingdom because of Queen Vashti's example.
Life Application
We make decisions in community with other people, for one unwise decision can affect an entire family and church community.
Proverbs 12:15-The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
Proverbs 15:22-Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
Sin and foolish decisions usually occur independently of community. When we feel that it is our life and we can do whatever we want, we fall into the devil's trap of pride, which always "come before the fall." (Proverbs 16:8).
However, with the support of the Body, especially Spirit filled people we trust, we are able to stand firm on the path of righteousness.
Also, being transparent for a moment, there have been many days in my life where the Lord had to remind me that if I loved Him, I would submit (trust) the authorities He has placed over my life. I'm thankful for that protection. Learning to submit to authority, whether it is our parents, pastors, and/or spouses, helps us to submit to the Lord as well.
Submit one to another in the fear of the Lord. Eph. 5:21
Dear Holy Spirit, help us to make wise instead of unwise decisions. Help us to submit to authority and take advice instead of dismiss it. May we be purposeful to pray for the trusted authorities You've placed over our lives. Just as unwise choices can affect a whole community, I pray that our wise choices would affect a whole community in an even greater way for Your glory alone. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi