
The story of Esther in the Word of God is an intriguing example that mirrors the way things are going in our present day world. Of course, the Word of God is plentiful with great insights into life and how we live it. Look at the scripture below.
Esther 1:10 On the seventh day of the feast, when King Xerxes was in high spirits because of the wine, he told the seven eunuchs who attended him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas— 11 to bring Queen Vashti to him with the royal crown on her head. He wanted the nobles and all the other men to gaze on her beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman. 12 But when they conveyed the king’s order to Queen Vashti, she refused to come. This made the king furious, and he burned with anger.
Now think about it. How easy would it have been for Queen Vashti to do what King Xerxes asked? It would have been VERY easy and what a complement to her as the King was so proud of his queen that he wanted to show her off to his friends. But no, she overstepped her boundaries and tried to reestablish herself in a whole new position in the court. King Xerxes changed his attitude and suddenly went from a proud king and husband to a higher official than her and got rid of her. He didn’t stop there though as we can see in the following verse. 19 “So if it please the king, we suggest that you issue a written decree, a law of the Persians and Medes that cannot be revoked. It should order that Queen Vashti be forever banished from the presence of King Xerxes, and that the king should choose another queen more worthy than she.20 When this decree is published throughout the king’s vast empire, husbands everywhere, whatever their rank, will receive proper respect from their wives!”
Queen Vashti might have just been trying to elevate herself and take a stand for herself, but that stand changed the way everything worked for all women and men. She asked for it and she and the whole kingdom got it!! So, it is wise to know what you are asking for because you might just get it. This scripture further helps us understand the need to seek God’s Will in everything we say and do. Henrietta Mears writes Will is the whole man active. I cannot give up my will; I must exercise it. I must will to obey. When God gives a command or a vision of truth, it is never a question of what He will do, but what we will do. To be successful in God’s work is to fall in line with His will and to do it His way. All that is pleasing to Him is a success.
To follow God’s will is to live a life of surrender. A life of surrender is a life that affects every area of our world. When the world sees Christians living a life surrendered to Almighty God it is easier for them to see the possibility that there is a God and that He loves us and guides us. When we try to deny God access into certain areas of our lives by being obstinate or rebellious we set a standard that causes others to think God might not be Lord for us after all. That kind of weak and pathetic faith not only affects us but all who are watching. Point in case: Men are supposed to lead their families in Godliness, faithfulness, steadfastness, and many other things, but men generally fall short in all of these areas and take a back seat of “comfort” so they don’t have to stretch themselves spiritually and leave the “spiritual” stuff to the women. In giving up this role men compromise their position that has been ordained by God and the whole thing begins to fall apart. Why? Because everything is out of kilter and out of position and God’s perfect plan is marginalized. The following scripture is not so much a reminder for women, but for men who need to take their place and repent of their lack of spiritual leadership. 1 Corinthians 11:3 But there is one thing I want you to know: The head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Christ must be the head of every household and then the trickle down leadership follows suit beginning with Jesus.
Our world, and the enemy has done everything possible to distort this Biblical truth and guess what “we got what we asked for!” The difference between the story in Esther 1 and today is that men have continued to run from leading out like they should and they can no longer claim that leadership because their wives won’t give it back.
Solution: Men should get deep into God’s Word and deep into their quiet time with God and ask God for direction. Also, be willing to eat some crow about your past leadership and make a true commitment to do better in the days ahead. Also, repent of past failings in the area of spiritual leadership and take back your family for God and set a precedent of accountability with other men to “stay the course.” In realigning your family you will be realigning the world around you and the end result will be peace and a witness for our Lord.
You may ask; where do women fit into this? The role of women in a marriage and the role of women in general is that of setting an example for Godliness, love, service, leadership, and an amazing capacity to function in good and bad times. Proverbs 31 puts it like this; 10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. 11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. 14 She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. 18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.
Some may read this blog and think it is archaic and doesn’t take into consideration today’s world. God’s Word is alive and active and applies for all time without needing to change for “the times!” We just can’t wrap our little brains around that fact, so we don’t read it like we should. Just study and live the Word of God and all that is upside down right now will right itself and life will look much better. We have scattered God’s truths and watered down the whole thing, so it is time to sober up and dry the watered down truth we have been following and get on with the abundant life Jesus told us about. If you are a believer “you asked for it” now live it.
The Pilgrimage continues…..
David Warren
Comments