Today’s Tasting: Esther 1-5
Ester is about a beautiful Jewish woman who is summoned by the Persian king to replace his current wife because she refused to show her body off to the king’s guests. The king dismissed his current wife, Vashti, to set an example to the other wives throughout the kingdom. Esther hid her ethnic origin from the king at the request of Mordecai, her cousin who adopted her after the death of her parents. When Esther was presented to the king, it is said that he loved her more than all the women and made her his queen.
While Mordecai was keeping an eye on Esther, he overheard a plot to kill the king. He shared this information with Esther, who told the king, and the would-be assigns were captured. After this happened, Haman was promoted above all the princes and all the king’s servants bowed down to him…all but Mordecai who would not bow to a mere man. This angered Haman, however did not want to single out Mordecai so he sought to destroy all Jews in the kingdom of Ahasuerus. Haman received approval from the king and so began the killing of the Jews.
When Mordecai heard what was happening he went into morning in the town square. When Ester heard what Mordecai was doing, she sent someone to find out what was going on. Mordecai pleaded with her to ask the king to stop the killing but she was afraid. She finally gave into him and invited the king and Haman to dinner.
Today’s Nourishment:
It is sometimes hard to see the path that God has laid out before us. I’m sure Esther would have rather been anything but the queen to this king and once the killing of her people started I can only imagine how terrified she might be for him to discover that she too was a Jew. Little does Ester know that God has a big plan to use her current situation to the benefit of the Jews.
Have you ever been in a situation where you were terrified? When you looked back on it, could you see God working on your behalf or on behalf of something greater than you? I would like to encourage you think about Ester the next time you find yourself in a troubling situation and to trust in God and his greater plan.
Tomorrow’s Delight: Esther 6-10
Hugs & Blessings,
Monica
Leave a Reply