Orphan and Queen
By Becci Terrill and Elizabeth Cole
“When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: ‘Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?’”
Esther 4:12-14
There she stands: The next contestant. She’s spent untold hours preparing for this moment, heeding her counselors’ advice, beauty treatments, makeup. Who would have thought she’d be included in this selective group of stunning women -- an orphan with only one relative to champion her, a woman with an untold secret, a legal alien far from home. Sounds like Miss USA with a great back story, or a soap opera, or an episode of Dr. Phil, perhaps? Nope, it’s far better. Take a moment today to skim, or re-skim, the book of Esther in the Old Testament. (Really, put this down and go take a look. You’ll love it!)By Becci Terrill and Elizabeth Cole
“When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: ‘Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?’”
Esther 4:12-14
Theologians regularly note that one of the outstanding characteristics of this book is its relative lack of explicit references to God. As you read Esther’s story, you’ll quickly see that there’s no place in it where God ISN’T! Start with Chapter 2 and her preparation for the king. See God? Move on to where this woman is blessed with a mentor and an opportunity to act in Chapter 4. See God? Keep reading in chapters 5 and on into 7. Talk about a woman who knows how to party with a purpose! See God?
Esther’s life reminds us in such a powerful way that God is intimately involved in our lives, through seemingly insignificant moments to unmistakable timing. Let’s walk through today with a sense of wonder…knowing that our God is a God actively at work, orchestrating and timing our lives -- even what seems unimportant to us -- for His purpose.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about a situation you’ve been in where you knew you had to act, but you weren’t sure what the results would be. How did God show His purpose and plan?
FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:28
FOR FUN: Watch Esther’s story in the movie One Night with the King
Becci is a wife and mom to two daughters. She manages volunteers at Ten Chimneys and is the Special Events Coordinator for Oakwood's Women's Ministries.
Elizabeth is a wife, mother to three teen-aged daughters, and Director of Women’s Ministries at Oakwood Church.
