Issue 2: Vessel
Profile on Ester
Contribution from Solveig Engh
"A Great Miracle Happened There"
Esther was a young girl
when King Ahasuerus began his search for a new queen. She did not try out
for the position; she was "brought" or "taken" to the
palace along with the other prospects (Es 2:8). Imagine a girl from a godly
home being "taken" by a heathen king. Mordecai, her guardian and
uncle, warned Esther to keep her heritage a secret, "And every day
Mordecai paced in front of the court of the women's quarters, to learn of
Esther's welfare…" But God had a plan for the handmaiden who was
uniquely prepared for a special calling -- for such a time as this.
She was COMELY
Esther 2:7-18
"Comeliness" includes more than physical attributes. Esther caught the attention of Hegai and attracted the King. Although all the young ladies were attractive, Esther's "becoming" demeanor displayed the inner glow of a heart in tune with God.
She was COMPLIANT
Esther 2:10,15,19-20
Deferring to the advice of others is an unpopular concept today. But Esther obeyed Mordecai, a godly guardian, and yielded to Hegai, a worldly advisor. She had a teachable spirit.
She was COMMUNICATIVE
Esther 2:21-23, 4:1-16
Esther was not passive. When Mordecai informed her of a plot, she went into action and relayed information to the proper authorities. Later, when God's people were threatened, Mordecai knew she would understand the value of her position. Her response reveals that she counted the cost. Because she needed to hear Mordecai's message again, she bared her soul. And when the necessary course of action became clear, she communicated her need for support.
She was COMMITTED
Esther 4:16,17
Was anyone more willing to lay their life on the line? Although Esther did not actively seek the position of intercessor, she fasted, prayed, and risked all when circumstances called for drastic action. When she replied, "and if I perish, I perish!", Mordecai knew he could depend on her commitment.
She was COMPETENT
Esther 5:1-8; 7:1-10; 8:1-6
Inadequate preparation and sloppy performance would not suffice for Esther. She not only had to believe God could use her to save the Jews, but she had to believe that He would. She had to hear God's voice -- to know God's plan and follow it carefully with each new development.
She was COMMISSIONED
Esther 8:7-17; 9:1-32; 10:1-3
A commission is an authorization to perform specific commands or functions. Esther understood the authority given to her by God through the earthly King Ahasuerus. She did not shy away from defeating Satan's strongholds or from defending God's people.
Editor's Note: Mrs. Solveig Engh has contributed articles to Christian periodicals and published a monthly newspaper.
Mary's PRAYER PAUSE
Mediate upon Psalm 18:26-30
"You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.
You, O Lord keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With
your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As
for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.
He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
You might also enjoy reading more about Purim: www.purim.com
New Millennium Thoughts
"For Such A Time As This"
"And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14b
For David, after he had served God's will and purpose and counsel in his own generation, fell asleep and was buried among his forefathers…" Acts 13:36a Amplified
Several years ago, I came across this passage in Acts and it literally riveted me. I began to ask myself, "Have you served God's purpose for your generation?" "What will you say on that day when you fall asleep and find your self in front of His throne?"
That simple statement and it's implied questions have become my motto, my creed, my dearest wish. Like you, I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I know that God created me to love, honor and serve Him. I know that He fashioned me for a specific purpose - if not many purposes. There is a purpose to my life. And in that purpose, in finding that life call, I will find the ultimate gift of praise and thanksgiving for my Creator.
Countless times, I have used this statement to evaluate what I'm doing with my life. Am I serving the Lord in the fullness of His plan? Am I serving my generation? What of my three sons and their generation? Am I serving them with my life, my words, and actions? To the right is the picture of the birth of a star. Can you see the amazing brilliance? But look closely, do you see all of the particles that are thrown off from that one star? That's what our lives are all about. As individuals we do affect those around us… at home, in the office, in the supermarket, at church, even on the highway.
Each one of us has been born for such a time as this. Each of us has a mission in the mind of God. Have you faced your moment of decision, of sacrifice, of a lifetime choice? Do you remember what Esther replied?
"I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:15b
I pray all of us find the courage to say "I will go…" whether it's to the nations, to the neighbor, to the orphanage, to the prison, to the hospital... but to and for our generation… no matter the cost.
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