THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 1:9-18
“Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger.” (Esther 1:12)
Pompous king wants to show off his trophy wife, she refuses and he goes into a fit of rage.
Part of the context of this story is the abused status of women in the world then.
Women were for sex, pleasure, they were the possessions of men – sold as slaves or as wives.
Queen Vashti had a privileged position, but she was still the king’s possession.
The bible is recording this behaviour – not condoning or mandating it.
The battle of the sexes is not a part of God’s original design, it is part of the curse.
Most abuse is directed from men to women, and it is usually some form of rage or passion.
At least today it is recognized as unlawful; here the king consults the lawyers to justify his anger.
Our world today continues to show signs of the curse, of injustice and anger and violence.
Jesus comes to set things straight between men and women, parents and children, rich and poor, etc.
He comes to break down the barriers of hate and restore the bonds of love.
This story of Esther may seem a long way away from Jesus.
But as we continue to read, we will see how God is protecting the Jews SO THAT Messiah can come.
As we will see, God uses a women – Esther – to protect the Saviour’s birth-line.
Thank God for all the humble, holy women of history that He has used to bring Jesus into the world!
Pray against all forms of abuse, including against women and children.
Pray against the sinful passion and anger that causes so much abuse.
Pray that Jesus’ love may soften the hearts of abusers and warm the hearts of the abused.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, women did not fear You, they were drawn to You. I pray for the many many women who feel abused or mistreated. May they meet You, and find their true value and protection in You!