A Plan for the King, Esther Enters with Favor, Mordecai Saves the King

(Encouraged reading: Esther 2)

v. 1-4 A Plan for the King

     After de-throning his wife, King Ahasuerus missed Queen Vashti. To bring the king solace, his servants created a solution for the lonely King. They suggested rallying up all the virgins in all the provinces to find a worthy successor for Queen Vashti. The king was pleased and agreed to the idea.

v. 5-20 Esther Enters with Favor

     Esther is a beautiful example of God’s favor upon His children. When she was taken into the king’s palace, Mordecai wisely charged her to not identify herself as a Jew. Immediately she found favor with Hegai (the custodian of the women), was well protected, and was served. She sought the guidance of her uncle and Hegai, and she continued to demonstrate a humble posture even after she became Queen. God honors the humble and those willing to learn.

v. 21-23 Mordecai Saves the King

     Mordecai discovered a plot against the king and revealed it to Esther. Esther was able to use that information to save not only the king but her uncle too. I am reminded of Genesis 50:20 where Joseph says, “…you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

Application:

     God’s will is far better than our own desires and plans for our life. His favor in our lives may not look most ideal; we may not get the job we interviewed for, have the friend group we’ve longed for, or have the academic grades we seek, but we must remember God will use these situations in our lives for good as we continue to follow Him. We may not understand why circumstances are less than desirable, but we can rest assured that God uses them to transform and grow us, as well as draw us closer to Him.

Prayer:

     Lord, help us to always live in Your will and ask for Your favor. When Your will and favor don’t feel good, help us to trust You knowing that as we submit and trust You, we will see the good You intend for us.