Esther: Silent but Sovereignনমুনা

The book of Esther might be summarised by some readers as a Cinderella story: a rags-to-riches tale in which the wise and dignified heroine saves the day and lives happily ever after in the palace. But the story of Esther isn’t a Cinderella story; it’s a savior story. 

Esther was in many ways a heroine. She demonstrated the kind of godly character that we, as followers of Jesus, want to cultivate in our own lives. Her commitment to God and His purposes was evident. She was available as God’s chosen instrument, ready to be used by Him for the salvation of His people. 

Likewise, Mordecai was in many ways a hero. His wisdom, strength, and humility shine through the pages of the story and it was his trust in God’s promises and his uncompromising faith that resulted in Esther’s actions. It is fitting that the book of Esther ends with a tribute to him. 

But the real hero of the story, the real savior, is neither Esther nor Mordecai but God Himself. His name is not written on the pages of this book. But in every scene His hand is at work, directing, preparing, and ordering people and events with invisible providence so that His purposes would be accomplished. He is ‘silent but sovereign’. 

Esther drifts in and out of the recorded scenes of this ten-year story. But God is active in every scene. He is silent but working; invisible but ever-present. Matthew Henry wrote about the book of Esther, ‘Though the name of God be not in it, the finger of God is directing many minute events for the bringing about of his people’s deliverance.’

Like Esther, we live as God’s people in an ungodly society. Our world is governed by rulers who have little regard for God’s word and His desires for the world He created. God’s people around the world have always known rejection and persecution, and increasingly in the West Christians are marginalized and treated with less respect and favor than others in society. 

Just as God was active in every scene in the book of Esther, He is active in every scene of our lives. He is deeply concerned for His church. He is deeply concerned for the honor of His name. He will not allow anyone, however powerful, to thwart even one of His plans for His children. He is not defeated or discouraged when sinful men prevail, when laws are passed that contradicts His word or when it seems that Satan has the upper hand. He refuses to be distracted from His work of redeeming a people for Himself.

Reflection

How has the book of Esther encouraged you to trust in God’s sovereignty, especially when His activity is hidden?