Esther: God's Perfect Work Through Imperfect PeopleSample

A True And Better King

The Book of Esther describes events that took place around 480 BC in the Persian Empire. In chapter 1 we are introduced to King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes), who was holding a banquet to gather support for a war he wanted to wage against Greece. We see the king holding an extravagant banquet that displays his enormous wealth. Reading about the king’s opulence is also a reminder for us that prosperity itself is not a measure of God’s blessing. Both honorable and wicked people can be materially well-off.

As we read, it’s important to remember that evil is not restricted to those who have power. The book of Esther is a story about powerful people pursuing evil ends, and it could be easy for us to think, “I would never do that if I were in their position.” The reality is that we will never know because we will likely never be in a position of such power and authority as the king of Persia was.

However, we should also read this story as a point of caution for ourselves and consider how intentional we are about loving and caring for those who we can influence. Just because our realm of influence might be small, it doesn’t mean that we can treat those around us however we wish.

In the opening chapter of Esther, we see the king in a drunken stupor calling for the queen to expose herself for the entertainment of his guests. And while this would be degrading and humiliating for any woman, it was a violation of custom to request this of a queen.

Her courageous refusal results in her being removed from her role as queen. And in an ironic twist, the decree that was sent out in response to the queen’s actions at the banquet ensured that the entire kingdom heard about the event.

And while God is never mentioned in the book of Esther, we will see his control implicitly throughout the book. As the biblical scholar Mervin Breneman writes, “Already the reader anticipates that Xerxes as a Gentile will be superseded by God’s sovereign choice of a new queen, even the Jew Esther. The narrative is now ready to introduce us to a new character. Vashti has courageously entered and exited. She has prepared the way for one to replace her and to exceed her courage.”

In the end, one thing we see in chapter 1 is how Jesus is our true and better king than Xerxes in every way.

• Xerxes thought he was a man who became God. Jesus actually is God who became a man.
• Xerxes died and no one worships him, Jesus conquered death and billions have recognized him as God.
• Xerxes had subjects from many nations. Jesus’s Kingdom has joyful worshipers from every nation.
• Xerxes threw enormous banquets to display his wealth. Jesus ate with outcasts to display his love.
• Xerxes’ kingdom came to an end. Jesus’ kingdom has no end.
• Xerxes thought of himself as the king of kings. But he died and was then judged by the actual King of Kings.

Today’s reflection

Jesus is different from every other ruler and authority who has ever existed in that he always used His power for the good of others. What is one thing you could do today to use your influence for the good of someone else?