It’s Valentine’s Day, and in honor of today I wanted to write about love. I was prepared to weave a beautiful story about how Esther loved her people so much that it gave her strength, bravery, and boldness to step out and talk to the king. All of that is true, but that isn’t our part of the story today.
Our part of the story is about how Esther’s daring and bravery, and yes love, paved the way for more.
On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded
by the king was to be carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to
overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over
those who hated them.
(Esther 9:1)
The king said to Queen Esther, “The Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men
and the ten sons of Haman in the citadel of Susa. What have they done in the rest of
the king’s provinces? Now what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request?
It will also be granted.”
(Esther 9:12)
You see, not only did Esther create a world where the Jews didn’t have to fear those who wanted their things, land, and lives, they were given the tools and permission to fight against their enemies.
Now I could be wrong but I think the King got a little sassy when saying, ‘what happened in the rest of the king's provinces?’, but whether that was actual concern or sass, he followed it up with the same. Granting her more power and allowing her to do more for her people.
This ‘more,’ leads to another night of going against their enemies and eventually a two day celebration named Purim to be celebrated for generations. The ‘more’ also meant cementing leadership through Mordecai who proved that he had the best interest of his (and Esther’s) people.
Through all this we get a glimpse of what Esther did, but what’s funny is in Esther Chapter 10, her closing saga, she doesn’t even get a word. It says the king and Mordecai’s actions were recorded in the book of the annals. Obviously we know Esther lives here, in God’s word, but elsewhere she was forgotten.
But, man how true is that! Our good acts, our strength, boldness, bravery, sometimes doesn’t get recognized by anyone but God. Despite knowing that she probably was a backup character to her own story for those in the day, look at her and ask for more! Her bravery, daring and love meant that she carved the path that allowed others to walk the walk God set before them.
Just like Esther, your name might not be what they write about in the annals, but it is ALWAYS written on God’s heart and his plan for the world. He created you to pave the way.
Heather is a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a believer, a wife, and a mother to a wonderful (and sometimes crazy) one-year-old. She enjoys reading, playing video games, and listening to podcasts. She can usually be taking care of the home and playing on the floor with her daughter.
Photo by Max Nguyen on Unsplash