Rethinking Esther: The Most Important Part!

Late Saturday night a thought came to me that I forgot the part that most exemplified womanhood in Esther's life--the fact that she sought the Lord (Esther 4:16)! Like I previously said, the text never actually mentions the Lord, but based on what we know about fasting in the Old and New Testaments, we know that biblical fasting almost always included seeking the face of God because the purpose of it is to draw closer to Him by abstaining from food, and substituting prayer (Matthew 6:16-17; Acts 13:1-4; 2 Chronicles 20:1-23). So even though reference to God is not explicit we can still infer that Esther was fasting and seeking God. Why? Because Esther is an inspired book, put in our Bible by God for our good and edification. It is important and helpful in our study of God's Word to look at the whole of Scripture as we read. Not only does it protect us from error, but it also gives us a great and broad view of the grace and mercy of God in redemptive history. Our names are written all over the pages of the Old Testament if we are in Christ, that should floor us.

So, as we read the book of Esther, let's remember that she was not amazing because she was brave, nor was she amazing because she was beautiful (though God certainly used her beauty for good), she was amazing because she had a great God who was powerful and sovereign enough to give her strength and the ability to stand for her people--God's chosen.