Read: Esther 1-5
Focus Verse: “On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Karkas—to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. But when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger.” (Esther 1:10-12).
Devotion: I never noticed before the similarity of Queen Vashti and Esther. Queen Vashti ticked the king off when she refused to come to his drunk ranger to be flaunted about to all his male drinking buddies. They were ticked because they feared the Queen’s refusal would inspire women all over the kingdom to disobey their husbands (1:17). Vashti is exiled because of her independence to refuse the king, while Esther saves all the Jews because of her independence to approach the king. Both women show great resolve, but Esther is highlighted even more here because her actions were also selfless, for the LORD’s work of salvation. Esther is a remarkable woman, and one worth celebrating! I don’t know if I have the faith of Esther yet to stand and say; “And if I perish, I perish.” (4:16b).
Pray: LORD let me stand up for myself in the world, but for Your sake. Amen.
Additional Scripture: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b) “Blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” (Luke 11:28)