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JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE ESTHER Day 1 – Submission Esther 1 In our journey through the Bible we come now to the only book where God’s name is not seen, and yet, God is seen in every instance throughout the story of Esther. One word people dislike more than any other is the word, submit. People do not like to submit to anyone, they prefer to be in charge and have other people submit to them. However, that is not always possible or feasible. In work relationships we must submit to the rules of the company we work for or we will be without a job. However, in personal relationships, submitting to someone else is not always a good way to go, especially if you are trying to win them over to your cause. In the instance where submission is between a man and his wife, then submission takes on another aspect – that of respect and honor to each other. A man who rules his household with an iron fist, might have the outward appearance of respect and honor, but not on a personal level. Submission comes from the heart and must be given in accordance to love not according to what is due him because he is head of the house. His ways might not be honorable and submission would be difficult if not impossible to give. King Ahasuerus also known as Artaxerxes, ruled over the kingdoms of Persia and Media. His kingdom extended from India to Ethiopia – one hundred twenty-seven provinces. He gave a party for all the princes and rulers of those provinces lasting 180 days. At the end of those days he gave a seven day feast and ordered his queen, Vashti, to appear before his guests with the crown on her head. He wanted to show off her beauty. Vashti refused to come to the king. Understandably, King Ahasuerus was angry that his request was not adhered to and sought counsel from his princes and rulers about how to handle what the queen had done, and it was suggested that she be replaced. As Christians, we are honor bound to obey our King. God is our King, and His love for us is eternal. He would never ask us to do anything dishonorable, therefore denying His call on our lives, is an act of rebellion and will not go unnoticed. He will simply choose someone who will obey Him and do what He called you to do. Vashti was about to be replaced because she refused to obey her husband the king. Not a good thing for her to do. Not only did she refuse to obey her husband, she refused to obey the king. He did not ask her to do anything dishonorable, only to come into his presence so he could show her off. God wants to show you off too. When you obey Him, answering His call on your life, He will bring you to everyone’s notice. His favor will rest on you, and you will find many blessings on your life. Let your life be one of honor and respect for your King, and you will find multiplied blessings and favor from God. Let’s pray: Father, help me be obedient to You and ready to answer Your call on my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 10 February 2016 by Valerie Jean Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay