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CHAPTER 2 (ESV)

16 And when Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign, 17 the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity.

19 Now when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate. 20 Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him. 21 In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 22 And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai. 23 When the affair was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows. And it was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.

REFLECTION:

Esther won grace and favour in the king’s sight and the king made her queen instead of Vashti. However, following the advice of Mordecai, she did not disclose her identity as a Jew as she did not have real power and not see the king often. As God’s people, we have the responsibility to reveal our identity so that others can see the acts of God from us. However, it can still be considered as wisdom in obeying God’s will when we keep silent at certain times and disclose our identity at a suitable moment. We can see God’s work throughout history. Before the Jews faced the danger of extermination, God already put Esther at the position of Queen of Persia. When difficulties occurred, He called Esther to come forward bravely and save the people of her race.  Today when you face life changes, you should know that God has put you at a certain position even though you may not fully understand His will. God may work through you when there is a need in the future. You should seek for God’s Will and obey Him in all things.

PRAYER:

Ask God to give you wisdom so that you can see God’s sovereignty when you face major changes in your life. Even though you have doubt with some specific changes and you are not sure of God’s will, ask God to give you faith to obey Him. Your heart will be filled with peace and hope when you look to the future.

HYMN:

Do It Again – www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B_lnQIITxU