The Book of Esther opens with a grand, elaborate feast that King Ahasuerus is putting on to show off his wealth and his power. In the midst of the festivities, he ordered his queen to come in also and show off before the drunken crowd; but she refused. At the recommendation of his princes, he divorces Queen Vashti.
No aspect of this picture has been given to Christians to imitate. But it is the first of many dilemmas that present themselves throughout this Book. Even though the Lord did not approve of what was going on here, He did use Ahasuerus' deeds to start a chain reaction of events that He was sovereignly orchestrating to preserve His people.
The grand takeaway from this opening chapter of Esther is to see the contrast between Ahasuerus and the Lord Jesus. The former demanded respect and acted as a dictator over his wife; but the latter serves and loves His Bride, and thereby earns her respect without commanding it. And while Ahasuerus' grand monarchy is gone and buried in dust; the Kingdom of Christ still exists today, and He still rules in love! |
