THE BOOK OF ESTHER TELLS THE STORY of a courageous young woman living in exile who used her influence to bring deliverance to God’s people. Esther was a Jew born in exile in Persia. When she was a teenager, King Xerxes (486-465 B.C.) ordered that the most beautiful young women throughout his empire be brought to him that he might choose a new queen. Unfortunately, this was no glorified beauty pageant. These young women, who were viewed as property, would be stripped from their families and communities to live near the palace at the behest of the king. Esther, who lived in the capital city of Susa and had been raised by her cousin Mordecai, was one of the young women brought to the king’s harem. The Bible tells us that Esther “had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at” (Esther 2:7). Eventually, she won the favor of Xerxes and became his queen. However, Xerxes did not know that she was a Jew.
Esther’s relative Mordecai appears to have been a leader of the Jewish community who was involved in the affairs of the state. At a certain point after she had become queen, Mordecai informed Esther that a man by the name of Haman was plotting to bring destruction upon the Jewish people living in Persia. Mordecai asked Esther to intervene and use her God-given position to speak up for them. Esther’s response to Mordecai demonstrates her courage and trust in the Lord, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Through a series of events, the Lord revealed his sovereign hand in the lives of Esther and Mordecai, bringing about the deliverance of the Jews and Haman’s destruction.
We can learn more from Esther’s story than we might first realize. Like Esther, we live in a state of exile (hers was physical, ours is spiritual). Like Esther, we live in a time of injustice in which God call us to speak up for the vulnerable.
Like Esther, we require courage to be an advocate. Like Esther, we serve a God who desires that we demonstrate faith. Like Esther, we serve a faithful God who is with his people, intervening in the lives of the needy through their courage.
Which groups need “Esthers” today? The list is long, but I’ll note three.
Children (Unborn/Orphans/Trafficking Victims)
No group has been so historically marginalized as children. Jesus was revolutionary in the ways he spent time with children and invited them into his presence. Today, there is still great need for advocacy for children – especially the unborn, orphans, and those who are victims of human trafficking. James wrote that to care for such vulnerable groups is “pure and undefiled religion” (James 1:27). And, thankfully, there are many ways to be involved – fostering, adoption, respite care, advocating, serving a local pregnancy center, giving to an anti-trafficking ministry. May we be willing to open our mouths and open our lives that these dear children may be loved with the love of Christ.
The Poor
The Bible is replete with verses calling God’s people to show honor and kindness to the poor. Consider just two: 1) Proverbs 14:31 – “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” 2) Proverbs 29:7 – “A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.” Oftentimes in societies the poor are forgotten, neglected, and marginalized. The Lord’s desire is that we would love our poor neighbors as ourselves. As our spiritual, physical, and relational needs are met, we should seek to meet those needs in their lives as well through a variety of ministries: food pantries, Bible studies, medical clinics, legal counsel, financial advice, educational and job opportunities.
Immigrants
Sometimes the poor among us today are immigrants. Old Testament law was exceptionally favorable toward the non-natives that dwelt within Israel. Leviticus 19:34 reads, “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” This encouragement from Leviticus is a far cry from some of the rhetoric that we hear today. Though it is true that our nation should have effective immigration laws and enforcement of those laws, the primary responsibility of Christians is to show hospitality to international students, refugees, and others who have entered our communities from beyond our nation’s borders.
PRAYER
Father, may I have courage to use my influence and speak up for others. May I not be primarily concerned with how I might be affected by the consequences of my advocacy. May I be first moved by your compassion for the vulnerable and your desire for justice. Show me how to “defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Amen.
PONDER
- Though God’s name is never explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, his providence is clearly evidenced. How so?
- What about Esther’s story most inspires you?
- Which vulnerable group are you most led to advocate for?