Are We Esthers? January 26, 2017

¹⁰ Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known.


Esther 2:10 ESV


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.
Esther 2:20 ESV 

The Old Testament book of Esther is an interesting read.  Full of palace intrigue, love, love lost, revenge, and redemption. 

Of the many story elements in the book, I find Esther's cloaking of her faith interesting and a bit disturbing.  On two occasions, the writer tells the reader that Esther hid her faith from those around her based on the advice of her cousin, turned "father", Mordecai.  (Esther the daughter of his uncle.) It was recorded that Esther had no mother or father.  (2:7)

Early on, I cast a critical eye toward Esther for willingness to hide her faith from those around her, even King Xerxes after he had selected her for his queen.  Even if Mordecai had instructed her to do so, her allegiance to Yahweh was greater than her bond with Mordecai.  Then after more reflection, I began realize Esther's reaction to Mordecai's instructions was the the message God had for me and for me to get all puffed up about her deceit was the pot calling the kettle black.  At least her denial of her faith was part of God's plan and served to save the Jewish nation.

How many times have I denied my faith by my actions, words, or silence?  Times I have not spoken out against wrong are numerous.  Things I have done or said were a public denial of my faith.  Maybe not a direct denunciation, but most certainly not a witness for Jehovah.  

Esther was a young lady living in a foreign land, in a hostile environment, and instructed by her "father" to keep quiet.  One should not fault her for her silence.  I live in a country where my right to profess my faith is guaranteed by the Constitution and I yet I still have not made known my faith on countless occasions.

Rather than feeling so superior to Esther, perhaps I need to worry more about how I can share my faith today and tomorrow and the day after.