"Hadassah" - For such a time as this"

 

          It would appear that we are truly living in a time of having a mind of our own, to think what we want, say what we want, and oh yes do what we want. 

         
 Ladies I beg to differ.  In the scheme of the things of God, it is just the opposite.  We need to be ever mindful of what we want, what we think, what we say and what we do.

 

          Queen (and you are one) Esther is a very familiar biblical personality who ended up in the King's house after her predecessor Queen Vashti chose (do what I want) and refused to come when called by the King.   

          Now I am reminded of the fact that when in a place of influence (and we are) one must be careful of what we want, what we say, what we think and what we do.  You might say, well I thought we were free in Christ and oh yes what about all that liberty we are supposed to have. 

 

          Trust me, we have it, but be advised per the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 8:9 (though speaking of food - applies to all circumstances in life) says, but take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling-block to them that are weak (or babies). We are also once again reminded in 1 Peter 2:16-17 that "as free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.  Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear of God.

Honor the king".      

 

          What were the results of Vashti's refusal?  We all seem to pick up this story at the point of Esther's preparation after being chosen as a concubine - but the King was seeking another Queen.  Vashti's dismissal made it possible for

Esther to be in a position to go before the King. 

          First Queen Vashti's place of influence covered 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia in the Persian Empire.  It is recorded in Esther 1:16 that Vashti the Queen had not done wrong to the King only but also to all the Princes and to all the people who were in the provinces of the King. 

 

          Why?  Because the influence she possessed as Queen made a statement to all by her behavior that it was okay to be disrespectful and would breed contempt among other women.  Therefore, the anger of the King was kindled and after consultation, he sent out a decree to all 127 provinces that Vashti would no longer be Queen and that a man should rule (not lovingly lead) in his own house.  You see Vashti refused openly so she could continue having her party with the other ladies of her court and chose not to honor the King when he called. (Yes by this time he was drunk at his own feast) but he was the King. 

 

          Look with me if you will, and consider the geographical area where this took place.  Vashti's actions and the King's decree last even unto this day.  You see the King went to the wise men who knew the times and were familiar with the law and judgment.  In those regions, men are still domineering over women and some are but slaves and totally subservient.

 

          If we want to be ready to be used by God in this hour, timing is key.  When we view (Hadassah) Queen Esther, she sought the Lord and used the wisdom of God to approach the King and invited him to attend a dinner party where she was able to impart the necessary information and thereby saved her people from destruction.  

 

     Likewise, we women of influence can also save our households and others.  We now stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free to serve Him and we understand that all should submit one to another in the love of God.  We often only look at Hadassah's shot at becoming Queen and saving her people from the evil plot and plan of Haman against the Jews. 

 

          Another view is to embrace the process and preparation time.  Then live in beauty and purification considering our ways that we might achieve the same grace and favor Esther obtained from the King of Kings as well as our earthly King (husbands) and receive the royal crown of love and appreciation over all others in our own individual lives and families.   Galatians 6:4 - But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone and not in another.  When God delivered the people they celebrated throughout all the provinces of their freedom and the power of God on their behalf.

 

       So when the enemy plots our destruction we as women will be able to walk in the love of God and be able to speak to the enemy in the gate and know in our hearts as Jesus did, "the prince of this world cometh and he has nothing in me (John 14:30).  Arise and go forward - In Jesus name - Amen