One of the things I appreciate about the Old Testament book of Esther is that God’s name isn’t mentioned in it—not even once. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not losing my belief in God! For me, the book’s omission of God’s name is a great reminder that even though He might appear to be absent, God is still present, quietly working behind the scenes.
The book of Esther reads like a novel. It centers on the dramatic story of a beautiful young Jewish girl who rises from obscurity to become queen of the Persian Empire (Esther 2:1-23). Esther, who concealed her family ancestry, ends up using her royal position to turn the tables on a plot to annihilate her people.
Haman, one of King Xerxes’ top royal officials, had a strong dislike for the Jewish people. He was furious because Mordecai, another royal official who happened to be Jewish, refused to pay him honor (Esther 3:1-6). Appealing to Xerxes’ pride, Haman tricked the king into signing an order that called for the execution of all Jews (Esther 3:8-13). But his plan backfired. Esther’s gutsy intervention (ch.4–5) and the king’s sleeplessness (ch.6), led to Haman having to lead a royal parade to honor Mordecai. A short time later, a humiliated Haman was hanged on the very gallows he had built for the execution of Mordecai (ch.6–7).
These weren’t random events. King Xerxes didn’t just happen to have a bout of insomnia. He didn’t just happen to discover that Mordecai was never rewarded for exposing an assassination plot (Esther 2:21-23, 6:1- 3). Events like these came about because God was working through them.
God doesn’t always work through obvious means like the 10 plagues or the parting of the Red Sea. But whether we see or feel it, He’s always involved and at work in our lives.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 4:43-54
More:
The Jewish feast of Purim is an annual event to commemorate God’s deliverance from Haman’s plot. Read Colossians 2:16-17 to see the ultimate purpose of Jewish feasts and celebrations.
Next:
How has God worked “behind the scenes” in your life recently? How are you inspired by the story of Esther?
eppistle on June 22, 2011 at 8:37 am
We’d prefer God to be the leading actor – making His existence obvious for the audience. And He was when Jesus was here on earth. But usually it seems He prefers to write the script (Psalm 139:16) and to direct behind the scenes to make sure that those who love Him live happily ever after (Romans 8:28). If you are a Christian and you are in an episode where the bad guys seem to be winning, be assured that it will end up well. I’ve read the last few pages of the script and it’s a happy ending (Revelation 21,22).
sowharvest on June 22, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Jeff:
You have no idea how God worked thru you this day. Praise GOD for his “behind the scene actions”. I had to be reminded yesterday and then convicted by the Holy Spirit today.. That is to remember that GOD is the creator and ruler of ALL tnings. I in my humanity look around me instead of focusing on what the Word has promised.
So Epistle you are correct, I do want or prefer GOD to be seen. Yet that seems not be GOD’s way. “My thought are not your thoughts neither are my ways your ways” Is.55:8. Thank so much for the message. I need to just keep on believing the WORD of GOD! Not going to lie; it is hard and is painful to living thru the storm/difficultly. Yet we have been promised the VIctory it is already ours. Praise be to GOD.
regina franklin on June 22, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Jeff–
Thank you for a timely reminder. I have a family member who argues against the inerrancy of scripture for the very reason that God’s name is not mentioned in the book of Esther. While I recognize that my family member’s questions stem from far more than just this issue, I thought your devotional offered a great perspective on the issue.
daisymarygoldr on June 23, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Esther was a young orphan, who belonged to a hated minority race and lived in a foreign land. As believers we are also a hated minority, living in this world as foreigners. And even though God appears to be absent from this world, “He is not far from any one of us” (Acts 17:27). Esther’s gift of beauty and palatial prosperity were not meant for her to take pleasure in. The purpose of her royal position was to save the lives of her people.
As Christians, our lives are not for our own pleasure but for the purposes of God’s Kingdom. Each one of us has been placed in this world to accomplish God’s plan to save the lives of people living around us. And God orchestrates circumstances to prepare us—for such a time as this. When that right moment comes, we know exactly why we have been brought to a particular place. And it is at that point we become conscious of the fact that everything about us—our upbringing, education, careers, gifts/talents, and personality were meant to groom us for that specific mission.
Sometimes, like Esther we struggle with fear or feel reluctant to proceed with God’s work. On occasion, thoughts of failure and rejection have caused me to shrink back in fear. It was in those weak moments Esther’s story inspired me to press on. The worst that could happen is I will perish. And if I perish, I perish. To die is gain. Besides, everything happens to us for a reason. Even our tribulations are planned by God for our ultimate salvation. It is important therefore, to recognize our God-given potential to influence others to accept Christ and be saved.
When God promotes us to a position, wisdom is to know the reason and obey Him without caring for the consequences. In my experience, I have seen that first I must be willing to obey and step out in faith. Then God also works behind the scenes to open a door for me that no one can close. If I am unwilling, then God will use someone else to fulfill His plans. But it will also result in loss of my calling due to spiritual death. We are called to give up our lives to save lives (I John 3:16). Our battle is against spiritual forces and we need plenty of prayers to be courageous like Esther.
Thanks jeff olson for this message. It has stirred and strengthened my fearful spirit!
mike wittmer on June 24, 2011 at 11:40 am
Jeff:
This is a good reminder. Another example of how God works in unusual ways is the probability that Esther slept with the king in order to win his approval. She pleased him more than the other girls in his harem, and so became his wife. Obviously this is not an example for anyone to follow, but a reminder that God is sovereign enough even to override and use evil for his good purposes.
Jeff Olson on June 24, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Sowharvest, daisymarygoldr & Regina,
I’m glad this brief perspective on Esther was helpful.
Yes, Mike, God can override and work through anything, even the terrible things that a young girl like Esther was subjected to.
winn collier on June 28, 2011 at 8:55 pm
I’ve never thought of this, Jeff. Thanks. I’m going to see Esther in new light … and with new questions.