MEET A WORTHY QUEEN

MEET A WORTHY QUEEN

How did a nice Jewish girl become queen of the entire Persian Empire?  That’s the story of the book of Esther.  We learn that while Esther was selected from among the most beautiful women of the kingdom to be the queen, she was far more than a beautiful young woman.  Her worthy character reveals itself as this romantic tale suddenly changes into a serious drama.

When Mordecai, the cousin of Queen Esther, informs her of a plot to destroy all the Jews living in the kingdom, he urges her to go to the king  and plead with him on behalf of her people.  But this request presents the young queen with a tough decision.  She knows that the rules and laws of the palace dictate that no one can approach the king without being summoned…and she knows that the queen before her was removed from her position for her insolence.   But because of the urgency of the moment, she decides to risk her position for a higher good.  And in that decision, Esther reveals several things about her relationship with the king:

First, she was  not presumptuous.  She came before him as his queen, wearing her royal robes, but she came humbly, standing and waiting for him to notice her.  She didn’t barge into the throne room.  Even though she had a relationship with the king, she didn’t abuse that privilege.  God, in turn, honored her.

Second, Esther respected her husband and his position as king.  As she reached the throne, she touched his golden scepter, demonstrating that she recognized his authority and power.

Third, Esther began her reply to her husband, “If it please the King.”  In the other two recorded conversations between this king and queen, the same statement prefaces her remarks.  This was not just an official formality, but a genuine expression to Ahasuerus of her overall commitment, respect, and submission to him as her husband and her authority.  Although my husband, Dennis, is not a king like Ahasuerus, he is worthy of my respect.

Before I present my case to Dennis, I also try to assure him of my respectful loyalty to him as my partner and authority.  At times I speak frankly about his weaknesses and how they affect me, but when I do, he is much more able to hear my words because of my loyalty and frequent verbal reassurances.  He knows that even if nothing changes, I will still remain committed to him.

What I learn from Queen Esther and how she respected her husband reminds me of the advice shared by a good friend of ours who was married for nearly 50 years.  Speaking with a small group of women, she said, “Ladies, if you crown him king, he will treat you like a queen!”

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NOTE:  This article was taken from the book Family Life and Marriage Bible by Dennis and Barbara Rainey