“Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai who had adopted her as his own daughter. When her turn came to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s eunuch, keeper of the women, suggested. Esther gained favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her.
She was taken to King Ahasuerus in the palace in the tenth month, the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. The king loved Esther more than all the other women. She won more favor and approval from him than did any of the other virgins. He placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.”
Who gets to determine our worth? Is it found in magazines that give the advice of Hollywood, pageants that place weight on our outward appearance and visible talents, or our ability to deliver shock value words and actions to those around us? Do we look for our worth in likes and hearts on social media? How about in our grades or ability to live within the rules?
We find Esther today in the court of the King of Persia. This king and his court was definitely not upright, gentlemanlike or anything Godly. As a matter of fact, Esther was, whether by force or by choice, in the running for queen…along with nearly every beautiful, young, unwed woman in the land. You see, the king had dismissed his queen because she refused to come before him. This was looked upon quite poorly, and therefore, she was banished from the king’s presence, never to be brought before him again. This is where we meet Esther today. She had been entrusted to Hegai, the keeper of the king’s women.
Many women were looking for their worth, their value, from the king. Each woman had her date with the king, and unless remembered and requested by name, would live the rest of her days in the care of the king’s court. It was Esther, however, that the king remembered. While, truthfully, this was very worldly, God had a plan for Esther, and for His people, that would soon come to light.
We look around to relationships, social media, Hollywood, athletes, grades, scholarships, talents, and we desire to be remembered. Others see our looks, abilities, performance, talents. They hear our words, are given our promises, and we still feel forgotten. Yet Jesus is speaking to a crowd of people and He tells them, “Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” The same is true still today for us.
While others may say you don’t amount to much, Christ Jesus says you are of great worth in God’s sight. Created for Him, by Him. Chosen…adopted, remembered.
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