Our pastor taught from Esther 2 this morning. He urged us to emulate her godly characteristics. In the midst of circumstances that looked bleak, that were out of her control, she exibited modesty, obedience, and self-control that won her the favor of all who met her, including the man-in-charge, Hegai, and eventually even King Ahasuerus-Xerxes, who was pretty powerful and very rich.
Esther 2:15, "Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her."
The phrase, "Esther obtained favour," our pastor taught us, can be literally translated, "Esther lifted up grace [in their sight]." What if you were known for lifting up grace in the sight of those who meet you? Wouldn't that be a beautiful compliment?
How do you do that? Be self-less, kind, graceful, reserved. Don't talk others' ears off. Be different. Reserve mysteries about yourself. Submit. Make the most of your circumstances. Don't complain. Speak to others about the God who has blessed you.
To God be all glory.
The hard thing about living grace and letting that be your witness is that it's often hard to tell if it's having any effect on those around you. You know when the people around you are as different as night from day. I have faith that living that way does make a difference it's just frustrating when you don't see the fruit.
ReplyDeleteEsther didn't have any guarantees she would be queen, or that Hegai would favor her. I believe she acted the way she knew would please God, regardless of outcome. For me, a lot of times the fruit I see is in myself. Then I'm only frustrated that I didn't see it before.
ReplyDeleteTo God be all glory,
Lisa of Longbourn