Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Esther 2 and Psalm 27

The LORD is not mentioned once in the Book of Esther, and yet this book is in the Bible and the events it recorded inspired an entire Jewish Festival, Purim. As we read Esther we observe that God is obviously at work, even though God is not at work obviously. As is so often the case in our own lives, God is at work behind the scenes and between the lines.

In fact, in the story of Esther, much of what happens is entirely outside of God’s will. Yet God works to turn the immoral and evil actions of humans around for the good of His people. In chapter 2 we read of Xerxes’ objectification of women, the forced removal of young virgins to what was essentially a prison in which they were to be beautified for participation in a beauty and sex contest, wherafter 399 of the 400 women would remain captive as concubines for the rest of their lives and one would live on as queen. These things are obviously immoral and far outside God’s revealed will. On the other hand, we see clear signs of God’s redeeming presence between the lines, in Mordecai’s deep concern for his cousin Esther’s well-being and the eunuch Hegai’s favour and kindness. And when Esther is finally selected as the one to be queen, we begin to realise that God will be able to leverage her place of influence to further the highest best of her people.

The next indication of God’s hand behind the scenes comes when Mordecai just “happens” to learn of a plot to assassinate king Xerxes and is able to report it to Esther and thereby save the king’s life. This seemingly small detail will become crucial later in the book. Like God’s work, Esther’s Jewish identity is still hidden at this point in the narrative This too will emerge as vitally important later on.

As you consider your life today, are you able to discern God’s hidden hand at work? Is there some way in which you have been positioned to be able to influence others for God’s Kingdom, to protect or serve others in God’s Name? Even if you can’t see it now, it’s there. Let’s pray that God will use us where we are and in the lives of those with whom we come into contact, to further His unknown and unseen purposes.