4 Aug, 2021

Who’s Influencing You?

Esther 1:16-22

READ –  “So if it please the king, we suggest that you issue a written decree, a law of the Persians and Medes that cannot be revoked. It should order that Queen Vashti be forever banished from the presence of King Xerxes, and that the king should choose another queen more worthy than she.” — Esther 1:19 NLT

EXAMINE –  Memucan, one of the king’s advisers, advised the king to issue a decree throughout the region so that all women would learn a lesson and respect their husbands. (v. 16-21) The law could never be canceled. (v.19) They thought the law made good sense and feared Vashti’s action would be a bad example for all women. (v. 17)

APPLY – Vashti refusal had consequences that were negative and positive. She was removed from the presence of the king and an ill-advised law was written. The removal of Vashti opened the door for Esther to be queen. Who’s influencing you and why? The method used to gain and maintain respect was not wise. Respect can’t be coerced or demanded. 

PRAY – Father God, help us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). In Jesus’ Name, Amen