Excerpt from my spiritual journal...during the time that I ministered within the Anglican Church of Canada
May 21, 2002...Esther & The Church
Again this morning I am led to read Esther. I read Esther 1:1-18
Queen Vashti DeposedThis is what happened during the time of Xerxes, the Xerxes who ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush: At that time King Xerxes reigned from his royal throne in the citadel of Susa, and in the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. The military leaders of Persia and Media, the princes, and the nobles of the provinces were present.
For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty. When these days were over, the king gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the king's palace, for all the people from the least to the greatest, who were in the citadel of Susa. The garden had hangings of white and blue linen, fastened with cords of white linen and purple material to silver rings on marble pillars. There were couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl and other costly stones. Wine was served in goblets of gold, each one different from the other, and the royal wine was abundant, in keeping with the king's liberality. By the king's command each guest was allowed to drink in his own way, for the king instructed all the wine stewards to serve each man what he wished.
Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.
On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him - Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Carcas - to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. But when the attendants delivered the king's command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger.
Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times and were closest to the king - Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memucan, the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom.
"According to law, what must be done to Queen Vashti?" he asked. "She has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes that the eunuchs have taken to her."
Then Memucan replied in the presence of the king and the nobles, "Queen Vashti has done wrong, not only against the king but also against all the nobles and the peoples of all the provinces of King Xerxes. For the queen's conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands and say, 'King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she would not come.' This very day the Persian and Median women of the nobility who have heard about the queen's conduct will respond to all the king's nobles in the same way. There will be no end of disrespect and discord."
Esther 1:1-18
The king has been having a banquet for 7 days. Each person has been given the choice to drink wine in his own way and how much he wished. The queen also gave a banquet for the women.
The queen was ordered to come before the king but refused. She refused and the king spoke with wise men to see what must be done. They told the king she has basically given bad example. There would be dispute and discord.
This is the meaning as I understand. I give this to the Lord.
Write these words, My child.There has been a banquet and the children of the Kingdom have drunk their fill. It is time now to come before Me.
Yet what do I see?
I see a nation of priests who have led the people in their own way.
How sad this is. How tragic.
That a King needs to turn to another despite His good will to those in His care. Yet this is the way it shall be.
You have drunk the wine of the Kingdom, yet you have gone your own way. And the people have nowhere to turn.
Look and see.
For I will raise up a new thing.
From the ends of the earth, they will know My Name.
Despite the folly that is in her, I shall raise her up.
Yet those who lead her forth shall be from a different place. For they have not listened to My Word. They have been busy with the things of their own hands.
Listen to Me and hear Me well. The priests have gone their own way. I come to call My people home. Yet they cannot hear Me. They have turned to their own ways each one.
You then, hear Me well.
You then, listen.
I come to lead My people home.
I have not changed in My way of thinking: Therefore do not change in yours.
I have not turned to another way. Therefore stay on the path I have put you on.
For many will come and you need to lead the way. What care I for the things of man? Take My yoke upon you. I have set these things in your heart. Know this and hear Me well. I come to lead My people home.
Do not fear. Do not become discouraged. Stay on the path I have set you on. I have in mind what I will do.
I am well pleased, My child. Now go to your day.
Thank You, Lord.
