Devotional Series: The Crown Within The Cross.
Lessons from the life of Queen Vashti- The boldness to stand Part 2
For those who are just joining us, this devotional thought is a continuation to the previous post so do check out part one to get the full picture! To quickly summarise part one, we were looking at the events of Esther chapter one. We briefly saw and admired the unpopular stance Queen Vashti took to preserve her modesty even amongst great pressure and persecution. The understanding of her value and identity shaped her personal perceptions and decisions, thus highlighting how true modesty stems from within and flourishes without. It would be nice if I could say on that courageous note the story ends but, remember there is no real enduring crown without bearing some type of cross. It would be nice if I could say how Vashti’s stance immediately empowered other women in the land or caused her husband to reconsider his unreasonable, insulting request and Vashti recognised for her strength and boldness. From the latter verses of Esther one, we can see that this did not occur. It is rarely the case that true nobility is recognised in the eyes of men.
It is rarely the case the true nobility is recognised in the eyes of men.
For the purpose of really seeking to imagine in our minds eye, the situation and circumstance that Vashti found herself in, lets gather some more biblical context. As Ahasuerus was throwing his extravagant banquet for his leading men, Vashti was simultaneously holding a feast for the leading women of the court (Esther 1:5-9). In stark contrast to the events taking place at Vashti’s feast, Ahasuerus’s feast was filled with excessive use and consumption of alcohol. Now, we know what typically follows when alcohol is in the picture, especially at large parties or gatherings. Decisions are made, actions undertaken, and words said that probably would not have occurred had alcohol not been a factor. Vashti no doubt would have known that. In Inspiration we are told:
“Had the King maintained his royal dignity by practicing habits of temperance, he would never have made this command. But his mind was affected by the wine that he had used so freely…Vashti did not carry out his orders, because she knew that wine had been freely used, and that Ahasuerus was under the influence of intoxicating liquor. For her husband’s sake as well as her own, she decided not to leave her position at the head of the women of the court”- MS 39, 1910.
Vashti exercised a great degree of wisdom and situational awareness here. We can see her selflessness underlying her decisions. Not only was she mindful of her value evidencing that she had self respect but also, conscious of her influence on the women of the court and the reputation of her husband. Character is who you actually are, whereas reputation is the perception one may have on who they think you are. Whilst she could not change her husband’s character, she was invested in preserving as far as possible, his reputation and respect without sacrificing principle.
Character is who you actually are, whereas reputation is the perception one may have on who they think you are.
Oh the power of influence! Good or bad, constructive or destructive! Whilst Vashti was using it for good, Ahasuerus was negatively used by it. Not only was Ahasuerus under the influence of wine but also of unwise friends. Like influences like. Proverbs 27:17 tells us that iron sharpens iron…not wood, foil or plastic. How can two walk together unless they be agreed? (Amos 3:3). How can we seek to exert a meaningful godly influence if we are not striving for godliness ourselves? Even in Ahasuerus’s and his friends drunken stupor, they recognised the influence Vashti’s stance for modesty and reserve would have on other women.
Esther 1: 13-18
13 Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:
14 And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)
15 What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?
16 And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.
17 For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.
18 Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.
Influence is a powerful thing friends. We have all at some point decided to do or not to do something based on the influence someone/thing had on us. In my high school years, I foolishly decided to shave off some of my eyebrows because my then best friend did (I highly discourage this!) As women, we exert a great deal of influence even power over each other. We follow “influencers” on our social media account or Youtube channels, purchase things we have seen other people use that we may never have considered had our minds influenced in that way.What if we used our influence as women to promote Christ and His ways? In our sphere of influence that may be our homes, friendship circles, churches, jobs, college classes, gym clubs, prayer meetings wherever your presence is, there your influence is felt whether you know it or not. As we continue to develop in all areas of our lives as women, improving our talents, the greater weight our influence will have as well as our responsibility.
Luke 12:48
48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Let us be wise and discriminating, conscious of the influence we exert on others and the influence others may be having on us. As Christ has called us as women to shine as lights in this dark world (Matthew 5:14-16), the darker the night the more prized are the rays of light. In reflecting the Light of the world (John 8:12), others may be blinded by it whilst another is grateful for the guidance. It may result in some level of inconvenience, suffering, loss, uncomfortableness, reproach but remember, we may have never heard of Esther had it not been for Vashti. Our crosses pave the way not only for our crown, but through our influence that of others too.
Daniel 12:3
3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
