My Bible Blog

Esther:

 I know there are so many questions surrounding gender inequality, such as "Can Christians be feminists?" or "Does sexism still exist in the 21st century?" However, I do not feel qualified to broach on these topics. (I do not want to be targeted, thanks.)  Instead, I would like to talk about women in the bible. 

Who did you idolize as a child or a teenager? I highly doubt it was Ester, Ruth or Moses. (Huge shout out if you did.) Many young children idolize Disney princesses or the newest pop singer. Some like superman, spider man, or Harry Potter, but I have come to a realization about all of these idols.

I listened to a podcast a few days ago (called the "Crappy Christian Podcast"- I strongly recommend), and a guest speaker talked about how she asked her six-year-old niece who her favorite woman in the bible was. Her niece looked up at her with confusion in her eyes. Despite this, as soon as the Disney Princesses came up on the screen, her niece became animated, telling the personal story behind every princess. 

To be clear, I am not bashing Disney Princesses. They are awesome, but there also so many awesome role models in the bible, especially women, that become overshadowed. Today, I want to talk about one of three women in the bible that I am going to cover with this blog. 

I believe that God loves all of His children, no matter their gender, and that he uses both men and women for equally important roles. When I see people, either a man or woman, having assumptions made about their character or abilities based on their gender, it makes me frustrated. The stories of courageous women and men in the bible, spreading the love of God together, give me hope for the future of the world. A future where people can work together in unity, not burdened or judged by gender. 

 I should also note that I am aware that there may be people reading this who do not identify with a gender or are transgender. No judgment here- everyone is welcome to read. I refer to men and women most often, though, for the sake of ease and because I do not feel well-versed enough to speak about other genders. Feel free to educate me, though.

So, what is up with Esther? Many people may know that Esther is actually the seventeenth book in the bible. (Well, I had to look up the number, but I knew it was a book.) Esther's real name was Hadassah, and both of her parents died when she was young. Thus, she moved in with Mordecai in Susa, where King Xerxes ruled over the land. Her new name became Esther, in order to hide her Jewish ancestry. Legend states, Esther was beautiful, and once the King of Persia's wife had died, she captivated the interest of the king. Though Mordecai feared for her safety, she hid the fact that she was Jewish and became Queen Esther. 

Things quickly take a turn for the worse, and an advisor to the king suggests that all Jewish people be killed. Esther, being an unidentified Jew, feels an obligation to save her people. But she must make a choice. Could she risk revealing her biggest secret to the king?

Above all else, Esther trusted in God. She believed that, with him by her side, no harm would come to her. She waited, and she trusted. Finally, her prayers were answered. With a triumphant leap of courage, Esther reveals that she is Jewish. Between her and Mordecai, they were able to prevent the genocide of Esther's people. 

Is that not amazing? What if, I ask you, Esther had been too scared and waited for someone else? What if she decided to keep her mouth shut and allowed her people to be killed? As horrible as it sounds, I may have. Truly, I do not know what I would do under such tense, dire circumstances, and Esther inspires me every day. 

Her story shows that one person can make a difference. Do not let anyone tell you that you are inferior or incapable because of your gender, religion, or background. God has a plan for each and every one of us. Esther began as a nobody in a time when women were viewed as pretty property, yet God used to her to save the lives of many. She risked everything, defied the odds, and she shows that there is always a way if it is God's will. 

If you would like to learn more about the story of Esther (for there is many details I have left out) I encourage you to explore the book of Esther. 

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Esther 8:3-4

"Esther again pleaded with the king, falling at his feet and weeping. She begged him to put an end to the evil plan of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews. Then the king extended the gold scepter to Esther and she arose and stood before him."

Hebrews 6:11 (NIV)

"We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized."