10On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king, 11To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on. 12But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him." (Esther 1: 10-12)
In fact, Vashti had no reason to be offended by her king's request, for a man's glory is found in his wife:
"For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man." (1 Corinthians 11: 7)
and
"Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered." (1 Peter 3: 7)
Queen Vashti refused to submit to her husband, Because Vashti's disobedience would have served as a wicked example of dishonor throught the kingdom, Vashti lost favor and her place (Esther 1: 16-22).
Today, this dishonor is sadly prevalent in many homes, and in many churches.
Her replacement, Esther, fit perfectly into God's plans to save her people, and also to set the path for the coming of the King of Kings, Jesus!
"4And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. . .8So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. . .
15Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. . .17And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti." (Esther 2: 4, 8, 15, 17)
Notice that from the outset, Esther never insisted on her way, but heeded the wisdom of Hegai (Meditation on His Word), and she obtained favor (Grace!) before the King, who gave her the Queen's crown.
Today, to the wives and all believers, we need to stop fighting against authority, allow the truth of God's Word to settle in our hearts, and receive revelation of His goodness in our lives.
We have been graced because of Jesus, our King and High Priest Forever. We should not resist to stand for Him and reflect His glory.
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