Exit Stage Left.

Exit Stage left....

“On the seventh day of the feast, when King Xerxes was in high spirits because of the wine, he told the seven eunuchs who attended him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas— to bring Queen Vashti to him with the royal crown on her head. He wanted the nobles and all the other men to gaze on her beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman.”

Esther 1:10-11 NL
I just want you to imagine for a moment the beauty and splendour for the setting of this auspicious occasion, which it was. No one quite knew what momentous events would take place this evening.

“The courtyard was beautifully decorated with white cotton curtains and blue hangings, which were fastened with white linen cords and purple ribbons to silver rings embedded in marble pillars. Gold and silver couches stood on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones. Drinks were served in gold goblets of many designs, and there was an abundance of royal wine, reflecting the king’s generosity. By edict of the king, no limits were placed on the drinking, for the king had instructed all his palace officials to serve each man as much as he wanted.”

Esther 1:6-8 NLT

The kind was feeling good. What else could he show to impress his illustrious friends? Ah I know the king thought, I am married to the most beautiful woman in the kingdom! ‘Send for Queen Vashti. Bring her to me right now and make sure she is wearing all her most expensive jewellery I including the royal crown’.

What in the world could have possessed the king make such a request of the Queen. He was after all the king and was aware of protocol.

I I suspect that the king was now as drunk as a skunk and cast of all restraints, not considering for a moment that he was putting the Queen in an awkward position. Not only was the king drunk but all his guests were drunk and it was not a suitable environment for the Queen. 

As we take a moment to look at the kings character we might note that he appear’s to be a people pleaser. He craved praise from those around him, he liked to impress. This is a character trait that we must to guard against as we may get confused as to who we should or should not please. “for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”

John 12:43 ESV

Only God should occupy the place on the throne of our hearts.

The king had nothing left to display but the beauty of his wife and he wanted to hear praise on the lips of the people as they saw her.

On receiving the request the Queen was now staring a predicament in the face.

Previously I stated that Vashti came from a long line of royals and she was intimate with the rules of protocol. The king wanted her to appear in front of his drunken party guests.....to display herself. 

As his wife she was supposed to obey him, but as a self respecting woman, I also believed that she respected the king too; she would be degrading herself to appear in front of these men. 

I am sure her maids and advisors gave her conflicting information but the choice would be her’s and her’s alone.

Disobedience especially in this instance, with all the guests present would result in the most serious of consequences. The king would be embarrassed, and his guests would wonder what kind of authority he had over his wife and his household. He would be utterly disgraced.

Vashti was a wise woman, she did not make her decision lightly but after weighing everything up she made her choice. She thought about it deeply but felt strongly about the options she faced. She would not be appearing before the king or his guests tonight. 

It turns out Vashti was not a people pleaser. She knew that her position and her life would be on the line, never the less she informed the king of her decision.

If you have not already been faced with making an unpopular decision or decisions where the consequences could be detrimental to you personally, at some point in the future you may have to stand up for what you believe and make that choice.

Vashti’s disobedience to the king cleared the stage for the entry of Esther, the orphan who would be queen.

Just linger for a moment and try to put your place in Vashti’s shoes. Imagine the conflicts she felt as she worked through her options. Her beliefs and conviction led to her decision. This is why you need to know the difference between your preferences and your convictions. You are prepared to put your life on the line for your convictions. Take some time today to go over what you believe about your faith.