The
servants of King Ahasuerus have noticed his sadness since the edict
was given that Queen Vashti should be banished forever from the
throne. They have offered the suggestion that a beauty contest be
held with all the fair young virgins within the one hundred and
twenty-seven provinces of the Persian empire. These young ladies
would be placed in the charge of chamberlain Hege who would put them
through an extensive spa treatment, and their care would be second to
none. In chapter two and verse four we read more of their suggestion:
And let the maiden
which pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing
pleased the king; and he did so.
Perhaps
King Ahasuerus was slumping on his throne as he listened to the
servants present this beauty contest idea, and after hearing some of
it he sat upright and tuned in more closely especially when this was
said, “And let the maiden which pleases the king be queen
instead of Vashti.” In other words, they were going to find a
replacement for Vashti. Sure the king's heart was sad from his
separation, but he was king. He could have a beauty contest and
replace Vashti any time he desired. Instead of moping around and
sulking, he could do something about this situation. He would find
another “maiden which pleases the king” and he could make
her the queen. Vashti was out, and a new one would be in.
The
verse continues, “And the thing pleased the king; and he did
so.” We can almost imagine the smile upon King Ahasuerus' face
as he heard this idea. Rather than despair, he now had hope. Rather
than gloom, he had excitement. King Ahasuerus was joyful and glad
when he heard this suggestion, and “he did” what the
servants told him to do.
Isn't it
amazing how moods change so quickly? One minute King Ahasuerus is so
sad that everyone around him is greatly concerned for his well-being,
and within a few moments of time, exuberance is in the air, and
everyone is excited. That is the way it is for us sometimes. One
minute we are down because of circumstances and the next we are
excited because something new entered the picture. Emotions are very
much like that, and even though they are, we must keep in mind that
the natural plans we have are being weaved into the sovereign plan of
God. What seems to be bad may work its way to being good, and that
which seems good, may be working its way to being bad. Regardless,
the Almighty is in charge, and as He saw His plan unfolding well
before King Ahasuerus did, He sees our plan as well. May we evermore
submit to His plan without overindulging in the emotion of the
moments in between.
Next time we will be introduced to a
new character in the story, Mordecai, so read ahead, and we shall
join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want
to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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