UNDER
THE SHADOW - THOUGHTS ABOUT QUEEN ESTHER
By:
Joseph M. Carr
inspired
by the Fall 1987 Sabbath School Lesson
It is the third day.
There had been no food. Possibly
she has just returned from the palace gardens where she loves to look, and to
listen. She has entered the great hall
where the throne commands an all-inclusive view. She has taken her position where the King can
see plainly who she is. There is no
mistake!
Behind her at alert stand the security men, spears leveled
and ready, precise as only the military can be.
Somehow they do not appear nearly as menacing as their profession might
demand. These guards know full well who
this lady is. They know when she
entered. More than that they have been
somewhat puzzled by her unannounced arrival; and they are aware of something
else - she is stunningly beautiful.
Within a secret chamber, shrouded by her crowning glory,
is a mind which is bright and active.
There is an intellect that is unexpectedly sharp, and there is something
even more startling. It is a rare
combination, physical charm allied with exceptional mental capacity, both
directed and motivated by the wisdom from above. This lady is not only special, she is very
special, for she has learned to recognize the Eternal Presence. She knows when God is speaking, and this day,
contrary to the rigid laws of the land, she has entered the throne room under
the compulsion of the Supreme Authority.
King Ahasuerus has issued no summons of any kind.
A unique person in a unique position, it appears that she
is the one and only in the vast hundred and twenty-seven provinces who
qualifies. Even the King is uniformed as
to the real significance of the crisis.
She probably does not see herself as typical of Messiah; she is only
human. It is God who will save His
people from their sins; but today she is His woman who will override the forces
of darkness. Her harassed and persecuted
people must be delivered from certain destruction.
She is acquainted with the comprehensive plan, laid before
the world began and implemented in
The stage and the scene are for real. Her countenance is the transcript of her
character. There is no trace of
insincerity. Just now there are no
superficial smiles, no ambiguous grins.
She is one in spirit with her beloved people, driven to the point of
despair. She is the only one anywhere
who has a chance to effect a rescue. She
knows, too, that this is no game of chance.
She is positive as can be that against the irresistible forces of heaven
there are no immovable physical barriers.
Her spoken thoughts:
“Here I stand; this is it!
Joined to Him I can do no other.”
She becomes one upon whom the ends of the world are
resting. Is there an element of
uncertainty? Are there feelings of
inadequacy? She and her people have
sought divine guidance, they have pleaded for strength and endurance. Life, the precious gift, is at stake. OH NO this plan must not be
aborted! Are there secret, unconfessed
sins?
Her faith in the God of her fathers wells up. She is reassured. Precious memories of recent experiences flow
through her soul. Never before has she
been so thrilled: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide
under the shadow of the Almighty.”
The atmosphere grows pregnant with emotion; the scene is
crucial. Seldom is so much pressure
concentrated upon so delicate a fulcrum.
The still small Voice is prompting her, “Play-it-Cool,” and what an
actress! With deepest interest unseen
spectators witness the performance. The
world cannot fathom what it beholds, an unbelievable exhibit of divine
patience. In a most unlikely place,
revealed within the palace walls, is “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet
spirit” I Peter 3:4 NIV. What will
the next move be?
To his perpetual credit, to our on going benefit and
gratitude, the man yields. There is a
beckoning nod of the regal head. Xerxes
the great extends the golden scepter.
“Come! — Closah! Vwhat vwillt
thow, Kwveen Esstare?”
