Queen Esther in her Royal Robes

On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the

king's palace... (Esther 5:1)

Proverbs 3:27 says “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act”. Esther grew up as an orphan in an alien land. She was raised by a God-fearing Jew Mordecai.  She very well knew that it is an abomination to God to be married to a heathen, no matter what is his status in the community. She was forced into her situation. Esther may not have enjoyed her position. But accepted that she has to act on the crisis.

Esther chapter 4 narrates the communication that happened between Esther and Mordecai. Mordecai did not have any difficulty to accept her position as the leader of his people to plead for their lives. He urges her to respond rightly.

Now Esther asks Mordecai to gather his people to fast and pray. She, with her helpers fast for three days. Mordecai and Esther were fully aware that their dependence is only God alone - not on their ability to please the king.   Esther on the third day, clad in her royal robes stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in complete confidence that her prayers were answered. That is the challenge to any leadership.

Thought: How do we respond to the situation we are thrown into? How do we respond, to women in Leadership/Ministry?  How well we accept the words of wisdom from those whom we have authority over?