Nougat 25

Unfortunately, life isn’t always easy to navigate. Some decisions seem to have disastrous consequences regardless, and discerning God’s will feels impossible. As we reflect on today’s Holy Nougat, I invite us to consider our own response if we were Esther (the speaker) or Mordecai (to whom she spoke).

““All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces fully understand that for anyone, man or woman, who approaches the king in the inner courtyard without being summoned, he has one law—that he be put to death, unless the king extends his golden scepter permitting him to live. But I have not been summoned to come to the king for 30 days.”” ‭‭Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬ ‭TLV‬‬

Amidst her guardian’s visible grief; Esther’s words must have been like oil on embers. An edict had been sent ordering the annihilation of the Jews all because Mordecai defended himself against the bully Hamaan. Now, it’s true, Mordecai went mourning outside the palace hoping to catch Esther’s attention, and that may have been a bit manipulative. But given the circumstances …

Have you been there? – where life’s going good and fine, then POW !, everything threatens to fall apart. And, without taking much time to think, your feet, on their own volition, find their way to your sure support. That might have been Mordecai’s situation. I suspect that he’d been to the palace before. Just not under such circumstances!

Esther’s response must have floored him. I don’t think he was expecting it. In fact, I am sure he entertained thoughts of reminding Esther of his role in her life, and how she ought to be grateful. Many of us would. Mordecai would have been within his family rights to say that. To see Esther respond so strongly suggests there’s more.

Esther became queen as proof that no one ‘dissed’ the king. You remember – a drunk king and a repulsive request. He sent for the former queen and her women in waiting to dance for him and his male guests. Refusal was Vashti’s undoing. In fury, and with the encouragement of his nobles, the king deposed Vashti. Such was the nature of Esther’s husband! And every single person in the kingdom knew it.

That was Esther’s point to her uncle. Her husband was literally a tyrant. Ordering the execution of his subjects was neither new nor strange. Esther weighed the odds and non-involvement seemed a safe option. Surely, the idea of her people being annihilated would have been totally reprehensible; but her hands were tied – and she was conveying that to her uncle Mordecai.

An assimilated refugee; obliged to reveal their identity, with possibility of being murdered by her irascible spouse.

A desperate non-assimilated refugee seeking asylum for himself and his people.

What does God require?

Can God intervene in desperate impossible situations?

Can God use our gifts and skills to save others – if it puts us at risk?

Who is right? What would we do?

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May all we seek be found in Christ