A STAR IN THE EAST

          Mordecai was a cousin and caretaker of a young woman named Hadassah.  They lived in Susa, the capital city of Persia, in the days of King Xerxes (c.486 BC).  As to why Mordecai and Hadassah remained in Persia when opportunities were given for “exiles” to return to Jerusalem, one can only speculate.  Some have argued that they suffered from assimilation (conformity to the ways of a heathen nation).  Others, like myself, would prefer to think that they were faithfully engaged in seeking to help their Jewish brothers and sisters scattered throughout Persia.  As the text of the book of Esther unfolds, it becomes quite clear that God has chosen to use Mordecai and Hadassah to His glory.  The gracious hand of God is witnessed throughout the narrative of the book of Esther.  

         Hadassah takes on a new name, Esther (meaning “star”), and she becomes a star in the East, shining brightly for the well-being of the people of God.  Esther becomes the queen to King Ahasuerus (a.k.a. Xerxes):  the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found favor and kindness with him…so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen… (2:17).  It is a story filled with intrigue at every turn during an era when the king’s right-hand man, Haman, is spearheading an effort to extinguish the Jews.  With strong encouragement from her beloved uncle, Esther overcomes her trepidation and discloses her true identity to the King (4:13-17).  Esther tells the king that SHE is a Jew, and she further divulges Haman’s wicked plot to exterminate all Jews (7:3-6).  The king’s wrath burns and Haman is expeditiously ordered to be hung on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (7:10).

          The story of Esther reminds us that God’s providence knows no boundaries.  “Behind the dim unknown, stands God within the shadow, keeping watch above His own.”  It also reminds us that God’s providence doesn’t nullify our obedience.  As with Esther and Mordecai, when God opens a door or provides a way of escape (1Cor.10:13), we, too, must be willing to step up to the plate in faith.   

                                                                                    Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ