5 Lessons from the Life of Esther by Oluwagbemisola

Peniel Chukwuanyim

Another interesting Bible character to study anytime is Queen Esther. Today, we will be looking at some of her major attributes that has made her occupy a book in the Bible.

As an orphan raised her uncle, from what we have learnt in her story, she was the obedient and likeable type of child because if she were not, her uncle would never have given her a chance to get out of his house not to talk of entering the palace. Likewise, if she were not likeable, she would have not been favoured by Hegai who was responsible for the King's harem.

, Esther had not disclosed any detail as regards her people nor her kindred. This was because Mordecai had charged her that she should not reveal any related detail. In our society now, there are little to nothing which can be kept secret as social media has become everyone's second home. However, Esther was considered only fit because she could keep kingdom secrets which had been inculcated in her by her uncle when he asked her to keep her identity secret.

3. Be Open to Counsel and Submit to Good Advice

Esther could take advice from counsellors, she was not a snub. In 

 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, "she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed". And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

When she was called upon, she didn't require more deodorants to be sprayed on her,or more make up applied for her as some may do if put in her position. Instead,she listened to the man who knew the King's requirements best!

How well do you as a person take advice even from someone you might think is beneath your status?

  she asked that all the Jews that were present in Shushan be gathered together and embark on a fast for her, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which [is] not according to the law: and " if I perish, I perish."

It takes a big heart for a person to wish to perish for the sake of her people when she is in a position to keep herself safe first. Obviously,no one knew she was a Jew,so she would have survived if the Jews were to be killed but she took it upon herself to place her life on the line.

As a person whom God has ordained to a place of high position,how much do you place the welfare of other people above yours? It's rarer in this age to see one thinking from other people's perspective,but we must remember that that was what made Esther remembered till date.

5. Present Your Cause without Desperation

Another interesting thing Esther showcased was that she didn't behave like a person  desperately in need of  help. She had a good presentation for her cause.

 And Esther answered, If [it seem] good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him. In 

, the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What [is] thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what [is] thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

 Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request [is];

 If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said. In 

, Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. From this text, we read that getting help from people should  not be done in an irritably desperate way. While it is true that the heart of kings is in the hand of God, we must also learn to wisely walk the way into people's heart first before asking for help or assistance. It gives people a sense of peace when they have to deal with you. Do not for any reason be the type of person that is always needing help while not offering a small bit of comfort to people.

Queen Esther was indeed a character to behold and lessons from her life are tangible in shaping lifes. These lessons are custom specific especially in our relationships with other people.

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