Year 5, Day 60: Esther 1

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Discipleship Focus:

• Ambition: We all need a goal to which we can strive.  When our ambition comes from God, we find fulfillment in our obedience into that for which we have been equipped because our Out is in proper focus.  But when our ambition comes from ourselves, we find ourselves chasing after our own dreams and trying to find fulfillment in accomplishments of our own making.

There is a preponderance of love for Vashti among modern culture – especially those who are involved in the Feminist movement.  It is not at all uncommon for people to lift up Vashti’s unwavering dedication to stand up for her rights as a model and exemplar to follow.  Vashti is often lifted up by feminists as the first public stand for women’s rights.  People who say this are missing the point entirely.

What we know historically speaking about Vashti is that she was a person who was solely concerned for herself.  She was cruel in public and to her slaves.  She was routinely disobedient to the authority of the king.  She was focused upon her wants, her desires, and fulfilling her will.  She was a person so engrossed with her own ambition {and perhaps even her own appetite} that she was problematic as a queen!  The role model that she was setting for her culture was destructive!  This is why the nobles want to get rid of her.  This is also why Esther – a woman know for her humility, gentle nature, desire to serve, and desire to look out for others – is chosen in her place.

We need to be careful of ambition, especially in our modern culture.  In today’s day and age we are all about getting what I want, how I want it, and when I want it.  But if we are not careful we end up tearing apart the very fabric of our community around us when we live like that.  We all need a certain amount of ambition – or drive.  But when our ambition turns inward, it is a destructive force.  That is what we can learn from Vashti today.

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