“But when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come” (Esther 1:12, NIV). Here we see the pivotal action that paved the way for Esther to come onto the scene in the next chapter. Disobedience or a refusal to submit.
I’ll have to admit…for a long time I’ve sided with Queen Vashti! What was so wrong?? I wouldn’t want to be the only woman in a room full of men that have been drinking for seven days (really, seven days??), would you? According to some Jewish historians, Vashti was to appear wearing only her crown. To me, her refusal seemed appropriate, if not a way to protect herself. I would bet that for any number of women that have read this story, each one would have thought of a reason that the Queen’s actions were justified. However, Darlene makes a great point, and this is the kicker: “…the scripture doesn’t give us any valid reason she didn’t. So making excuses for her would be speculation at best” (page 13). So there it is. If the Bible wanted the Queen’s actions to be justified, then a valid reason would have been given for her refusal, but we don’t have one. The simple truth is: Vashti was given a command which she refused. We see later in the chapter that she is punished – stripped of her role and privileges.
This made me wonder. How often does God give us a command that we don’t want to obey? Just like reading about Queen Vashti, we want to justify her disobedience and ours through the filter of our own wishes. God commands us to submit – to our husbands, to the will of Jesus – and we give reasons (excuses, really) of why we shouldn’t. I know many of us have difficult husbands! Some of us have husbands that are abusive, indifferent, not in line with the will of God. Many of us see God as a difficult taskmaster, a commander, one who is angry with us. It’s hard to willingly allow ourselves to submit to the will of someone who may not have our best interests at heart, isn’t it? On the other hand, some of us are simply not interested in being submissive! It feels “archaic,” as if we are supposed to be weak doormats to be walked on, when we are strong, liberated, independent women – right? I’m my husband’s partner, not his slave. All justifiable feelings, ladies, but let’s look at the Scripture again.
“But when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come.” The King commanded. She refused. We really do treat God the same way. He gives us commandments. Some we obey…some we flat out refuse. Can we be honest with ourselves? If we don’t want to do what God commands, then we don’t do it. I’m not trying to be harsh, it’s just the truth! If we want to improve, if we want to become less so that God can become more within us, then we have to start thinking about submission from God’s perspective, and not from the world’s perspective. Here’s more truth for you – GOD LOVES YOU!!! All day, every day. He wants what is best for you. He wants you to have a beautiful, joyful, powerful, abundant life. When you can really wrap your head around the fact that God loves you, then it makes it much easier to submit to His commands – because they are not burdensome (I John 5:3); they are in your best interest!
Consider the ultimate example of submission, Jesus. He obeyed, even to the point of death (Philippians 2:8)! Would you consider Him a doormat? Weak? A slave? I would think not. Was His life free from conflict? No. Did he have to do things He would have preferred not to do? Yes. Jesus lived His life as an example for ALL of us – so that we can pattern our lives after His. Submitting our lives to the will of God does not make us weak, mindless puppets – it’s an act of courage and strength! In fact, when we submit to God, our submission brings us rewards – here and in heaven! In James 4:6 and 7; James writes: “‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit yourselves, then, to God.” (He also says in verse 7 to resist the devil and he will flee from you, further proof that in submission to God you have the power and authority of God residing in you – I’d say that’s a reward, wouldn’t you?) A heart obedient to the will of God is beautiful!
Let’s vow today to live lives of daily submission. In areas where it seems difficult (if not impossible!), let’s ask God for strength, courage, and a willingness to do as He asks. Let’s not sit in the seat of the skeptic. Let’s not view submission like the world does. Vashti’s disobedience knocked her out of a place of privilege – let’s not follow her example! We’ll see in the days and weeks to follow how submission to the King brought honor and reward to Esther and how submission to our King (God) will bring honor and reward to us! Let’s try it today – when the King summons us, let’s throw on our crown and run to His presence – “Here I am!”
May God reward you for your obedience today!
Let’s Pray:
Holy God, thank You for Your abundant love and provision for us. Thank You for wanting to have a relationship with us, and that You give us direction out of a desire for our well-being. Holy Spirit, help us to live our lives in submission. Help us where we are reluctant to obey. Help us to love, respect, and follow our husbands – and You even more so.
Lord, open our hearts and our minds to a deeper understanding of You. Help us to receive the teachings and blessings that You want to bountifully bestow upon us. Guard our minds, protect our families, heal what is broken, and lift us up when we fall. I thank You, Lord, for every woman taking part in our study – may she feel Your arms wrapped firmly around her today.
Fill us with Your Spirit, Lord; help us to be salt and light. In the blessed name of Your Son Jesus.
Amen.
