How does Esther's obedience in Esther 2:19 inspire our submission to authority? The Setting: Esther 2:19–20 “When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate. Esther still had not revealed her lineage or her people, just as Mordecai had instructed. She obeyed Mordecai’s command, as she had done under his care.” (Esther 2:19–20) What Esther Actually Did • Even after becoming queen, she continued to take direction from Mordecai, her adoptive father. • She withheld personal information because he told her to do so. • She demonstrated consistent submission—“as she had done under his care”—showing that authority structures remain in place regardless of status changes. Why Her Choice Matters for Us • It affirms that God places authorities in our lives for our protection and for His larger purposes (Romans 13:1). • Obedience positioned Esther for later influence; God worked through her humility to preserve His covenant people (Esther 4:14). • Her example removes excuses based on age, position, or comfort; submission is a heart issue, not a social rank issue. God’s Design for Authority (Survey of Scripture) • Parental: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1) • Civil: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution.” (1 Peter 2:13) • Spiritual: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls.” (Hebrews 13:17) • Ultimate: “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) — the boundary line when human directives oppose God’s commands. Practical Ways to Imitate Esther’s Submission 1. Identify the legitimate authorities God has placed over you (parents, pastors, employers, government). 2. Cultivate a willing attitude: obedience is more than external compliance; it is internal honor (Colossians 3:22). 3. Seek wisdom in gray areas—ask, “Does this request violate Scripture?” If not, follow it gladly. 4. Respond promptly; delayed obedience often masks quiet rebellion. 5. Pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2) so that your heart stays soft and supportive. Fruit That Follows Obedience • Protection from unnecessary harm—Esther’s secrecy kept her and her people safe until the right moment. • Open doors for God-sized influence—her submission prepared the platform for royal intervention. • A clear witness—humble obedience adorns the gospel, showing trust in God’s sovereign order. • Inner peace—submission aligns the heart with God’s design, freeing us from the turmoil of self-rule. Esther’s quiet “yes” in 2:19 reminds us that true greatness in God’s sight often begins with simple, faithful submission to the authorities He has set over us. |
    |