No favour without preparation Part 1

Esther 2:15 (NKJV) states, “And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her.” Isn’t this amazing? How could an orphaned Jewish girl, once a slave, rise to such extraordinary favor from a Persian king who ruled over 127 provinces, extending from India to Ethiopia? Moreover, Persian kings traditionally married only within Persian noble families, yet Esther, a Jew, was chosen to ascend to a position of immense authority. This remarkable elevation was solely because of the divine favor of God upon her life.

Yet this favor wasn’t granted without a season of preparation. Esther underwent an entire year of preparation: six months immersed in the soothing oil of myrrh and six months with aromatic spices and exquisite ointments. Every girl would willingly participate in this year-long regimen of beauty and spa treatments brimming with excitement and hope for what lay ahead. Yet, the purpose of this preparation extended beyond merely enhancing Esther’s physical beauty, although that was part of it. It was also about shaping her heart, her character, and her readiness for the divine purpose God had set before her.

The queens of ancient times often lived lives of luxury, indulging in the wealth and splendor that surrounded them. However, this was not the purpose for which God had placed Esther in the palace. Her calling was far greater—it was to save the Jewish people, a mission that required immense selflessness and courage.

Jesus echoed this principle to His disciples in Matthew 16:24 (NKJV): “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Likewise, Esther could not allow herself to be consumed by the opulence of the palace. Instead, she had to rise above the allure of wealth and comfort, dedicating herself to fasting and prayer to intercede for her people, who were under grave threat from their enemies.

This divine calling demanded Esther’s preparation on multiple levels—mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. She was required to surrender her personal desires, dreams, and plans, even to the point of risking her own life. While the other young women in the palace reveled in the thrill of their newfound extravagance, Esther was being prepared and guided by the Lord to bear the burden of His purpose.

Her focus had to shift from the riches of the palace to the heart of God, whose deepest desire was to save His people. This preparation was a crucible in which Esther’s emotions and desires were refined and aligned with God’s will. She could no longer act on her own impulses but had to rely fully on the guidance of her Lord.

Paul encapsulates this kind of surrender in Galatians 2:20 (NKJV): “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Esther’s life mirrored this profound truth as she allowed God’s purpose to take precedence over her own, becoming an instrument of His saving grace for her people.

Life inside the palace required Esther to conform to the exacting standards of royalty. From her attire to her behavior, speech, and conduct, everything had to align with royal protocols. She could no longer hold on to her old ways, nor was she free to create her own. A strict code of conduct governed life within the royal mansion, and adherence to it was non-negotiable. Failure to comply could lead to severe consequences, as demonstrated by the downfall of Queen Vashti.

Rather than resisting these changes, Esther embraced a teachable, humble, and submissive heart. She willingly sought guidance from two key figures—Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem, and Mordecai, her cousin and guardian. Both possessed invaluable experience and influence within the palace. Esther’s decision to remain obedient to their counsel played a pivotal role in her success.

Mordecai, in particular, provided critical guidance. He advised Esther to conceal her Jewish identity and later urged her to speak out on behalf of the Jewish people when they faced annihilation at the hands of Haman the Agagite. Despite the immense personal risk, Esther obeyed Mordecai’s instructions, even when it meant putting her life on the line.

Esther’s preparation for her role was far from easy; it came at a great cost. Her decision to approach the king uninvited exemplified this. According to Persian law, anyone who approached the king without being summoned risked immediate execution by the guards. Yet, Esther courageously stepped into the king’s presence, fully aware of the danger. In a divine turn of events, instead of ordering her death, the king extended his golden scepter—a symbol of acceptance and favor—toward her, sparing her life and setting the stage for her to fulfill her God-given purpose.

Rather than relying on self-counsel or the advice of other women in the palace, Esther wisely chose to heed the guidance of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the king’s harem. Hegai, having served King Ahasuerus for years, possessed invaluable insight into the king’s preferences and expectations. Through him, Esther gained an understanding of her future husband even before meeting him.

While the other young women selected whatever they desired to take with them to the king, Esther demonstrated remarkable wisdom by seeking Hegai’s counsel on what the king would prefer. Her thoughtful preparation made a profound impression. One can imagine the king’s surprise and admiration as Esther approached him with something he genuinely appreciated. This thoughtful act set her apart and highlighted her discernment.

Esther’s humility and submission were pivotal to her success. Had she been self-willed, independent, or resistant to authority, she would have likely missed the exceptional favor she received from the king and his officials. Queen Vashti’s removal from power due to her defiance served as a clear example for Esther of what not to emulate. Instead, Esther disciplined herself, cultivating a spirit of submission and humility, ensuring she did not repeat the missteps of her predecessor.

The New Testament underscores the value of such humility in Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Esther’s year of preparation, therefore, was not only about physical refinement but also about internal transformation, equipping her for the significant role she was about to fulfill.

The mindset of a queen is vastly different from that of an ordinary servant girl. A queen is expected to exercise authority, unlike a layperson. It is almost inconceivable to picture a queen serving in the palace. Esther had to rise to her new position of authority and learn to rule and give orders rather than serve. Until the day she was brought into the palace, Esther had devoted herself to serving Mordecai and her community. However, her new role demanded a complete shift in perspective and mindset.

This transition may sound exciting, but it was undoubtedly daunting. For someone unfamiliar with royal life, the thought of stepping into such a role could be overwhelming. If placed in Esther’s position, many would require a foundational education on every aspect of a queen’s responsibilities. This underscores the importance of Esther’s year of preparation. She was being meticulously groomed for her role in the Persian kingdom, a kingdom that sought a prudent and honorable woman to stand beside King Ahasuerus.

The preparation phase was critical in equipping Esther to fulfill her responsibilities effectively. Without this time of training, Esther risked becoming an ill-prepared queen, unable to navigate the complexities of governing or to represent the kingdom with dignity. Such unpreparedness would not only have impacted her personally but could have also destabilized the provinces under her rule. It is no surprise, then, that young women were required to undergo a year of preparation before stepping into the throne. This period of refinement was essential in shaping Esther into the queen she was destined to be, a woman of wisdom and strength, fully equipped to fulfil her royal duties. ​

In the next article, we will delve deeper into the preparations Esther underwent and how God shaped her for her divine appointment with King Ahasuerus. Stay tuned to explore more about this transformative journey.