God Is Sovereign God

GOD CHANGES THE TIMES AND THE SEASONS, HE REMOVES KINGS AND RAISES UP KINGS. DANIEL 2:21

During my lifetime I have seen evil men rise to political and military power, cause colossal havocs and pass off the scene. Even good leaders leave records that include mistakes and weaknesses.

The first chapter of Esther shows us the pride of King Ahasuerus, head of the mighty Persian Empire. He hosted an elaborate festival designed to display his riches and splendor. After 7 days of partying, the king gave orders to his servants to bring Vashti, his queen, before the revelers so they could see her great beauty. But Queen Vashti refused to come. It humiliated the great king of Persia (v.12-18).

Ahasuerus was furious and sought counsel from the wise men of his kingdom. They advised him to remove Vashti as queen and "give her royal position to another who is better than she" (v.19). God used these royal antiques to place a Jewish girl in a strategic position to preserve His people from destruction.

God's name is not mentioned in the entire book of Esther, but the message in chapter 1 comes through loud and clear: God can bring good out of everything, even when flawed and mistake-prone humans are involved. He is the real power behind the throne.

Pray and practise with me: Dear Lord, You are the king of kings and the Sovereign God, who can raise up princes and presidents from even commoners and remove them from power when they go against Your will, even as I (we, Your people) pray. Amen.

Adapted from 'Our Daily Bread', RBC Ministries