Advice for Christians from the Bible by an Ordained Pastor

Christian Advice

"But a wise man listens to advice" Proverbs 12:15

Bible Study
Week of May 7, 2008
 

The Beauty of Esther

Esther was a very beautiful woman. Since the Bible does not describe her appearance, how do we know this? She won a beauty contest! Women from hundreds of miles around competed with Esther, but she was the most beautiful, and her prize was to become the king’s wife.

The book of Esther does not emphasize Esther’s physical beauty; indeed, it is hardly mentioned at all. Since the book is primarily about God’s care and concern for His people, and His plan to deliver His people from their enemies, this is not surprising.

Nevertheless, we learn much about Esther in this book, and we admire her. Though she lived in the king’s palace because of her beauty, she was unconcerned about her own comfort. Her uncle, Mordecai, informed her of a conspiracy to kill all the Jews, and urged her to help save them.

Esther then asked her friends to fast, as a way to seek the favor of God. After this, she went into the king’s presence, even though it was against the law to do so without a royal invitation. The king extended his scepter to her, and thus indicated she would not die for her disobedience. After two lavish banquets to prepare the way, Esther pleaded with the king for the deliverance of the Jewish people.

The rest, as they say, is history. Not only were the Jews saved, but the king even issued a decree to allow the Jews to take vengeance on their enemies. Some Jewish households still observe the holiday of Purim as a way to celebrate.

Esther’s courage and dedication are a shining example to every Christian. As beautiful as she was on the outside, she was even more beautiful on the inside. God’s grace had changed her in a powerful way.

The lesson of Esther ought not to be lost on the present generation. In magazines and movies, children are taught to overvalue physical beauty. Young woman, especially, are encouraged to strive for outward beauty with an ungodly zeal.

But the Bible teaches a different system of values. Without denying that physical beauty is a genuine blessing, the Holy Scriptures urge the people of God to seek inner grace. “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (I Peter 3:3, 4).

Esther would have agreed. So should we.

Jeff Yelton, Pastor

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