Christ’s Ambassador

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.  Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. Prov 31:10,11

The book of Esther introduces us to two virtuous women; Vashti and Esther. The former appeared briefly like a footnote while the latter was the heroine, and understandably, she overshadows the former. I think the duo worked together, albeit unplanned, like Moses and Joshua. Moses did what Joshua couldn’t have done and Joshua did what Moses could not do. Each used the much grace God gave him and so it was with Vashti and Esther.

With what we know Babylonian traditions and their pagan practices, her refusal to go showcase her body before some drunken lords was a courageous and righteous thing to do. She risked her life to shine as light in a kingdom where darkness had set in. She fought to remain salt when everything was tasteless and as preservative when decay set in. She lost her worldly crown for that but she was God’s instrument to create a space for Esther who was chosen to conclude a mission. She must be wearing the imperishable crown in heaven now.

Vashti became a persona-non-grata in the Babylonian palace but the Bible says “her price is far above rubies”  (Prov 31:10) Her Lord, Jesus Christ, has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. Prov 31:11

There are times we must be in the class of Vashti. At such times let’s be firm and endure whatever the world brings our way knowing fully that God ius not unjust to forget our labour of love. And if we find ourselves in the class of Esther in our ministries, we do well to remember we are not there by our own making. We must recognize the contributions of the Vashtis of our day.