strength of submission

- Throughout chapter 2 of Esther, we find out something beautiful about her character that set her apart from the rest of the women around her. We can see this character trait in the way she responds to; her cousin Mordecai, Hegai the eunuch, and to King Ahasuerus. In all of these relationships, Esther is submissive.
- Now, this is not a word many of us like to hear. Yet, this is something that stands out in Esther’s character. Just have a look a the following few verses to see what I mean:
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Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known
Esther 2:10.

she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king’s eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised
Esther 2:15.

Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him
Esther 2:20.

Do you see what I mean? Esther is submissive to those around her, she clearly has a healthy respect for those in authority. She is obedient, not proud or entitled, but compliant and content. The submission displayed by Esther is definitely seen as a strength, it is what ultimately wins her favour. Esther’s compliance, her acknowledgement that she doesn’t know best, her ability to be led and taught are all beautiful characteristics that far outweigh her physical beauty.

 Yet, who of us would like to be submissive?

None of us, I should imagine, would see submission as a desirable  characteristic for a person, let alone for a woman or a queen!
After all, submission is about giving in to others, giving up your own desires, allowing others authority over your life. We usually consider submission as a weakness - an inability to make up your own mind, make decisions or be too scared to. Submission is to something that we desire, instead we desire independence. We want authority over our own lives, and preferably over others too, we want to have our desires met, and our voices heard sometimes at the expense (not benefit) of others. This is what we consider strength to be - to be seen and heard and noticed.
However,  Esther lives in a place where it is easy to be overlooked, unnoticed and unheard, yet in her simple submission to these circumstances, the fact that she is not screaming or shouting about it, but simply being obedient, that is the very thing that causes her to stand out.

*Submission is a powerful tool.*

- In the days live in we are taught and empowered to be independent, to do our own thing, have it ‘my way’. We are supported to know that our emotions, views and opinions matter, and we are educated that we should be heard. Yet here, in ancient Persia, we see a woman being elevated for exactly the opposite quality. Persia, by what we’ve read so far, doesn’t seem wildly different to world we live in; they also have worldly leaders out for themselves, sin and debauchery is as obvious as it is today, there are liars and selfish people, immigrants, wars, marriage and divorce, just like we do. Amongst all of this life that’s going on, with people out to get what they want, is it any wonder that a beautiful, young woman, who just gets on with life, listening and obeying the instructions of her elders stands out?

Esther honours and respects those in authority by listening and being obedient, therefore she wins their trust. She does not talk behind anyones back, complain or bemoan her situation, she just gets on with it. She is not ashamed to take advice, she follows instructions and she doesn’t seem to get upset or offended by it. Is it any wonder that,  ‘she won grace and favour in his sight’ (v17).
If you want t win favour, have you considered the strength of submission?