We’ve all read fairy tales at one time in our life I’m sure. What do they all have in common? Here are some examples: “Once upon a time” and “happily every after,” as well as heroes and bad guys. The Esther story is a real life fairy tale don’t you think? It even has a king and a queen in the story! How about the happily ever after?
Mordecai was honored for saving the king’s life and became powerful in his own right. He was a Jew, and most of the subjects in this kingdom were not. He “continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants.” He had the respect of all the people, and that is a happy ending. Isn’t having attention and respect in life something we all search for?
And what about Esther? Her parents died when she was young leaving her an orphan. Her dear cousin, Mordecai took her in and saw that she had what she needed. He could never replace her parents, but he could care for her and keep her safe. When she was all grown up, he even gave her the tip about how to approach the king, his employer. Isn’t becoming queen quite a happy ending?
Who is the hero in this story? I believe the hero is God. He was not mentioned by name, but his presence was there from the beginning. His people were displaced in a foreign land. God was not about to leave them alone. There was a bad guy lurking, and God’s people needed protection. Haman was the villain, full of himself, power hungry, and very resentful of the Jews because of one man’s refusal to bow down to him. That evil in his heart is what led to his demise.
The hero, God, used Mordecai and Esther to protect his people in a mighty way. Mordecai didn’t just happen to overhear the plot to kill the king so he could save the king’s life and become prime minister. Esther didn’t just happen to become the queen whom the king adored and would give half of his kingdom or more. God designed this masterpiece of a story.
How about in your life? It may not be a fairy tale, but I bet you have encountered plenty of villains in your day. Those villains are anything that keep you from your relationship with God. Sometimes we call them idols. When there is something that takes our attention away from God, away from spending time with him, learning from him, living for him, we have been the victim of a villain.
Are you trying to be the hero of your life or are you relying on God as your hero. It puts a whole new spin on the phrase, “hero worship.” We need to pick our heroes carefully. Where does your allegiance fall? Take some time today to give praise to your hero, God!
Let’s pray. Lord, I love how you have everything worked out so perfectly. Forgive me when I mess up your plan for me. I know I have when I’ve forged ahead trying to do things my way. I turn to you now and ask you to lead my life. Speak through me. Use me to further your kingdom. May you continue to orchestrate the fairy tale you have for me. My happy ending will be the day we meet face to face. I long for your words to be, “well done, my faithful servant.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
