The Leadership of Queen Esther. Part Two
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It is her leadership that saved the children of Israel.
She led the people to fast and pray. She sought the council and wisdom of her uncle and she sought the wisdom and favor from the Lord. Strong leadership demonstrated in humility and boldness; not just her good looks and charm procured the results her people needed and the world needed for salvation.
And they told Mordecai what Esther had said. 13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”-Esther 4:12-14
“Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther was in a divine position at the palace for just such a time to influence the Jewish people in a time of trouble and devastation. Let us look at the beginnings of her leadership to bring salvation to her people.
She had compassion. I remember the infamous words of Marie-Antoinette, "Qu'ils mangent de la brioche," or in English, "Let them eat cake." Her fabled response to the fact that her subjects were starving and could not buy bread. Queen Esther is not like that at all. She cared and had compassion for her people. One of the first marks of a true leader is whether compassion is genuinely on display.
She was humble. Though Esther was Queen of Persia and wore the royal crown, she humbled herself and listened to her uncle's sage wisdom and warning. Throughout the book of Esther, she adheres to the advice of someone who is her elder and has worldly and Godly wisdom. A good leader is humble and teachable and listens to the advice of those who have come before. A good leader doesn't always have to be right all the time, but they must be willing to learn and listen.
3. She sought the Lord. Godly leadership begins and ends with seeking the will, wisdom, and way of the ruler of Heaven and Earth.
Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16“Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” 17Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.-Esther 4:15-17
Scripture shares with us, I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.-Psalm 34:4
Multiple scriptures share the same idea that the beginning of wisdom is seeking the Lord. When we seek God, He will give us divine downloads from Heaven and instruct our way, words, and will. When you are in the midst of a leadership call, you need to make a tough call for your family, your business, or your church; make sure that you take the time to seek the Wisdom of God and the revelation of the Holy Spirit who can see all ends to all things and can orchestrate and establish your coming and your going.
Proverbs 9:10 ESV-The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
Prayer: Father, as I am making a leadership call, I need your will. What is it that you want to do that will give you glory? Father, I thank you today for your wisdom. The Bible says that any man who lacks wisdom should ask you, and you will give him wisdom abundantly. By faith, I believe I receive wisdom today, in Jesus' name.