Living The Blessed Life: Vashti Disfavoured/Esther Blessed

 

Vashti Disfavoured, Esther Blessed 

Esther 1:12

"But the queen Vashti refused to the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him."

Esther 2:17

"And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."

One of the ways you can enjoy the blessings of God is to gain favour in the eyes of those who are in position to make life easy for you. The other way around, life can be made uneasy when you enter into disfavour with God sent helpers. To understand this simple principle, study the life of Vashti and Esther. Having these two you will clearly see 'Displacement/Replacement' principle of the blessings of God at work. This principle does not apply when opportunities that does not exist but is to be created. Many positions and fewer people does not also apply. It is only true when there is fewer positions and more people for position(s) that is already occupied.

The 'Displacement/Replacement' is simply that when there is only possible position to be filled, for anyone to fill the position, he or she must find favour in the eyes of those responsible. On the other hand, to loose the position of favour already created, displease those who are responsible and you will get out of favour. For Esther to become a queen, she must gain the favour of the king but since in this case, there can be only one queen, the position was a very hot cake. Vashti enjoyed favour uptil this point as a queen and for her to leave the position for someone else, she must loose the favour she has been enjoying. Vashti was displaced for Esther to replace. This is the principle of 'Displacement/Replacement'.

As much as it depends on you, do all you can not to be displaced. Work out the cherished favour you have been enjoying by staying in favour. If you do what is needed to be done, you will enjoy higher favours and you will replace someone higher. How?

Displacement 

Vashti Was Displaced:

"But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him."

People are displaced for many reasons. Looking at the mistake of Vashti, you will see how carelessly she lost her place of favour.

Comfort

Vashti was too comfortable with the position she enjoyed and she forgot how and why she got there. The scenario that led to her displacement was very obvious that she was too comfortable and carried away. She no longer knew who she was answerable to.

Esther 1:3

"In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:.."

King Ahasuerus was celebrating one of the climax of his enthronement and all the nobles in the entire provinces were in attendance. It was the third year anniversary. Because it was so special to him, he brought out the best for everyone to enjoy. Utensils made of gold, best of food and drinks, amazing decors and it ran for several days. There was plenty of everything to enjoy and nothing ran out. He was showcasing the best for his audience and on the climax day, he was to showcase the ultimate best. Vashti was his pride and showcasing her to them was to crown the occasion. This was the height of the occasion. Where was Vashti?

Esther 1:9

"Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus."

The women were also enjoying the way they knew best to do. This was also part of the arrangement for the anniversary. Vashti was lost in the celebration and forgot that it "...belonged to king Ahasuerus." This is how many lost favour. They were too comfortable enjoying the blessings of God. What they were doing was not wrong but they had no sense of purpose and focus.

Disobedience 

While there is nothing wrong to enjoy the blessings of God, you should always be ready to obey the commands of God. Principles are made to help us and not break us.

Esther 1:10-12

"On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded ...

To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.

But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment ...therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him."

That was unacceptable before the King. She disobeyed the King at the height of his pride. She thought that it was all about her. Maybe she used to behave like this when she was alone with the King but she should have known that at this occasion, the case was different. She was displaced by not being sensitive and focused.

Replacement 

Esther Replaced Vashti 

"And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."

Esther lived a quiet life with her uncle Mordecai. Her disposition to be obedient and focused made her the choice in replacement for Vashti. Esther herself did not displace Vashti. It was her lifestyle that located her. How did she find favour?

Esther 2:2,4-5,7,10-11

"Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:

And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.

Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, ...

And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.

Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.

And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her."

Right Place At The Right Time 

"Mordecai, ...And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter."

Esther knew that all instructions given to her by Mordecai was always for her good and over time she came to trust him. When the King gave instruction for a replacement for Vashti, Esther got approval from Mordecai. Not only did he approve but followed through until she became queen. Having the right attitude is one thing and being at the right place at the right time is another thing. Esther had them both.

Positioned By Training 

Esther not only entered the contest to be queen but went through the fundamental training to please the King.

Esther 2:9

'And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women."

Hegai was one of the King's officials who prepared the ladies for the contest. Esther went through the fundamentals and was officially allowed to contest.

"..and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women."

Favour can come by preparation. The opportunities to be transferred will come. Will you allow yourself to be trained? Training is a good ground to get ready for favour. It can come formally or informally. Once trained, Esther was qualified.

"And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."

This is important. You are not displaced without a reason. You can not replaced another person without a reason. Do what ever you can to stay favoured. Also, do what ever you can not to push someone out to replace them rather stay in favour and you will be located.

Stay in favour with your boss, your parents, your leader etc. Stay within the acceptable boundary of principle to be located. God will favour you! He will help you to be at the right place at the right time. He will teach you what you need to know to be blessed. Opportunities will come for you to be blessed. If disfavour had happened to you, God will have mercy on you. Once you do the needful, a new wave of favour shall come your way.

Pray:

My Father and my God, I come to you asking for favour to be blessed. Where ever I walked in disfavour, I ask for mercy and grace to be blessed. Forgive me and give me a fresh start. I receive favour from You. This I pray in Jesus name. Amen!