three Wise Women
Esther
Monday, January 22
Let me Speak
Esther 4:5-8
5 Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs, who had been appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what was happening and why. 6 Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate, 7 and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king’s treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. 8 Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king to make supplication to him and entreat him for her people.
Regardless of who you are, things still need to be said.
The book of Esther in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) is fascinating. Give it a read through when you get the chance and you will discover all sorts of interesting characters, but also an intense story about a woman who’s faith would be expressed in a world of fear. Esther indeed was a person for her time, and maybe there is something for us to do as a people who are also called for “such a time as this.”
Many times we are not given the names of the people involved in the story of Scripture. It is often the nameless ones who help move the plot along. The story wouldn’t be the same without them. Part of Esther’s story has a man named Hathach in it. This is probably not a name you are familiar with.
Hathach was the king's eunuch, appointed to attend Queen Esther. Eunuchs were low status servants often kept in these servitude positions for life. Yet, Hathach plays a key and vital role as a messenger in Esther's story. Hathach who is "appointed" and "ordered" to this role explains and entreats Esther to act with risk-taking courage on Mordecai's and her people's behalf. Who is he to be so bold? Who is he to speak with such authority?
Sometimes it just takes a bit of courage to speak out. Even if the world tells you that you have no voice, there still might be an opportunity to speak. Regardless of who you are, things still need to be said. Hathach used his voice in a simple, yet powerful way. Use yours too.
Who are the Hathach's in our world?
Who are the Hathach's in your life?
What would it take to listen to them?
Prayer
Lord, help me to listen, help me to speak. Amen