three Wise Women
Esther
Thursday, January 25
Robe up.
Esther 5:1-3
On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, opposite the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne inside the palace opposite the entrance to the palace. 2 As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won his favor and he held out to her the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter. 3 The king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.”
The narrative of the story may not always capture the emotion. The writer may not always say, “Esther is feeling like this.” But I’m sure we can imagine how she might be feeling. She is taking her life into her own hands. She is doing something dangerous. How do you think Esther is feeling as she knowingly breaks the law and risks her life? What does she think? Does she tremble? Is her heart pounding? Is she praying?
The story resolves all these questions and tensions so quickly. The king sees her, she wins his favor, the Golden Scepter is extended, and her life is saved. “Bada Bing, Bada Boom.”
In our lives, that space between uncertainty and resolution feels so much longer. We want quick answers. We like simple solutions. Rarely does life go this way. The journey twists and turns with expected surprises. But you will never know the outcome, or the resolution to your uncertainty if you don’t ‘robe up’. This is what Esther did. At the end of all her wondering and contemplation was action. She robed up and started walking.
Maybe this is what you need to do today.
Robe up.
Prayer
Lord, remind me that you are with me. Amen