5/9/26

Most people are familiar with Queen Vashti, as mentioned in the book of Esther. She was an incredibly beautiful Queen. She was married to one of the most powerful Kings in history. King Ahasuerus also known as King Artaxerxes was in control of much of the world. He was so wrapped up in himself that for 180 days he put on display his riches and glory for anyone to come and see. At the end of the 180 days, he held a banquet for all that lasted seven days. Everyone feasted and celebrated the greatness of this King. He had such pride in himself and most people would say rightly so.

After all, look at how the book of Esther starts. Esther 1:1 NASB95 Now it took place in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces.

He ruled over 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia. This means he ruled over 2.1 - 3 million square miles! In a time when the fast mode of travel was horse or camel. He was a powerful king! Yet on the final day of the banquet, he gave the order for Queen Vashti his beautiful wife to be displayed so everyone could see her beauty. She refused!

Think about this. His power! His glory! His territory! His regin! His army! His riches! His authority! He is King and yet he doesn't have control over his wife. Queen Vashti humiliated him and stomped on his pride.

This is a lesson for us. Pride in oneself is nothing more than an illusion. Pride in anything other than God is an illusion. No one has true sovereignty over man but God and He in his sovereignty has given man free will. If you think you have control or authority over another you are being deceived by Satan. The best we can do is lead a person to Christ and pray that they will give authority (Lordship) over their life to Him.

Satan loves to make people think they can control or have authority over someone because when the truth comes out. They are broken to find out they have no authority. This is why the best leadership is done by example. A husband is to lead by service. A father is to lead by example. Even Jesus who actually has authority came not to be served but to serve. Queen Vashti broke the king's pride but he didn't learn his lesson. Will we learn it by the word of God or will we have to be broken as well?

Either way, I pray the lesson is learned.

Everyone, will have a Vashti in their life. It could be their spouse, a child, or a friend. May we lead them by service and example instead of pride.

Love Bro. Scott