Unheard of.  A queen listening to the advice of a commoner.  My fairy-tale derived images of royalty can barely comprehend that thought.  And yet, once again, we see Queen Esther defying any stereotypes one might have of someone in her position.  Mordecai, Esther’s beloved uncle, revealed a plan in which the royal advisor wanted to annihilate the Jewish people.  No doubt concern for her dear relative and other kin permeated throughout her thought processes, but Esther also had to consider her own life for no one, not even the queen, could approach the king without first being invited.  As Krista described previously, Mordecai reminded Esther that, despite her crown, she too might be at risk of being put to death due to her heritage.  It is with a brazen confidence that she asked for others to pray and fast with her, and “when this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law.  And if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16b).

Esther’s life expanded on the meaning of Ephesians 6:1-3 long before it was ever penned:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." 

Esther no longer had an earthly father or mother, but respected and loved Mordecai as he adopted those roles in her life.  Even when she was beyond the age of being called a child, she still obeyed her “father” and it did go well with her.  In fact, we could probably even paraphrase Ephesians 6:3 to say she lived happily ever after. 

Maybe we could learn a thing or two from Queen Esther as we lay down our crowns of pride and self-reliance and glean from the wisdom our parents, uncles and mentors have to offer.

As a footnote, I want to thank my dad for being my Mordecai, the one who has helped me go on straight paths and has stood by me even when life got a little too bumpy.  I love you.  Happy Father’s Day!