2024_06_26 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Esther 1-10
Beautiful, privileged, wealthy, and humble. Hmmm? We don’t often see humility in a list like that. When someone has achieved certain vantage points in life, humility seems to disappear – if it ever was present. Esther had risen to the prominent position of Queen of Persia. She was initially a candidate due to her beauty (Esther 2:2) and then won the king over with her attitude and character. For a woman in the Persian culture, this was the pinnacle of social placement. For many, this might have caused their attitude toward others to morph into pride and arrogance, but not Esther. This is captured in one verse born out of her story, “She was still following Mordecai’s directions, just as she did when she lived in his home.” Esther 2:20 (NLT)
Esther was adopted by her older cousin, Mordecai after her parents died when she was young. Now, as a young adult living in the palace, she continues to trust and follow Mordecai’s guidance. Esther’s humble willingness to follow her elder’s advice ultimately leads her to risk her life and save all the Jewish residents in Persia.
Following spiritual authority is important, and it requires humility. Humility is not a stable commodity but something that needs to be regularly maintained and nurtured. Esther models this for us in a compelling way. At New Hope two of our Heart Attitudes (you can see all 7 here) are Be Humble and Do Follow Spiritual Authority. These attitudes reflect a genuine relationship with Jesus and will never be outgrown no matter what age, stage, or status we acquire. Esther shows us the value of maintaining these not merely in words but in action.
This week, I am asking God to show me where I need to grow in humility so that I can be confident that He is pleased with me and that my example is beneficial to others.
“In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” 1 Peter 5:5–6 (NLT)
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor