For Reading and Meditation:
Esther 1:13-22

Vashti';s refusal to obey the king's command threw the whole palace into an uproar. The Persian regime was established and built on the concept of law and order. So deeply ingrained was this idea that even the king himself was subject to the laws that he signed. Greatly embarrassed by Vashti's behavior, he turns to his chamberlains for advice. They were upset, too, not so much out of concern for the king, but because Vashti's action might spark off a women's liberation movement that would spread throughout the whole empire. They decide to nip the whole matter in the bud, and recommend to the king that Vashti be removed from office and her place filled with someone more cooperative and submissive. In addition, they suggest that the king make a decree commanding every wife in the land to honor her husband "from the least to the greatest" (v. 20). Some Christian husbands adopt a similar attitude in their marriages. They say: "I am the head and that means I must be obeyed at all costs. God has made this decree in His Word and I am here to enforce it." God gives spiritual headship to the man in marriage, but that headship is to be operated under the law of love. A man is to love his wife and lead her "as Christ loved the church" (Ephesians 5:25). And how does Christ lead and love the Church? With great tenderness and sensitivity. Any man who adopts the position of "I'm the boss so you had better obey" is not following the leadership example of Christ. He is not a leader; he is a dictator. And such an attitude is alien to the Spirit of Christ.

Father, I know that it takes great skill to handle a relationship, especially that of marriage. Help me to bring the attitude of Jesus into all my relationships. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.

Esther 1:20

" the queen's conduct will become known to all the women,

Group of Brands

" the queen's conduct will become known to all the women,