Musings on Esther
Why would God be so hard to find? I have been amused as scholars through the centuries have tried to ‘find’ God in Esther. Some claim new names given in this book while others look for a hidden acrostic. (*and find usually only 4!)
If Psalm 19 declares that God is bigger than the universe and more obvious, why so subtle in this great story? God does not seem to be hard to find in the earliest days of Eden or with such Bible greats as Noah, Abraham, Isaac or Jacob. God seems in full force with both Moses and Joshua from Mt. Sinai to the battlefields of Canaan. Yet, when we get to Esther we fail to see His name or namesake openly mentioned.
What are we looking for? This is a great question! In Jesus day, the Jews longed for a sign, in spite of many miracles and teachings. For three years Jesus walked, taught and demonstrated that He was the Son of God. What could be more obvious than the resurrection of Jesus? The early church had confirming signs that authenticated the Apostles as those who had been with Jesus. They wrote these experiences down by Inspiration for believers to embrace. This launched the church into the centuries that have followed to this day.
There are those who would still seek additional confirmation even today, yet I believe this actually lacks faith. I see the Scriptures claiming a sufficiency that is called into question if we need more proof. By seeking an extra-Biblical confirmation, I am shouting at Heaven that the Book is not enough! I would be calling into question, that what God has given me is inadequate and insufficient to live a life of faith. Trust me, the Book is enough!
Now, back to Esther – why so obscure? I am reminded of the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:
11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
Some books are filled with the obvious appearances and voice of God like in Genesis or Exodus. Other books demonstrate a more subtle but still present God like Jonah or Hosea. Esther’s story is not the ‘wind’ nor the ‘earthquake’ or even the ‘fire’ – instead the Divine is wrapped in this beautiful novel as the ‘gentle whisper’ of God. God is softly inquiring of each to serve “for such a time as this!” Shhhh.... do you hear Him?
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