“Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it. Esther 2:10 (NKJV)
Well, Ahasuerus did as his counselors suggested – dethroned Vashti and set about to find a new queen. He wanted a virgin – someone no other man had touched. She also needed to be beautiful to represent his kingdom.
Mordecai was a Jew whose great-great grandfather, Kish, was a Benjamite who had been taken from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. Mordecai had raised his uncle’s daughter, Hadassah, because she was an orphan and he was the closest relative to take care of her.
Hadassah, who was also known as Esther, was among the young women chosen to special beauty treatments before meeting with King Ahasuerus during his search for a new queen. When Hadassah was chosen, Mordecai cautioned her not to reveal that she was a Jew or that she was related to him.
Is it alright to not disclose that we are Christians? or who our family is? Evidently in this case God gave Mordecai wisdom to have Hadassah not only not reveal that she was a Jew and related to him, but also changed her name to Esther.
I would not feel comfortable with using this story as a blanket rule that it is ok to hide who we are as Christians or who we are related to. This situation was definitely unique. Jesus said he is the way, the truth and the life. We cannot be his followers if we use deceit or falsehoods. However, it is equally important to listen so closely to the Holy Spirit that we recognize His voice to guide us moment by moment.
That is my prayer today, Come Holy Spirit! Listen to Bright City’s recording of “Come Holy Spirit.”
Published on MyBibleRoom.com 3/1/25, 6:00 am