MARCH 4, Esther 1:12

King Ahasuerus’ commanded Queen Vashti to parade herself before everyone at the party. He failed to protect his wife and look after her best interests. Instead he wanted to subject her to humiliating stares from lustful man. What was Queen Vashti’s response? She refused to go at the king’s command, knowing that the king and his guests had been drinking for 7 days and were all probably drunk. When people are drunk, they behave in a very rowdy and unpleasant manner. Hence, Queen Vashti did not want to be the centre of attention in such an atmosphere.

This was a very brave decision for Queen Vashti to make. Whoever dares to disobey the king must be prepared to face the consequences. In this case, the king could remove her as queen, or she could even lose her life. But Queen Vashti stood her ground. She did the right thing by saying no. Her defiance to the king made him so angry that it ‘burned in him’. It was a snub to the proud king before all his princes and subjects!

Dear friend, have you faced situations where you are pressured to participate in a sinful activity that would bring you spiritual or even physical harm? Remember there are activities that we must say ‘No’ to, especially if they are against God’s Word. Queen Vashti had only good morals, but for us, Christians, we have God to draw strength and courage from. We should be even bolder to say ‘No’ to being part of any sinful conversation or activity.

Can you think of one activity, that is sinful and you should stay away from? (Hint: think of what you see in school, or some of the things that people do in their free time)

Thought: Dare to say “No” to sinful activities

Prayer: Father in Heaven, teach me to always submit and obey Your commandments, and grant me the courage to say “No” to anything which does not please You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.