Months ago, I decided I wanted to see a film, One Night With The King. Recently, on a whim, I picked it up at my local friendly neighborhood Walmart. Save Money. Live Better. Right? $9, not so bad. (By the way, Walmart is now one word. But only in America. Expect your signs to change this fall.)
But back to the movie. I knew it was about Esther (the biblical one) and her role in saving her fellow Jewish people from annihilation in Persia, waaay back in the day.
For starters, I have loved Esther (Hadassah) since I first heard her story. Contrary to the means by which most people learn this story, it was not by actually reading the Book of Esther. I basically got a Cliffs Notes version by way of an Institute class. (Thank you, Sis. Terry!)
She's not only a beautiful portrait of courage and bravery in the face of very possible death, but she's one of the few celebrated women in the halls of scripture. Not to say there aren't any, but to me, it feels like the lady-folk are oft overlooked.
After their Babylonian captivity, many Jews returned to Israel to rebuild. Some, however chose to stay among the Persians, where they had found some form of acceptance, to varying degrees.
The fast version: Hadassah is taken into the palace and eventually chosen to become wife to Ahasuerus (portrayed as Xerxes), and as such, queen. However, she has since adopted the name of Esther as she is hiding her Jewish heritage. Some other punk named Haman has devised a plan to essentially dispose of the Jewish population residing within Persia and its provinces. Mordecai, a relative of Esther's (her uncle, in the movie) lays at her feet a rather daunting task, encouraging her to speak to the king on behalf of her people.
"Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all theJews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
(Esther 4:13-14)
However, anyone who approaches the king unsummoned is commiting an offense punishable by death, unless the king sees fit to spare this intruder.
"... and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish." (Esther 4:16)
Yes, Esther was spared this fate, and permitted to speak to the king. Haman gets his execution and the Jewish people are spared.
At this point, her story bears striking similarities to that of Joseph (of the amazing technicolor dreamcoat). Yes. That Joseph.
Both found favor in the sight of a king and were subsequently raised to positions of power and influence. And both managed to save their people from death. One from famine. The other, from execution. Regardless, both relied heavily on their faith to perform their appointed tasks.
It is amazing to me, the roles to fulfill and the tasks to complete, that were asked of these men and women that we read of in scripture. And how much are we asked to do today? Do we even know? For are we even listening?
The Bible is full of stories, once revered as truths, now commonly demoted to legends. Why? Has our sophisticated society outgrown its need for faith? For something greater to believe in? Are we not still charged with great tasks in our own lives?
Of course we are.
But what?
I'm thinking that in the excuses we make for ourselves, as to why we don't get things done, we merely allow ourselves to escape for another minute, or day, or year, what we don't wish to face here and now. We relegate the tasks that are most pressing upon our lives to "when I've got the time". Which, we all know, is probably never. Will this be the excuse we supply our Lord at Judgment? I didn't have the time?
Our tasks are likely different. Yours and mine. Yours and whoever else's. But in referencing a book to make sure my notes on Esther were correct, I came upon a passage.
First, see 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
Second, as merely a matter of your opinion, is this really the greatest problem (collectively) facing our contemporary world? Rapidly increasing societal decay? And can it be summed up so simply? What do you think? About any of this? Esther... facing the callings that come upon us... calling upon your faith in order to do so... the state of our world in these, the last days?
To read the passage I mentioned, enter into the comment section.
If you do not wish to leave a comment, I dunno, say exactly that, then read on.
5 comments:
"The Lord has chosen, called, and sent modern Esthers who have come to earth for such a time as this. They have come to save the family, to save the principles of decency, righteousness, and honesty. They have come to save virtue, modesty, and respect. They have come to inspire hope through their courage and their sacrifice. They come supporting each other, as Esther's maids supported her. They also come fasting and praying, supplicating the Lord for his mercy, guidance, and direction."
-S. Michael Wilcox
Daughters of God
Deseret Book Company
Okay, so when I began this entry, admittedly, I had no sense of direction. All I knew was that I saw a film I enjoyed about a woman who I like and decided that was enough. What it turned into was just a gradual progression of what went on in my head.
Out of sheer curiosity, I'd like to know what goes on in yours. On these topics, that is. That's all. If you don't feel like sharing, that's cool too.
Otherwise, thanks for stopping by.
Come back and see us.
So, was the movie good? I agree that the degradation of the family unit is the biggest problem, not just in the US, but worldwide. You see the sad affects of broken families and single parenthood everywhere exacerbated by the filth and that is thrown at us from every direction. I liked your entry.
Why, thank you Bethany. And yes, I enjoyed the movie. Sure, it moves a bit slow, however (and forgive me if this is in poor taste), I figure if you have the patience to get through particular parts of the scriptures (I have trouble with that!), then sitting through a movie shouldn't be difficult. There was obviously a lot of effort put into this film, and definitely worth a shot if you'd like something clean and with a message. :)
I personally like things dirty and with no message...
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