Do you know someone who always predicts the surprises in movies and TV shows? My dad and my husband are like that. They're never surprised -- ever. The lovable neighbor who turns out to be the bad guy in that award-winning thriller movie? They guessed it was him just by reading the plot description. The surprise ending to the critically acclaimed TV series? They had it figured out by episode two. No plot twist or surprise ending ever catches them off-guard because they're always looking for subtle clues -- tiny hints that, when pieced together, make things crystal clear to them long before the big, on-screen reveal.
The book of Esther requires us to be just as observant. Interestingly, God's name is never mentioned throughout the entire book. But that doesn't mean that God is absent. It just means we must look a little closer to see how His character is being revealed.
In Esther chapter 2, we read:
This man (Mordecai) had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther. When her father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter. As a result of the king's decree, Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the King's harem . ... One day, as Mordecai was on duty at the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs ... became angry at King Xerxes and plotted to assassinate him. But Mordecai heard about the plot and gave the information to Queen Esther (Esther 2:7-8, 21-22).
At first glance, this section of Scripture might seem like a few unrelated facts. But if we dig a little deeper, we can see the hand of God at work -- even though His name isn't mentioned.
Esther suffered the tragedy of losing her parents. But the Bible tells us that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28). Because of that loss, Esther came under Mordecai's care, eventually leading to her place in the palace. Because she was in the palace, Mordecai was able to warn her about the assassination plot. And because of that, the king's life was spared. These are not coincidences! These are fingerprints of a sovereign God orchestrating a much bigger plan.
This small snippet is just one example of how the Book of Esther paints a portrait of a God who records every day of our lives, even before we are born (Psalm 139:16)! If you continue reading (and pay attention to all of the clues), you will see that the Book of Esther quietly reveals a God who sees every detail and weaves them together for a greater purpose -- one that ultimately leads to the deliverance of His people.
So, what about us? Where might we see God working in our lives in ways that aren't immediately obvious? What hardships has He used to position us for something greater? What moments, though painful or confusing at the time, later revealed His faithful hand? The story of Esther encourages us to be spiritual detectives -- to look closely for clues and to trust that even when God seems silent, He is never absent -- and He is always working.
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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.