As I’ve mentioned over the last three weeks, when we responsibly manage God’s purposes, He gives us greater favor for our mission.
Remember, we are assured of favor because of Jesus Christ.
We are fully accepted in Him, loved by the Father, and will never face rejection again. Our inheritance is in Him, which includes increased favor and grace as part of our blessings.
Consider Paul’s words to the Roman believers,
16 The same Spirit agrees with our spirit, that we are God’s children. 17 But if we are children, we are also heirs. We are God’s heirs and fellow heirs with Christ, if we really suffer with him so that we can also be glorified with him. Rom. 8:16-17 CEB
We see examples throughout the Bible of people who gained favor with God and with people. Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Esther, and Mary are just a few.
Favor was increased in their lives because they carried the heart and purposes of God for their generation and future generations.
Favor is given for a purpose, and those who carry God’s purposes in their generation should expect to increase in favor and grace to accomplish the impossible. God grants favor to those He can entrust with purpose. Keep in mind—like us—they weren’t perfect!
This week and next, let’s examine Esther more closely. She earned favor in God’s eyes and with people. Her story provides principles we can follow today to make a difference in our world.
Secular news headlines tend to be negative … there is no shortage of human suffering and conflict today. Saying we live in a complex world and challenging times is an understatement. Yet, despite all the adversity in our world, we are here for “Such a Time as This.”
Consider what Solomon wrote: “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” Eccl. 11:4 TLB
Your kingdom opportunities are now available regardless of the conditions. Although timing plays a role, we must live with the expectation of standing for God’s kingdom purposes in our time, trusting in divine initiative.
Three separate issues facing Esther (Esth. 2:1-7)
First, she was an orphan, and her cousin Mordecai adopted Esther.
Esther likely felt isolated and abandoned. Perhaps you have felt the same at some point in your life. Remember this: Jesus took your loneliness, rejection, and abandonment onto Himself!
Paul wrote how complete our adoption is in Christ:
“You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children. With this Spirit, we cry, “Abba, Father.” No longer an orphan, in a family, Father loves us! (Rom. 8:15 CEB)
Second, Esther was a woman.
Back then, women could only move forward by making a good marriage, and a sizable dowry was needed to advance. But without parents, Esther would have found this impossible.
Furthermore, women of her time were neither educated nor regarded as anything more than property—often even by their husbands—which, sadly, remains true in some parts of the world today. Ladies, we honor you, your talents, and your purpose!
Thirdly, Esther was Jewish.
The Jews were in exile, persecuted, and looked down upon. They were described as “second-class” citizens. Racism of any kind is hateful and not acceptable because it marginalizes people. God views us as one, and we should see others the same way.
With God, “Your past doesn’t dictate your future!” You are not second-class; your life is hidden in Christ. You now have a new family lineage and are part of God’s family!
Esther’s life changes in an instant. (Esth. 2:8-18)
Esther 2:9,15,17 “she obtained his favor”, “obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her”, “the king loved Esther more than all … she obtained grace and favor in his sight.”
Esther, an orphan raised by her older cousin Mordecai, is taken to the palace of the King of Persia to choose a new queen. Esther is placed in the care of Hegai, the custodian of the women. Hegai, a eunuch and chamberlain, has a special role with the king.
In verse 9, she “pleased him, and she obtained his favor.” He gave her more beauty preparations than the others, and the best place in the house for the women!
Charles Swindoll, in his book “Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity,” notes that the literal translation of the original language is “She lifted up grace before his face.”
Esther modeled grace before the influential servant Hegai. Her conduct won his heart!
Est. 2:20 Gives us a clue why: “Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him.” NKJV
She had a humble, teachable spirit. Result, she listened to the chamberlain, and this positioned her to be received by the King.
After a year of preparation, she is ready to go in for her one night with the King. “She requested nothing but what Hegai advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her.” Esth. 2:15 NKJV
She only wanted the advice of the one who knew the King best… she had a purpose in mind… what does the King like!
To get favor from our King, we must understand it’s not about what we like, how we want to worship Him, but it’s about what He likes, and when we come dressed in that, we catch His eye and obtain favor.
A righteous walk, humility, prayer, intimate worship, ministering to others, especially the needy and poor – these are the clothes God likes!
When Esther entered the King’s chamber that night, she was dressed in what he liked and carried a humble, teachable spirit that caught his attention so powerfully that he loved her more than anyone else. That’s favor!
I’m not after your riches, king, but I just want you! She had been taught the proper protocol for intimacy with the king.
Many seek the Lord’s blessings, but how many truly seek Jesus? If you’re only after blessings, it’s unlikely you’ll ever earn His favor.
Why such favor? She had won the King’s heart, adorned herself with what He liked, and had a purpose for her people, knowing that God was with her.
Consider what the Psalmist wrote about the beauty of the Bride of Christ:
10 Listen, O daughter, Consider and incline your ear; Forget your own people also, and your father’s house; 11 So the King will greatly desire your beauty; Because He is your Lord, worship Him… The royal daughter is all glorious within the palace; her clothing is woven with gold.” Ps 45:10-11, 13 NKJV
Believer, your beauty captivates him; you are glorious, with gold woven through your garments – it’s Jesus! Allow the Holy Spirit to transform you into His likeness and image.
Final Thoughts
Favor is reserved for those who have won the King’s heart, for those who keep His purpose in mind.
Are you ready for increased favor and willing to pay the price to win the king’s heart? It’s not about the comfort of the palace. Not about our reputation. It’s about Jesus!
Do you want to be adorned in what He likes and desires? Consider Jesus, the meek, humble, lowly servant who came to serve and not be served.
Are you ready to carry His heart for the least, lost, and last of our world? To be burdened by the pain and needs of people around us and in our cities?
He increases favor to those who carry His heart and purposes!
I’ll continue next week with Esther, her favor was to help an entire nation.
