Esther 1: 1-5, 9-12
Photobucket "You have made him little less than the angels and crowned him with glory and honor" Psalm 8: 5
In 1967, the American singer Aretha Franklin, led the charts with her song Respect (Respect) which was a success. The song became an inspiring hymn for the civil rights movement and for others who demanded to be treated with respect.
Long before Aretha's success, Queen Vasti topped the Persian charts with her own version of "Respect." The book of Esther begins with King Ahasuerus as the host of a great celebration. In addition to displaying his wealth and power, he also wanted to show off the beauty of his wife. So he ordered Queen Vasti to be brought before him and his guests.
If she had obeyed, she would have allowed the king to demean her and disrespect her. If she refused, she risked losing her life. He refused. What courage! Vasti did not want to compromise his character by being reduced to an object that was someone's property. Her desire for respect drove her into exile. We have no record of Vashti fearing the Lord. But her courage shows that she understood the dignity granted by God to every human being.
God created us in His image and crowned us with glory and honor, having made us "little less than the angels" (Psalm 8: 5). For love and reverence to Him, let us treat and treat others with honor, dignity and respect.
Even the most difficult people we know carry the image of God.
