A Sudden Turn of Events

Esther 9:1
on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them.

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I’ve heard that Martin Luther criticized the book of Esther as a part of Scriptural canon, because it has no content of the gospel. But the more I read Esther, the more I see Messianic themes in it.
The story of deliverance in Esther, just as in most of the events where God miraculously saves his people, is eucatastrophe in full display.

Eucatastrophe is a term coined by J.R.R. Tolkien, combining the Greek word “eu” (good) with the word “catastrophe.” A catastrophic event than turns out for good; when it seems as if evil will triumph but a sudden turn of events sees the triumph of goodness.

In Esther, Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews in Susa (and throughout the Persian kingdom) seems as if it will be accomplished; all the pieces are in place. The only thing that the protagonists of the story are doing are fasting and praying. Then, Esther, winning the favor of the king, reverses the situation with just a few words at the right time. Everything that Haman wanted to plot against Mordecai and the Jews, comes down on himself in an ironic twist of events.

The rest of the Jews celebrate this holiday as Purim, a day they were saved from the hands of their enemies. But their salvation depended upon one woman, a humble servant in a foreign kingdom who alone had the authority to mediate between the people and the king. The same is true of Jesus, that all mankind required someone who could stand before God and mediate on our behalf, for our good. This mediator needed to be good and humble.

Before Esther holds the feasts, where she reveals Haman’s plots, she needs to stand before the king in his throne room. Similar to the high priest in the temple, who was one man that represented all the people who would mediate on their behalf to God, to atone for their sins. This priest stood in the very presence of God, in his throne room, before God’s Mercy Seat on the Ark of the Covenant.

What I take from Esther’s example today is the state of her heart as she intercedes for her people. It’s a heart of willingness, obedience, humility, and courage. So often, I go through my days as if serving others for Christ is a job and a task. A lot of times, at work, we’re not in a willing, obedient, humble, and courageous state of mind. But today I’m reminded to keep this heart about me, because I am seeking the Lord on behalf of his people. I can’t expect myself to ever be lackadaisical about it.