“Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her.” – Esther 2:15 

Scripture reading: Esther 2:5-18

In our passage, peace replaces unrest, a better bride fills the previous queen’s spot, a nobody becomes somebody, one humbled has been exalted, and the feast of Esther has begun.

By God’s providence, the last has become first so God can save His people in Christ as a type of the salvation that Christ would one day accomplish. The greater purpose is the cause of Christ. This whole situation pictures Christ, foreshadowing His life. Because of the decree of a great king in Rome, Jesus Christ is born of humble beginnings in a manger. Because of the decree of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, Christ is crucified on the cross of shame. Yet by these political decrees, God brings glory to Christ; the last would become first; all authority is the Lord’s.

If we know Christ through faith, we know that God has brought us high from humble beginnings through His Christ. We were dead in our trespasses and sin, unworthy to sit at His table of fellowship, but because of Christ, God sets a table before our enemies. He has anointed our head with oil, and our cups overflow as we fellowship with God through Christ, our great and good Shepherd-King. Every time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we are reminded that we have been brought from being slaves to sonship in Christ Jesus. We who were last have now become first. Now glory awaits those who are in Christ! We have rest for our souls!

Suggestions for prayer

Pray with thanksgiving that Christ’s humility to exaltation has provided you the greatest turn of events anyone can know – slavery from sin, to a place at Christ’s table. Pray that the Lord will help you even more to live with a gracious spirit that remembers how God has transformed your life in Christ.

Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.