In world history, we often see people who are marginalized, looked down upon, and treated as mere objects. We are trapped in an illusion based on an unfair idea that there is supremacy over one condition over another. Those with lighter skin are considered better than those with darker skin, or men are considered superior to women. Is this what God wants? Of course not, because for God all humans are created in His image and thus one another are equal in His eyes.

Our reading this time is in the context of a great party held by Ahasuerus, the king of Persia. At the end of the party, King Ahasuerus ordered his eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti before him. His goal was not just to introduce the queen, but to show off her beauty in front of the officials and guests who were already drunk. An act that certainly hurt Vashti’s dignity as a woman and a queen. He considered his wife to be nothing more than property equal to other possessions. Vashti’s refusal to appear was not merely an act of defiance, but a reflection of her courage to maintain her dignity. Although she was not a worshiper of the God of Israel, Vashti demonstrated wisdom and high self-awareness. In a world that often forced women to submit silently, Vashti stood firm, even though she knew great risks awaited her.

The king’s burning anger was a reflection of the dangers of power combined with a wounded ego. When power is not accompanied by wisdom, the decisions taken often end in injustice. Mehuman, one of the king’s advisors, made matters worse by fearing that Vashti’s actions would trigger a rebellion by wives against their husbands. This apparent reason for maintaining family order was actually rooted in a fear of losing control, not a desire to build a relationship of mutual respect. The king decided to banish Vashti and issued a decree that each husband would be the ruler of his home. This decision, although strong on the surface, actually reflected a weakness, namely the inability of a leader to listen to and respect different voices.

Bible friends, today we learn to reflect on our humanity. Have we treated others as well and as fairly as possible? Maybe we are still trapped in a mindset that considers it normal to belittle others based on their origins or existence. Doesn't God want us to live lovingly towards one another? Appreciating and respecting everyone because they too are individuals loved by God. What we have is a gift and not a reason to belittle others. May God guide us to be just from within our minds.