READ: Esther 2:1-23
And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate. Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
Esther 2:19-20
A novice must quickly learn the importance of fathers. Esther was a novice, a beginner. She was counselled by her uncle Mordecai. Mordecai was like a father to her. Everything he told her was the right thing.
Esther was a young, beautiful virgin who was thrown into the limelight by her sudden, unexpected marriage to the king of Persia. How would she behave? Would she last longer than her predecessor? Esther was taking the place of an older mature queen who had lived successfully as a queen for many years.
Esther was marrying a man who could have any number of women he wanted. No woman could vaunt herself against the king. No woman would dare to quarrel or to be proud in the king’s presence. Indeed Esther was in for the test of her life. She would have no chance to misbehave at all. One mistake would cost Esther her marriage.
Here, we see the wisdom that produced the Esther we know. Esther became famous because she handled herself very well in her new role. Because Esther was a novice, she listened to Mordecai, her counsellor. Mordecai counselled Esther before she got married and during her marriage.
Every novice, every newly appointed person, every newcomer, every beginner, every apprentice must desire counsel and hold on to it. Every person who is new to the circumstances of ministry must be humble and learn the survival skills from experienced people.
Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:32