Around this time of the year, many people are thinking about their loved ones and exchanging tokens of affection. There is one gift that a young orphan girl gave that shows the true meaning of love. About 2,500 years ago, in Shushan, capital of Medo-Persia, there lived a young girl named Esther. Esther was Jewish and she had a strong faith in God. The king at that time, king Ahasuerus, became very angry with his wife, Vashti, because she disobeyed him. So, the queen had to leave and the king began an extensive search for a new queen. The king found this one particular girl that was more beautiful and lovelier that any other woman he had met, and he fell in love with her. That girl was Esther and she became the king’s new wife. Meanwhile, there was an evil plot laid and a decree was made to kill all the Jews, young and old. A decree could not be changed. The king, however, did not know that Esther was also a Jew. Esther could have kept quiet and continue to enjoy her new role as queen. However, her people and countrymen were dearer to her than even her own life. Back then, no one, even the Queen, could go to the king unless summoned. Disobedience of this law was death. Esther committed to do anything to save her countrymen and prayed to God for deliverance. Esther went unto the king and pleaded for her life and the lives of her people. Her request was miraculously granted. In the end, those that laid the evil plot were killed instead. Esther saved the lives of her people because of her faith in God and her unselfish sacrifice. Esther’s story is a wonderful example of the true meaning of love. Jesus says, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
Ly Lan Nguyen
