Issue #119, November 27, 2013
Esther has all the qualities of a movie heroine. She was the beautiful first lady in the empire of King Xerxes, a position filled with glamor and prestige. Her rise from an orphan in exile to this position of power has captivated readers for centuries. But behind the amazing story of her life is a powerful lesson in servant leadership. Esther boldly used her position to change the destiny of her people but did so with deep humility. What does she teach us today about servant leadership?
Boldness requires a servant leader to recognize and seize opportunity.
Esther enjoyed her leadership position as the queen for at least four years before Haman, the enemy of the Jews, proposed his plot to destroy the Israelites. I imagine that she enjoyed the official duties of a queen and carried them out well. She, like many leaders today, was busy filling a role but not having much impact. She could have concluded that leadership was fun. But this crisis with Haman brought Queen Esther to the sudden realization that her position of leadership was not about herself but something far greater. Suddenly, her people faced a life and death situation and needed more than beautiful leadership, they needed bold leadership. Mordecai helped Esther recognize that she was in her royal position “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Esther recognized that this was her moment and she, after calling for prayer, seized the opportunity boldly. She courageously went into the king’s presence at the risk of her own life, not knowing as we do, the outcome of her action. She courageously invited the king and Haman to one banquet and then another, where she shared with him the petition for her people. She boldly petitioned the king to overrule his decree through Haman. Then, after the revised decree was implemented, she boldly asked for more! At this point, her bold leadership saved her nation and established a new national holiday.
Servant leaders see their leadership positions as opportunities God has given to them to see and seize opportunities God has provided to them. They are willing to boldly take risks, not for themselves, but for the good of those they serve. They recognize that leadership is about much more than privilege and public appearances. They understand they are leading “for such a time as this.”
Humility enables a servant leader to seek God’s favor.
Esther’s boldness did not come from reading leadership books or attending a workshop on self-esteem but from humbly seeking God. When first confronted with the crisis, she called for three days of prayer and fasting, for herself and her nation. This deliberate seeking of God’s favor before acting gave Esther the boldness she needed to lead. It also emptied her of self and wrong motives. It enabled her to see God’s perspective on her leadership and to approach the king with the perspective, “if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). She now understood clearly that leadership was not about what she would get out of it. Her responsibility was to humbly obey. This humility continues through her story as she boldly exerts influence, but never dominates or draws attention to her role. She humbly resists the temptation to move quickly but waited on God’s timing to share her request with the king. If she would have talked to the king the night of the first banquet, the gallows would not have been prepared for Mordecai. Neither would the king have read the record books during his sleepless night which resulted in honoring Mordecai. She humbly brings Mordecai into the palace when he is needed. Her boldness was always combined with a deep humility from seeking God’s favor.
Boldness that comes from prayer and seeking God’s favor is a powerful force of change. Servant leaders humbly seek God’s favor, then rise up with extraordinary boldness and selfless acts of courage. May it happen in your leadership and in mine!
For further reflection and discussion:
- Take some time to read this story of Esther looking carefully at how she balanced boldness and humility. Make a list of examples of each trait as you read. What strikes you as significant?
- What opportunities has God put before you which require bold leadership? What are the risks involved? Does your leadership style naturally embrace risks quickly or are you more cautious by nature? What is the result?
- Do you regularly find ways to seek God’s favor? Are there leadership issues in your experience right now which are significant enough to call for a day or 3 days of prayer and fasting? Are there others whom you should call to join you in seeking God’s favor?