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Doing the right thing

Queen Vashti
Ever heard of her?  Probably not. She's the queen who was ousted and replaced by Queen Esther, from the Old Testament book of Esther.  While Queen Esther is honored when she did the right thing for such a time as this, Vashti, who also did the right thing is left to rot.
Here's the story.  Her husband, the king, had a great feast that lasted for days after he'd been showing off all his wealth for months and months.  Late in this great feast full of drunken men, the king wanted his beautiful wife, Queen Vashti, to parade in front of his drunken guests, wearing only her crown. Queen Vashti had her own party for the women, knew what the men were doing and what her husband was asking her to do, and chose to do the right thing by declining the invitation. Except in those days, when the king suggested you do something, it was really a command.  By refusing to expose herself to the drunk mob of men, she exposed herself to condemnation.  Which is what the king's advisers wanted done so that the other women wouldn't get the idea that it was ok to say no to their husbands.
That's how Queen Esther became queen. A decree was made that Queen Vashti was banned from the king's presence and her title was revoked. I don't really know what happened to her. I just know that she was punished for doing the right thing.
Her only crime was to refuse to prance in front of a bunch of drunk men to satisfy her husband's need to show off. She did the right thing. Why was she punished?
This happens all the time.  People take a stand but are punished.  Fortunately, God has a plan.  We don't know the details of the plan, or how God will be glorified.  We do know we can play a part by doing the right thing. That is always right, no matter the consequences. God will work it for His glory. He will repay us eventually with good. Our reward will be in heaven, if not sooner. That gives me some peace.  How about you?

Heavenly Father. You have a plan that incorporates the ill done in the world and the good acts that are punished. We may never know the plan but can rest assured that You are in control and will work things for Your good. Thank You for that promise and assurance and hope.  Amen.

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