COURAGEOUS FAITH: THE STORY OF ONE GIRL AND ‘ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING’

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A tremor of excitement rushed through her.

Hadassah felt a freeing sense like she never had before as she hung to the shadows the rows of small dwellings provided her. Her heart pounds as she sneaks out of her home wearing the dark clothing and cape that conceal her identity, a disguise necessary to conceal her. Her Uncle Mordecai had always forbid her attending any banquets held at the palace, even now she could hear his stern voice ringing in her ears admonishing that they were “no place for a young lady of purity.” But tonight is different; tonight Hadassah plans to experience her first royal party… and maybe even glimpse the King…

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This scene isn’t what opens the film One Night with the King but it does do a captivating job of setting the mood. It’s one of danger, courage and a healthy dose of romance. The adaption is about the woman who would become Esther, Queen of Persia. A queen is how most of us know her, not many of us think of her as the young orphaned Jewish girl, Hadassah. A girl who became a woman of strength when the “burden” of her faith landed upon her shoulders.

Thinking back to my theatrical experience of this film, entranced would be the one word that would have likely describe my emotion, and coincidently, this was one of the rare titles that earned a reaction from the theater audience. Seeing it on that huge screen made the film that much more brilliant. It’s a special kind of magic.

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Cynics question the authenticity of the story. Some roll their eyes over how romanticized this telling is. And I would be fibbing if I’d say I too don’t question this. Filmmakers probably do paint a “pretty” picture of romance that would relate to modern audiences. Though the more I reflect, the more this goes against “romantic love” in today’s society. Esther and Xerxes share a greater affection apart from that of the “socially acceptable” standards of this era. Even if it’s only the barest of affections, he “cares” about Esther. We know this, not by Hollywood’s ideals but rather because he spares Esther where he doesn’t his former wife, Vashti.

Not only is this a story about Esther following her heart with love, but most important, she lets this lead her convictions. In small Christian circles, there is much ado about weather or not God “predestines” things, or “allows” for tragedies to occur in our lives. This for a variety of reasons. Some say to preserve His own “greatness,” others believe God knows the (unknowable) future.

This story seems to suggest that Esther is “chosen” to stand up for her people in order to preserve their life. Her uncle prepares and encourages her to be this person. He asks her to risk her position and life (because her heritage is her death warrant) upon marriage. But gaining the favor of the King puts her in a unique place to speak for her culture and family. All of this is asked of her before she even settles into her new role. She then must petition her husband to overturn a dangerous ruling, at risk of perilous consequences.

So… what is destiny?

Is it truly already “known” to the Creator? Has everything in our lives been decided? Or is “destiny” whatever you make of it? Fate is a rather romantic idea. We certainly see it in countless movies. Can we make choices by our own admission? Free will says we do, and with that comes burdens, responsibility or choice to what we will aspire. However we live, consequences are inevitable. Esther could have said no. But she would likely suffer a consequence, of concious if nothing else. Even in taking wisdom from God, ultimately her actions did help determine outcomes. Meaning it’s her first physical step that inspires.

It may surprise you to know that Esther is one of the few women to have prominently played a role in biblical stories. As I’ve touched on before, I’m not traditional in my viewpoints of feminism, but it’s interesting to observe that there are only a handful of courageous women who making a difference like this. Likely in large part due to men putting in their God given effort.

In an age when young girls look up to pop stars or influencer, wouldn’t it be cool if they could be excited by shining examples like this woman? There are men and women who lived courageous lives, paving the way, for the Christian faith anyone can know live by.

Whether you “live” by the idea that everyone fulfills a “destiny” or you can achieve something great with gifts from God, they’re all inspirational.

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Note: this is a republication from a former online publication Costume Chronicles. It has received edits and is updated.

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