Esther 1 : Inquiring, Listening, and Obeying

Esther 1 <Inquiring, Listening, and Obeying>

13. The king then consulted with the wise men who understood the times, for it was the king's custom to seek the advice of those who understood law and justice.

14. Directly before the king were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memucan, the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had the king's ear and were highest in the kingdom.

◇ In the Joseon Dynasty, there was an institution called the Hongmungwan, which would critique and sometimes admonish the government's decisions. Along with the Office of the Inspector General and the Censor's Office, they formed the "Three Offices of Censorship" that kept the king in check.

The all-powerful King Ahasuerus did not immediately act on his own emotions to depose the queen who disobeyed him. No, he consulted the officials who were well-versed in the law and customs.

Before examining the rightness or wrongness of the king's decision to depose the queen, we must first observe the king's decision-making process. Even the most powerful, knowledgeable, and experienced leader should seek the counsel of many people and experts before making important decisions. For human decisions can never be perfect, as we are all inherently flawed and limited.

Seeking advice is how we try to overcome our limitations, however slightly. 

♧ Heavenly Father, keep us from pride and dogmatism. May we never lose the humility to listen and seek counsel. Lead us by your Spirit of truth, that we may inquire and obey. Amen.