Power Structure

The king asked, “By law, what should be done to Queen Vashti in light of the fact that she has not obeyed the instructions of King Ahasuerus conveyed through the eunuchs?” Memucan then replied to the king and the officials, “The wrong of Queen Vashti is not against the king alone, but against all the officials and all the people who are throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. For the matter concerning the queen will spread to all the women, leading them to treat their husbands with contempt, saying, ‘When King Ahasuerus gave orders to bring Queen Vashti into his presence, she would not come.’ And this very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media who have heard the matter concerning the queen will respond in the same way to all the royal officials, and there will be more than enough contempt and anger.” –Esther 1:15-18, NET

All authority is established by God (Rom 13:1). Yet godless governors (whether fathers or employers or politicians) seek to topple the true head so they themselves can sit upon His throne (Isa 14:13). They plot to “break the bands” of moral constraints (Psa 2:1-3), and suppress the truth that there is a higher Authority (Rom 1:18-19). Yet the Almighty laughs at the schemes of men (Psa 2:4), even though He allows tyrants to boast in their rule (ex: Dan 4:30) until He concludes their season and deposes them (Dan 2:21). Until then, they are burdened with the illusion to portray themselves as savior and god (ex: Act 12:21). Like school-yard bullies, arrogant men are compelled to intimidate and assert their power so they can maintain their kingly status atop the hill, fearful of those at their feet who threaten their reign. They have severed themselves from legitimate rule, and now must cling to a mask of fraudulent strength to hide their flaws and failures in the shadows.

Now see the response of the advisors: “…not only against the king….” The folly of a godless society rests on its own corruption. All of humanity seeks to undermine God’s authority and choose for themselves what is right and wrong (Gen 3:6). Thus, the world foolishly enslaves itself to these idols of kings by refusing to bow the knee to the true Authority (Rom 1:18-25). We are prone to maintain ANY society structure where we receive ANY semblance of power or security. We willingly invest in deception to maintain perceived control for ourselves, even if we must overlook abuses and cover corruption. For if the head is ever in error, then the stability of the entire organization is in jeopardy. Therefore, we will prop up corrupt politicians and rulers so that our party or agenda can maintain power.

Consider how in the past the American media was complicit in concealing the illicit affairs of presidents and people in power, eager to maintain the visage of principled principals. Our modern journalists have only regressed in division. We may be quick to expose the latest scandal, but only if it undermines our opponents. Our partiality now twists every news story into glorious gossip for the target market.

Consider both Haman and Hitler, two men that sought to annihilate the Jewish people (Est 3:6). Their plots depended upon a complicit community, willing to participate in murder for selfish gain (Est 3:13). Regardless of the time given for the slow boil of hate to inoculate one’s conscience, evil is evil, and murder was already residing in the hearts of the populace (Mat 5:21-22; Mark 7:20-22).

Now consider how those who suffer under abuse will fabricate facts to cover for their abuser. A little boy will wear long sleeves in summer to hide bruises inflicted by his drunken mother. A teenage girl will use good grades and a smile to cover the sexual abuse of her stepfather. A grown woman will serve prominently at the church to disguise the emotional and verbal assault she has endured from her husband, the pastor. There is a reason police officers dread domestic calls, for the one in distress may quickly turn violent on her benefactor to protect the very man who moments before was bludgeoning her body. They have all been submerged in the rotting narrative that protection and hope lie inside cruel arms.

What wretched beings we are. Who will rescue us from this entrapment of death (Rom 7:24)?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.” –Matthew 11:28-30, NET

This is GLORIOUS news. For those who have surrendered to the Lordship of Christ, we are altogether free from this world’s deadly and deceptive structure of power—on both sides. Yes, we are still subject to authority (Rom 13:1-7), and may hold limited power over others (ex: Col 3:19,21; 4:1). And despite the fact many believers do not live in this reality, we can now joyfully submit to and serve a good God, rather than grudgingly bowing to evil men (Col 3:22-25) (including our own sinful flesh; Rom 6:6).

“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching—like those who are strictly people-pleasers—but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ. For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there are no exceptions. Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven.” –Colossians 3:22-4:1, NET

“Jesus intervened: ‘Kings like to throw their weight around and people in authority like to give themselves fancy titles. It’s not going to be that way with you. Let the senior among you become like the junior; let the leader act the part of the servant.’” –Luke 22:25-26, MSG

And if we must rebel against subordinates to the King, we do so in love (1Co 16:14), fearing only the highest of Authority (Mat 10:28), willingly putting our own life in His hand (Est 4:16), a faithful God (Psa 31:5) that is “mighty to save” (Isa 63:1; Zep 3:17).

The implications here are astounding. Do you see them?

Thanks be to God that when we are under the reign and rule of Jesus Christ. We are no longer bound by the lies of false narratives, but freed from all bondage to this world (John 8:36), set apart in THE Truth (John 17:17), living in true liberty (Jam 1:25; 1Pe 2:16). We no longer have to keep quiet concerning cruelty, but proclaim joyously the embrace of loving arms of safety (Psa 5:11-12). For we live not by eyes that can be deceived, but by faith (2Co 5:7) in a God who never lies (Heb 6:18).

O, what a blessing to be under the rule of King Jesus, to be identified by true and godly love (1Jo 4:7-19), no longer deceived by self-serving ambition (1Co 13:4-7). What a joy to simply trust and obey the only worthy, wise, and loving King (Rev 4:11; 5:9,13). For HE is the source of true rulership (Eph 1:20-22), and He is coming again to annihilate the current corrupt construction of control (Psa 2; Rev 19:19-21), and set up a new reign of faithful followers (Rev 20:4-6).

And if you think me unrealistic and too idealistic in my thinking, then you have not met my King or seen His good and sovereign hand. For He beautifully weaves together all things, including the evil purposes of wicked men and dark spirits (Gen 50:20), to the benefit of His beloved people (Rom 8:28). If we have but the faith of a mustard seed, all things are possible (Mat 17:20). If we have but the humility to be content with table scraps in the here and now (Mat 15:25-28; Phi 4:11-13), believing God at his word for the massive inheritance ahead (Mat 5:5; Rom 8:31-39), then we would see and experience that this kingdom of true power is at hand (Mat 4:17; Luke 8:10; 1Co 4:20).

“…Jesus Christ—the faithful witness, the firstborn from among the dead, the ruler over the kings of the earth. To the one who loves us and has set us free from our sins at the cost of his own blood and has appointed us as a kingdom, as priests serving his God and Father—to him be the glory and the power for ever and ever! Amen.” –Revelation 1:5-6, NET