In 1967, American vocalist Aretha Franklin topped the charts with her hit single "Respect".The song became an inspirational anthem for the civil rights movement and for others who demanded to be treated to respect. Long before Aretha's hit record, Queen Vashti topped the Persian charts with her own version of "Respect". The book of Esther begins with King Ahauerus hosting a great celebration. In addition to displaying his wealth and power, he also wanted to showcase his wife's beauty.So he commanded that Queen Vashti be brought before him and his guest.If she obeyed, she would have allowed the king to degrade and disrespect her life. She refused. What courage! Vashti didn't want to compromise her character by being reduced to a piece of property.Her desire for respect led to her banishment.We have no record that Vashti feared the Lord.But her courage shows that she understood the God-given dignity accorded to every human being.God created us by His own image and crowned us with glory and honor, having made us "a little lower than the angels"(PS 8:5). Out of our love and reverence of Him, let us treat ourselves and others with honor, dignity and respect. ---- Marvin William Even the most difficult people we know bear the image of God.
Source: Our Daily Bread
2008
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