Esther 2:1

New International Version

Later when King Xerxes’ fury had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what he had decreed about her.

For Meditation

King Xerxes loved his wife. No one could tear her from him on any ordinary day. However, yesterday was not a typical day for the royal couple. Nothing could remain normal through a 180-day celebration, a period of extravagant feasting and drinking, during which wine was abundant and served with the king’s generosity. It happens at most parties and functions worldwide; most do not end well. Tragically, there is always the day after.

The sun rises to dispel the shadows of yesterday, allowing visibility and evaluation of one’s behavior. When the cobwebs clear, the reveler sees the aftermath of yesterday’s chaos. Regret writes horrible scripts for each participant to hang on their walls, each with a unique narrative.

Noah received an embarrassing script after his uncontrolled drinking and shameful exposing of his nakedness (Genesis 10:20-21). It vexed Jacob the day after his wedding night that his uncle had deceived him (Genesis 29:25). Nabal suffered a massive heart attack when Abigail told him about the events of the previous day (1 Samuel 25:37). King David received the news that would set him on a slippery slope he never saw coming (2 Samuel 11:5). In all these examples, the consequences have been dire.

The crowd always affects the story of yesterday. People behave  peculiarly, particularly when they find themselves amidst a crowd, which is eagerly expecting a response to a cringe-worthy public display. Will you cower in weakness like a wimp or stand tall as the authoritative person the crowd expects you to be?

The world will never forget Actor Will Smith and his infamous slapping of Chris Rock on stage at the 2022 Oscars. The day after, indeed, did not find him in the right place as his career nose-dived.

So, what is the story of your day after? Who or what is urging you to stand up and be a man or woman in something you would have ignored in private?

Husband, why disgrace your wife to satisfy your ego in public when you have God to glorify? Wife, why put up a show before people to prove you are not a doormat when you have everything to gain by your noble example? Young man and woman, do you have to prove anything to your peers or drinking buddies?

Meekness, my friend! That is strength under control! That is the winning attitude before God at such provocative times, and it comes only from the Holy Spirit when the wounded yield to Him.

But there is a unique day after no one can ignore. It is the day after death. Have you thought about it? How does it look to you? The story of Lazarus and the Rich man (Luke 16:19-31) should educate you to secure eternity in Jesus now (Acts 2:38-39; John 1:12-13; Romans 10:9-10, 13). Please do it now!   

Pray with Me

Lord, help us know there is always the day after, especially after death, and give us the wisdom to do right by you for eternity and to avoid embarrassment and shame in our lives now. We pray in Jesus’s name, amen.