Intervention

 

    Intervention is a conversation that is intended to lead to a positive change.  The point of an intervention is not to argue, attack, insult, or highlight negativity.  The purpose is kind of obvious, to intervene in political and personal affairs.

    Esther's approach was an intervention and it was met well by the person it was directed.  Her husband killed the villian of the story. That day Xerxes gave her Haman's estate in which she entrusted Mordecai to oversee the property.  (Basically, she gave him a rent free place to live out his life.)  Xerxes learned of Mordecai's relationship to Esther and gave his signet ring to Mordecai making him his most trusted advisor.          

    Esther had accomplished a lot and was rewarded.  She those that she loved most were safe.  However, the job was not done.  Her nation was still in danger from Haman's edict (law of genocide).  She begged Xerxes to overrule the edict, but once the signet ring was placed it is set.  His hands were tied. 

    Xerxes did give Mordecai permission to write another decree on the behalf of the Jews and seal it with the signet ring.  It too would be permanent.  This edict gave the Jews the right to assemble and defend themselves.  They were no longer individual victims.  As a group it would be much more difficult to pick them off.  The Persian nation was now afraid.

    They had hope again because one woman risked everything for them.  Her intervention changed the country.   Mordecai used his education and wisdom to use the intervention to save them.  An intervention is never done alone.  It needs perspective and one person only has so much.  

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