Bible Commentaries

Empire Day

Esther 1:6

Our text is from the first chapter of Esther 1:7

The text is, "The vessels being diverse one from another". There is a principle in this statement; let us find that principle, and fear not to apply it. No two men are alike. Yet we speak of men as if they were one. They are one, but not in likeness. The root lies deeper than the appearance; the root is unity, the evolution is variety; but the variety does not destroy the unity. The great thing to be done is to realize unity in diversity, and diversity in unity.

I. There are no two sins alike. No two men sin in just the same way. Wherein is the satisfaction or the subtle delight? It is in this, that I can thank God that I do not sin as my neighbour sins. There is some originality about my iniquity, there is no originality about the other man's iniquity. He who is strong at one point seeks to magnify his strength by comparing it with the weaknesses of other men. We want the inner criticism. No two sins are just alike; they are various in measure if not always various in quality, and are to be judged by the temperament of the men. When all is known much may be forgiven.

II. Men believe in different ways. We are not all equally gifted in faith. "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye." You have been made strong that you may help the weakness of other men. Do not boast of your greatness and your orthodoxy, your Pharisaic pride and pomp; but wherein the Spirit of Christ has laid hold on you and made you very strong in faith and mighty in prayer, remember that you are trustees of these abilities and privileges, that you may use them for the sake of the poor, the outcast, and the weak.

III. It is easy to add, but most necessary, that men work in different ways. The vessels of gold are diverse one from the other even in this matter of work. But if you do not work in my way what becomes of you? When will people let other people alone? when will they recognize individuality of conscience? when will they give men credit for doing the very best according to their ability. When will we remember that the vessels of God are diverse the one from the other, that each man must be himself and work in his own way according to his own ability; remembering all the time not to make himself offensive to people who work along other lines and policies?

What a brotherhood there would be amongst us if we all recognized this principle! No two experiences are alike. We are at liberty to talk one to another, but we are not at liberty to judge one another in this matter of spiritual experience.

—Joseph Parker, City Temple Pulpit, vol. III. p223.

References.—I:7.—A. P. Stanley, Sermons on Special Occasions, p98. I:13-22.—A. D. Davidson, Lectures on Esther , p29. II:1-4.—Ibid. p49. II:1-20.—A. Raleigh, The Book of Esther , p48. II:5-20.—A. D. Davidson, Lectures on Esther , p67. II:21-23; III:1-5.—Ibid. p89. III:6-11.—Ibid. p108.