On September 20, 1973, in a highly publicized “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match, top women’s player Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs, a former No. 1-ranked men’s player who was 55 years old. Many thought he was the best tennis player ever, but he was far past his prime. Over 30,000 spectators attended the match in person at the Houston Astrodome, while an additional 50 million TV viewers worldwide watched the event. The match was over in three straight sets, with Billie Jean King defeating the boastful Riggs, who said, “Any half-decent male player could defeat even the best female player.” For many tennis fans, the outcome didn’t settle anything due to the age difference between the two players.

Esther 1-2 – Hidden Providence

The Book of Esther opens with an unplanned battle of the sexes. King Xerxes had two banquets meant to display his power and wealth. While Xerxes was drunk with wine, he commanded his wife to appear before the guests to show her beauty. Once she refused, it caused a political crisis. This “battle of the sexes” didn’t settle much either, but it would ultimately lead to the salvation of his people.

God is never mentioned in the Book of Esther, but the story is about His sovereignty and faithfulness. Esther’s strange story provides the reader with a clear picture of the protection for His people. Esther was a Jew whom God used to influence the destiny of His people during a challenging time.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete protect their hearts from the pride which can tempt them to disobey God. They seek to serve God in humility.

Bible Memory Verse – “Then Mordecai said for them to respond to Esther, ‘Do not imagine that you in the king’s house can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not reached royalty for such a time as this?’” Esther 4:13-14 (LSB)