It’s week three in the Hello Mornings study, “Then I Will Go“, a study on the book of Esther. Her story is well loved and familiar, yet God can shine His light, reveal another truth, and sink it deeply into a heart.
Haman, a man of position and authority under the king, makes a decree which serves his ego. When Mordecai refuses to bow to him as he enters the city gates, Haman is enraged.
Notice that Haman’s rage is not caused so much by Mordecai’s refusal to bow as it is by the fact he is a Jew (Esther 3:5). His nationality is the reason for Haman’s hatred.
Also notice, while it is one man who is refusing to bow, Haman wasn’t satisfied with the thought of disciplining one man. His hatred causes him to look for a way to destroy all the Jews in the empire (Esther 3:6).
This was a most evil plan fueled by Haman’s own hatred and desire for revenge against an entire race of people. Hatred does not stay confined. Hatred and bitterness toward a race is at the root of Haman’s motivations and decisions.
We read in verse 15, “then the king and Haman sat down to drink, while the city of Susa fell into confusion”. They celebrated this horrific decree. Scripture doesn’t say that the Jews fell into confusion. It states the city of Susa. All the citizens fell into confusion and were bewildered.
I cannot help but wonder if the citizens of Susa were left wondering about the decree as their Jewish neighbors were law-abiding. I wonder if they realized similar persecution could fall on any of them as well for absolutely no good reason.
These few verses made me realize how we must raise our voices when others are being treated unjustly, particularly God’s chosen people. May we remember God’s promise to Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Gen. 12:3).
As God’s people, we may encounter hardships for no other reason than we are His. We may experience challenges when we stand up for the unprotected, the vulnerable, and the innocent.
“Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them.” (Psalm 10:17-18, NLT)
We have been positioned in the time and places we live,
“for just a time as this.”
Today I am joining … Porch Stories and Let’s Have Coffee and Woman to Woman and Recharge Wednesday .
One of my favorite bible stories! laurensparks.net
God is sovereign over every detail. What a staggering thought that He places us so personally in our unique context.
It truly is a staggering thought and it keeps me from complaining 🙂
Joanne,
This post and the scripture you quoted really spoke to me today – especially in the work I’m doing with those who are severely persecuted in Pakistan…just for claiming Christ as their King. Sometimes I wonder if what I’m doing is making a difference, but you’ve reminded me that I’ve been called for “such a time as this.”
Blessings sweet friend,
Bev xo
Bev, we may never know the impact our lives make. But one day, I truly believe the Lord will show you the many lives who came to know the Lord because of your faithfulness to serve others through RCF. xo
This is helps me take heart. I will remember this. Thanks for sharing, Joanne.
The Book of Esther is one of my favorites, Joanne. This is a great application to our lives and times.