Pride that Leads to Death

OLD TESTAMENT: Esther 5-7

POETRY: Psalm 141

NEW TESTAMENT: John 14:1-14

Esther 6:6 – “When Haman entered, the king asked, ‘What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?’”

Today’s Old Testament reading includes some of the most dramatic events! In the end, the bad guy loses and the good guy wins. And through it all we see how humility comes before honor and pride comes before a fall.

At the end of Esther chapter four we see Esther demonstrating humility as she recognizes that the only hope she has to save the Jews from destruction is to fast and pray to God.

Esther is also humble as she risks her life to approach the king uninvited. She knows that the only hope that she has of saving her people is if she shows proper honor to the king.

Mordecai showed humility as he continued to show up to the king’s gate day after day. The king had failed to acknowledge Mordecai’s part in uncovering the conspiracy to kill him. But that didn’t stop Mordecai from doing what he was called to do. What I find especially intriguing is that even in the light of impending destruction of all the Jews, Mordecai remained faithful and humble; he resisted becoming bitter and resentful.

Have you ever been overlooked? Ignored or dismissed after putting forth effort on behalf of someone else or to complete a task. Have you ever taken initiative only to have someone else receive the credit? 

If so, it can be disappointing, frustrating, and disheartening, which can then lead to apathy or even bitterness and resentment. 

But as believers, we are called to a higher standard. We are instructed multiple times that we do not work for anyone other than God. It is Him who we aim to please. He sees us, He knows how hard we work, He is aware of the self-discipline that is required to practice excellence. And even if our efforts are never acknowledged by others around us, we can count on God being fair and just. 

In due time, Mordecai was honored in the king’s court, Esther kept her status as queen, and the Jews were saved from destruction. And as for Haman, his pride led to his death. 

God saw and made what was wrong, right. He will do the same for you as you live in humility and honor Him in all that you think, say, and do.

-Bethany Ligon

Reflection Questions

1. How is fasting (as seen at the end of chapter 4) an act of humility? What is your experience with fasting? How do you think God views fasting? Do you think there was benefit in the 3 day fast of Esther, her maids, Mordecai and the Jewish people?
2. Where would you rate yourself on the humility – pride scale? What do you tend towards?
3. What are the dangers that come with pride? When have you seen the pride fall?