Proverbs 16:18 says: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” I think the perfect poster child for this proverb is none other than Haman, the villain of the book of Esther.
Haman had a lot of plans, didn’t he? He plotted and schemed and thought he had everything locked in. He was the king’s right hand man and proud to be in that position.
But, when his true colors were revealed to the king, he was taken down. And he fell hard.
We might look at Haman’s story and think, “Of course! I saw that coming. If only he’d read Proverbs 16.” But, as we see in Jesus’s words in Matthew 7, sometimes we can’t see the log in our own eye.
I’m not immune to feeling prideful. It comes out in me sometimes, and I’m willing to bet that it comes out in you, too. It’s so easy to spot and talk about someone else’s sin. But it’s not easy when we have to face our own.
So when we feel pride creeping in, what do we do? Psalm 73:26 says, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Every good thing we have, every good thing we are…is God’s. He is the source, and recognizing that we can do nothing apart from Him is humbling. And it halts pride right in its tracks.
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever had, or witnessed in someone else, a downfall from pride?
How do we protect our hearts against what Proverbs 16:18 warns us about? Is there a Scripture that speaks to you about this?
Sometimes (usually in the midst of a scuffle with technology) I wonder if living in 2025 is really for me. Maybe I would have been more suited for life in the 1800s, living life on the prairie. But then I remember how much I love indoor plumbing.
I kid, but in all seriousness I wonder, do you ever feel this way, too? Why are you placed in the here and now? For me, feeling equipped doesn’t always come easy. My guess is that you often feel the same. The world moves quickly and so much is happening…and sometimes I feel a bit helpless. What can I even contribute to the story? Where is my place here?
I bet this, in part, is what Esther wrestled with when Mordecai relays to her in chapter 4, verse 14, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
At first, she was in fear of her life, knowing that if she approached the king she would likely be put to death. In no way did she feel prepared to do what Mordecai asked of her – as if she was in a position to approach the king as anyone special. But, when Mordecai reminds her of what is at stake, she is convicted and courageously decides to take action.
I want to confront my insecurities and fears like Esther. Whether I’m facing a small task or a life-altering one, I want to show up for God. Because He told me, I know that I am made in His image, and He has placed me here, in this place and at this moment, for His purposes. I want to be an instrument He can use to further His Kingdom. How about you?
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever felt inadequate or out of place? What did you do in response to that?
Has there been a time in your life when you were called to be brave, like Esther, beyond your own strength? How did you experience God in that moment?
What is God calling you to do today? How can you be courageous and embrace what He has for you?
The Troy Wall (famous for the Trojan horse fiasco in Homer’s mythological “The Odyssey”)
The Wall of Jericho.
The Great Wall of China.
Seattle’s Gum Wall.
These famous walls from history were built primarily to keep enemies out of the territory and protect the residents – with the exception of the touristy Gum Wall, of course. If you live in the USA or are in tune with any of our news, you have probably heard about our Wall, too. The Wall in recent American history refers to a literal wall that was planned to line the entirety of the USA’s southern border with Mexico, and it has been the topic of many a political rant from both political parties.
Those of us who are far removed from the concept of once-prevalent city walls and who are not residing near country borders probably don’t comprehend the significance of a wall. Historically, though, city walls were gravely important to the safety of the residents, as they provided a barrier for defense against enemies. The state of the wall often reflected the state of the people who lived within it. In Nehemiah, we read about The Wall of Jerusalem being in shambles, and God’s people were quite broken as well.
Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the King of Persia, a very important position; the king quite literally trusted Nehemiah with his life! After Nehemiah received word that the walls of Jerusalem were in major disrepair, he committed himself to prayer; still, the sadness was evident on his face as he went to work. Though Nehemiah was fearful that being sad in the presence of the king could cost his head, King Artaxerxes took pity on Nehemiah and allowed him to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall. Not only did the king send Nehemiah with his blessing, but he provided Nehemiah with many provisions for the journey.
(Interestingly, the text mentions the queen being with the king when he noticed Nehemiah’s unusually melancholy demeanor. Many scholars believe that this queen is none other than Queen Esther! The book of Esther occurred before the book of Nehemiah; the stories are not in chronological order in our Bible. While God definitely used Esther to save his people in the biblical book bearing her name, she was probably also instrumental in allowing Nehemiah to rebuild the wall.)
I can’t help but think of how comfortable Nehemiah likely had been in his position. He worked in the palace, which allowed for a lifestyle much more posh than the vast majority of the people in the territory of Persia and definitely more comfortable than his relatives in the rubble of Jerusalem. And yet, he was willing to give up everything in order to meet a deep need for God’s people. I just can’t help but wonder if I – if we – would be inclined to do the same? We have an abundance of possessions and time-saving resources: I’ll be the first to admit that I love how my house heats itself on chilly winter days, Walmart grocery pickup is my favorite modern convenience, and Amazon next-day delivery has saved the day on many occasions. Lights, indoor plumbing, DoorDash – we have so much more even than Nehemiah had. Would I be willing to forgo it for a long period of time so I could instead take on a very difficult and dangerous task?
And yet Nehemiah ventured into the unknown to lead the charge to repair the wall, knowing that he was forgoing so much comfort, yet unable to settle his soul until he completed the assignment to which God had called him. Nehemiah chose to leave everything so he could rebuild the wall, embracing the burden that God had placed on his heart for his people. He accepted the sins of his people and asked God’s forgiveness on behalf of everyone. Nehemiah stayed focused and kept in touch with God despite adversaries trying to distract him and spoil his plans.
Nehemiah focused on the bigger picture – helping his people for years to come. Similarly, we too must have an eternal perspective. One day, there will be a New Jerusalem which will have a wall with 12 gates that will never be shut. Praise God for the hope of the Kingdom!
Interesting connections from Nehemiah to the other readings:
Psalm 147:2, 13 – “The LORD builds up Jerusalem… He has strengthened the bars of your gates.”
In the John passage, the leaders have turned Jesus over to be crucified, which would lead to the fulfillment of Jesus’ words from John 2:19 in which he called himself the temple. (The temple was in Jerusalem).
-Rachel Cain
Reflections:
*What burdens has God placed on your heart that might require you to figuratively or literally leave your comfort zone?
*Are there any “walls” (boundaries) you need to put into place to protect your family or yourself?
*Pray this prayer (attributed to Sir Francis Drake) to ask God to help to venture out of your comfort zone and be ready to do the work he has called you to do.
Esther’s boldness is often written about… If I perish, I perish.
Kind of melodramatic.
The real story here, although not presented with as much flourish, is Esther’s discernment. When Mordecai tells her what she needs to do, she doesn’t just swoon the ‘if I perish’ line and exit stage left to appeal to the king. She asks for time to pray and fast herself, and asks for others to join her.
Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king… 4:16
After this, Esther still doesn’t march into the king’s presence and boldly present her ask. What she does is be intentional with each and every action and word. She chooses what to wear, and she puts herself in the right place. And she stands there.
Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace. 5:1
Even after the king receives her and asks for her request, all but assuring her that the answer will be yes, she continues to act with discernment.
And the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.” And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.” 5:3-4
At the feast, the king repeats his promise to give her what she desires, but still she doesn’t ask. We can’t really explain why she does what she does, but what can explain it is that she is being led by a wise and knowing God because she has taken the time to listen to him.
And as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king said to Esther, “What is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” Then Esther answered, “My wish and my request is: If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my wish and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come to the feast that I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.” 5:6-8
And then this happens…
On that night the king could not sleep. 6:1
A-ha! His sleepless night led to him doing a little light reading which opened a door for God to speak directly into him. God didn’t put Esther in this place so she could convince the king, he put her there simply to ask. And she did, the next day…
And on the second day, as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king again said to Esther, “What is your wish, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.”Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request. For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have been silent, for our affliction is not to be compared with the loss to the king.” Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared to do this?” And Esther said, “A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!” 7:1-6
Far too often, I think we inflate just how much God needs us. He truly does the heavy lifting far more effectively than we can. Our job is to learn to tune in to when it’s time to speak and when it’s time to put on the royal robes and just stand.
How often do we think we’re helping God, or are certain that we’re on the path to do the most good (both positive intentions, by the way) but we’re not doing an awful lot of praying or fasting before we move, speak, or bulldoze ahead?
Maybe God’s thinking, ‘It’s great that you’re willing to perish, but all I really need you to do is just stand there today.’
-Susan Landry
Reflection Questions
Have you tried praying and fasting before making a large decision or bold action? If so, did you find it beneficial? Whether you have done it before or not, what might God want you to spend time praying and fasting about?
Can you think of a time you may have been to0 quick to act – not acting within God’s perfect timing?
When have you seen examples of God’s perfect timing?
So far this week, we’ve seen how we need to live in light of our ‘why’ – or our purpose for living. Our why should be the gospel. We’ve also seen how we can live in light of our final victory. Jesus has already won the war, so we can face our battles with strength and determination. As Paul begins 2 Corinthians, we see him turn his focus onto another important element of our Christian walk – our testimony.
The word testimony means “evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something.” When we think of a testimony, we may imagine someone getting up in court and attesting to what they believe happened in a situation. Testimonies are important and can be used as evidence in serious cases. If a testimony is given in court, that can make the difference between whether or not justice is served.
In our Christian walk, we also give a testimony. Our testimony is the evidence of Christ’s work in our lives. It is our account of how the gospel has changed us. Sometimes our testimony may look like it does on true crime documentaries. We get up in front of our church or small group and recount in 1-5 minutes how we came to know Jesus and what he has done for us. Our testimony however is much more than a short speech. Our testimony is our whole lives.
In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul gives his own personal testimony of issues that he had previously in his missionary journey. At one point in their travels, they had even despaired of living because things had gotten so bad. But Paul reminds himself and the Corinthians of his hope. He says,
9 Indeed, we personally had a death sentence within ourselves, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and He will deliver us. We have put our hope in Him that He will deliver us again 11 while you join in helping us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many.” (2 Corinthians 1:9-11)
Even in the midst of his trouble, Paul reminds himself of what God has done for him in his life. He knows that God has already delivered him, and so, he can trust that God will deliver him again. This truth helps to strengthen Paul’s own faith when faced with a difficult circumstance. It also becomes an amazing testimony for the church as a whole. The Corinthians can see how Paul handles this time of trials, and they can live with the same mindset in their own lives.
Our testimony can be based on the past times that God has been faithful to us, but our testimony also includes how we treat others. In verse 12, Paul goes on, “12 For this is our confidence: The testimony of our conscience is that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, with God-given sincerity and purity, not by fleshly wisdom but by God’s grace.” The way we treat other people is also a part of our testimony. If we treat others well – with God-given sincerity and purity, we will testify, or show evidence, that the gospel makes us better people. It makes us a people full of love and grace. Our actions can testify for God or they can testify against God. It depends on how we live.
Esther took a chance and invited the King to dinner again. By this point, she knew that she had to act fast, but you can tell that she was nervous. If the king was angry at her request, she could have been sent away like Vashti – or worse. The king asked her again what she desired and she spoke out against Haman, letting the king know that Haman was planning destruction for her, Mordecai, and her whole people. Furious, the king sentences Haman to be hung on the gallows that he had built for Mordecai. Mordecai was then given Haman’s estate and role as advisor to the king.
A happy ending for Esther and Mordecai, but there was still a dark day planned for the Jews. After the king gave the edict Haman advised him to give, he signed it with his signet ring. An order from the king was not able to be revoked; the day Haman had planned for the Jews would still happen. In order to prevent total destruction of the Jews, Mordecai planned another day where the Jews would be able to face anyone in battle who was hostile to them. Because of this order, there was rejoicing. The Jews could defend themselves, and consequently, they would not be destroyed. They knew they faced a battle, but ultimately, they had already won the war. The king was on their side. They would have victory.
Most of us will not face a battle like this in our lifetime. We don’t need to worry about anyone destroying our communities, families, or – for the most part – even our property. We may not face physical battles, but we will face spiritual battles. Jesus promised in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We know that we will have trouble in this world, but we can be encouraged that Jesus has the victory. We may have battles, but we know that we will win the war!
Paul encouraged the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, “13 Be alert, stand firm in the faith, act like a man, be strong. 14 Your every action must be done with love.” We need this encouragement too. Whenever we face difficult trials and temptations, we can stand firm in the faith. We can be strong. And, we know that we can overcome. We pray – as Paul did – ‘Lord Jesus come’ and then we face our battles head on, because we know that we will win the war!
I love summers because it seems like the pace of life slows down just a little. With camps, VBS, and simply more time, I feel like I can evaluate my priorities and reorient myself towards the things that really matter. Once August rolls around, my mind starts thinking about my classroom in the Fall, and I begin to plan out how I want my year to look. It’s helpful to think about those big priorities when planning out my next year. I want my life to be lived in light of my ‘whys’ – the reasons that I have for doing what I do.
If we are not intentional with our lives, the reason we have for living can range from getting our next meal, next paycheck, or next night out. These things can easily become what dominates our thoughts and our actions. If our lives are ruled by these things, we may end up going down a wicked path – as in the case of Haman. He wanted to get his next egotrip from everyone bowing down to him. When Mordecai didn’t, Haman didn’t stop at anything to destroy the Jews – which he thought would make him feel better. He thought it would make him have that feeling of pride (or being admired) again. Because his pride was his ‘why,’ all of his thoughts and actions led to how he can get that feeling of being admired again. This took him down a dangerous path that ultimately led to his destruction.
In today’s passage in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul talks to the Corinthians about their ‘whys.’ The Corinthians had people who were trying to teach that there is no resurrection from the dead. Paul systematically goes through their arguments and refutes them. One main point of his argument is that if there is no resurrection from the dead, Christ was also not resurrected from the dead. And, if that’s the case, then, what was Paul doing all of this for? At one point, he reminds them of their ‘why’:
29 Otherwise what will they do who are being baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, then why are people baptized for them?[f] 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I affirm by the pride in you that I have in Christ Jesus our Lord: I die every day! 32 If I fought wild animals in Ephesus with only human hope,[g] what good did that do me?[h] If the dead are not raised, Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.[i] ~ 1 Corinthians 15:29-32
If Jesus had not been raised from the dead, Paul argues, we should be pitied more than any other person. He would then be suffering only for a human hope. But, he reminds them later on:
55 Death, where is your victory?
Death, where is your sting?[p]
56 Now the sting of death is sin,
and the power of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ!
~ 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
Paul knew he was living with the power that comes from Christ’s victory over sin and death. This was his ‘why’ and this helped him to endure whatever he faced – whether shipwrecks or angry men – and glorify God in the process.
Our ‘why’ is the gospel. When we live in light of eternity – in light of this ‘why’ – we can face whatever battles come our way. We can have the victory!
Esther is accepted by the king.After the fasting and praying period, Esther went before the king, he raised his scepter, and he spared her life. Xerxes was eager to grant Esther what she wished. Instead of telling the king about her problem, she invited the king and Haman to a banquet. At the banquet, Esther invited the king and Haman to another banquet the next day. Haman was still upset at Mordecai, and through the encouragement of his wife, he made a 75 foot pole to hang Mordecai.
God gives the king a sleepless night.The night between the two banquets the king couldn’t sleep. The king’s insomnia was no accident. This is actually one of the main turning points of the story. God made sure that Xerxes was up that night so that he would be prompted to remember when Mordecai saved the king’s life. It turns out that Mordecai had never been rewarded for saving the king’s life. The king resolves to reward Mordecai immediately. And he puts Haman in charge of the celebration! (Insert face palm here.)
At the second banquet, Esther told the king, finally, that she was a Jew, and that she would be killed because of the law that Haman wrote. Filled with anger, the king walked out of the room. Haman, meanwhile, pled for his life with Esther. When the king returned, he believed that Haman was attacking Esther. Haman was arrested and hung on the pole he created for Mordecai.
In order to save the Jewish people, the king allows Mordecai and Esther to write a law that saves the Jewish people. The Jews are authorized to defend themselves with the protection of the government. When the day comes, the Jews fight their enemies and are saved. As a result of all of this, Mordecai becomes second in charge of Persia after the king, and Esther is the glorious queen!
God works in your life through the ordinary. What did God do in the story of Esther? There were no miracles. There was no verse that said, “God…” and explained God’s actions. But certainly, God was at work in this story. After all, his chosen people were saved through a series of improbable events. This demonstrates just exactly how God works in our lives. God accomplishes his plans through everyday, ordinary means. We need to see how God is working in our lives through his providence. Think about things that almost didn’t happen in your life. Maybe you almost went to a different school. Or, you almost never became friends with your best friends. But you did, and it changed your life. The story of Esther teaches us to see how God works in the everyday, ordinary parts of our lives and to trust God’s heart when we don’t understand His hand.
Esther occurs at an interesting time in Biblical history. The Jewish people had been living in exile in Persia. The Persian king, Cyrus, allowed the Jews to go back to Jerusalem. Many went back to Jerusalem, but some stayed behind in Persia. Esther is the fascinating story of those people who stayed behind in Persia.
At this time God’s people were basically controlled by a dictator. The king of Persia is a guy named Xerxes. In Esther chapter 1, we see he threw a huge party for all of his most important officials that lasted for 6 months. In the last 7 days of the party, Xerxes expanded the party to include everyone in the city. After seven days of getting drunk, Xerxes called for his wife, Queen Vashti. He wanted all of his friends to view his wife and see how beautiful she was. But Vashti refused, which made Xerxes angry. (Uh-oh.) Vashti is removed as queen, and all the wives of Persia are told not to be defiant like the queen!
Enter Esther. In chapter 2, Xerxes decides to find a new queen. He’s not romantic, however. He’s a sick dictator. He has his servants go throughout Persia to find beautiful virgins. They are brought back to the palace, and then they are to spend one night with Xerxes. One of the women brought to the king is Esther. In chapter 2, we are introduced to Esther, and her cousin Mordecai who raised her because she was orphaned. Esther is taken into the king’s harem. And when it is her turn to be with the king, he falls for her. Esther becomes queen, but we learn that she doesn’t tell anyone she is Jewish. (Psssst.) It’s a secret.
It is also in this chapter that we learn that Mordecai found out about a plot to assassinate the king. He told Esther, who told the king, and the perpetrators were executed. As chapter 2 ends, Esther is queen and Mordecai is responsible for saving the king. But remember, no one knows Esther is Jewish.
Chapter 3 introduces us to the true villain of the story -a man named Haman. He was the most powerful official in Persia after the king, and he was a jerk! Mordecai refused to bow to Haman. And Haman got mad. He didn’t just hate Mordecai, but all the Jews. Haman came up with a plan to exterminate the Jews from Persia. He told the king that if he was allowed to kill this group of people, he would take their money and give it to the king. Xerxes agreed to this arrangement without hearing the details.
In chapter 4 Mordecai and the Jews began to be in mourning because of this decree. Esther wanted to know what was the matter with Mordecai, and why he was in mourning. Mordecai believed that Esther can help, but she was afraid to go before the king. If a person came before the king unannounced, they could be executed.
Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
Esther 4:13-14
God would save the Jewish people. He promised to do it in the Old Testament. But Mordecai saw that Esther might be God’s instrument of salvation for the Jews. You have to remember, neither Mordecai nor Esther knew how the story was going to end. Both of them could have been killed.
Finally, Esther decided to help, although death was a real possibility for her. She asked the Jews to fast and pray for her. This was a turning point in Esther’s life. She went from being a young woman who was at the mercy of the king and her cousin, to a person who was decisive and in control.
At the completion of today’s post I hope you realize that everyone faces turning points in their lives. Have you faced a turning point in your life yet? Some possible turning points in your lives could be:
Will I cheat on this test or not?
Will I date a non-Christian or not?
Will I have sex with my boyfriend/girlfriend or not?
Will I let everyone know that I am a Christian or not?
Maybe you can see some turning points in your life where you didn’t follow God with your decision. There is good news. God forgives.
God uses unusual events to accomplish his plans. The story of Esther is like an elaborate chess board, and God is moving the pieces of the chess board into place to accomplish his purposes. He does this in our lives too. You might wonder why God allowed your parents to get a divorce, or why he allowed your family to move to a different state. You might wonder why God isn’t giving you the things you want in life. He takes all of the experiences of your life and uses it for your good. As we continue tomorrow in Esther, you will see how this rings true!
Seek Grow Love 