OLD TESTAMENT: Esther 3 & 4
POETRY: Psalm 140
NEW TESTAMENT: John 13:18-38
Esther 3:15 – “Spurred on by the king’s command, the couriers went out, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered.”
The third chapter of Esther opens up with yet another character of the narrative being introduced, Haman. We don’t know where he came from or what he did to deserve such a high rank among the king’s court, but we quickly learn that he comes from a lineage that is known for being at odds with Israel, the Agagites. We also learn that he thinks of himself as someone who deserves to be honored by those who are lower in status. And when Mordecai refuses to bow down to Haman, that’s when life as the Hebrews knew it, would change almost over night.
Chapter four has some of the most famous sentences recorded. As Mordecai is imploring Esther to take action to save her people from annihilation, he says to her, “And who knows but that you have come to a royal position for such a time as this?” (verse 14) And two verses later, Esther replies, “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
Talk about resolve in a time of tribulation! Esther’s character in this time is certainly one to take notice and imitate.
Which brings me to the phrase that jumped out at me in preparation for today and it’s found back in chapter 3, verse 15. Haman is thrilled that his plot will be carried out, even if he has to wait months for it to come to fruition. But just in case the king starts to really think about what he’s agreed to, Haman takes him out for drinks to keep him distracted. Meanwhile, the city of Susa is left wondering why would an edict for the complete destruction of a people group be made? What happened? Why the Jews, what did they do? What if Jews were intermarried, would some family members be killed while others be left alone? What if I did business with some Jews? What if my closest friends were Jews? Was I just expected to stand aside and let the authorities carry out a nonsensical edict? Who am I to stand against the government?
Does this sound like another time as described in modern day world history books?
As an ordinary citizen in my town, in my state, in my country, there are plenty of times when governing authorities make decisions that don’t quite make sense. I admit that while I do participate in elections, I’m otherwise not politically active or especially knowledgeable beyond the headlines that pop up in my notifications. And so I can relate to the citizens of Susa who were left bewildered. Would I take action to try to stop the impending atrocities or would I remain in my confused state and watch events play out?
There are plenty of causes that anyone could choose to become involved in to make a difference for the vulnerable. How and when is between the individual and God. But that’s not exactly where I’m going with this.
I do want to remind you, dear friend, that even when this world leaves us bewildered, confused, or even indignite over injustices, as believers in the faith, we are also citizens of the Kingdom of God. And as God is eternal and true, we do not have to wonder or worry about some other authority coming in and stripping us of our spiritual citizenship. God is Almighty, He is holy, He is just, He is compassionate, He reigns over all creation, nothing is beyond His notice or His control. His care is over each and every one of us; He is trustworthy and faithful to His people. We can remain confident through prosperous times and turbulent trials that not only are we citizens, but we are children and even co-heirs with Christ in a Kingdom that will never end.
-Bethany Ligon
Reflection Questions
- What do we learn of Esther’s character? Mordecai’s? Haman’s? The kings? Of those characteristics you listed which ones can you see in yourself this past month? Which would you like to work on eliminating in your life? Which would you like to work on growing in your life?
- When have you been bewildered – perhaps by a government decision?
- What do you know from your own experiences and from Esther’s life about God’s character?
Seek Grow Love 