Today’s scripture: Esther 8:1-17 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Brent Walsh):
Haman had it all. He had just gotten a promotion to a position higher than any of the other nobles, second only to King Xerxes. Yes, life was good! He was indeed a man of great importance in the kingdom, and he made sure everyone knew it! He boasted to anyone within earshot about how influential a guy has to be to receive an invitation to one of Queen Esther’s private banquets. That would be unlikely enough, but thanks to his own personal charm and respectability, he would be going to two banquets in a row, thank you very much!
The only thing Haman still needed to work out was how to rid himself of this pesky insect Mordecai. This crazy Jew didn’t show proper respect, so he had to go. Not only him, but all his little friends, too. Haman simply had to make a request to the king and the law was passed to eradicate the Jews. To top it off, He made a special gallows that were practically tailored to Mordecai’s measurements. All in a day’s work, to be sure.
So Haman is in a good mood and dressed for success as he arrives at the palace for work. The plan is that he will get the king to sign off on Mordecai’s death in the morning so the dirty work can be done and the body hauled away in time for Haman to get changed for the banquet that night. When it doesn’t happen that way, Haman is not happy, but he is determined it will only be a matter of time before the Jews will be out of his way.
The general tone at the second banquet is polite but tense as the food is served and the wine is poured. Then King Xerxes turns to Esther and asks her to reveal her motive for these private meetings, and things start to change. Haman is confused when Esther starts begging for her life, but he sits in reverent silence. Xerxes is outraged that anyone would threaten the life of the Queen and her people and demands the name of the culprit. Suddenly Esther stabs her finger in Haman’s face and says, “The enemy is this vile Haman!”
What?! Hold on! What just happened here? I can imagine Haman getting whiplash as he looks from the Queen to the King and back again. When he realizes he has been perfectly blindsided, he starts begging for his life, but it is too late. He is hauled away and hung on the gallows that were built for Mordecai! To add insult to. . . well, death, Haman’s position in the palace and his entire estate is given to Mordecai that very same day.
This is a truly remarkable story, and it reminds me of what Jesus taught to his disciples as recorded in Matthew 23:12: For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Haman did not exalt himself to the position he held within the palace; that was done by the king. But with the promotion came a fierce pride that drove him to retaliate when Mordecai refused to kneel. He wanted to hit Mordecai where it hurt the most, and that was to attack the entire Jewish population.
The same thing happens sometimes today when people get promoted at work. There is nothing wrong with getting a promotion, and in fact can be a great honor. But when it goes to your head, it can be destructive. If you boast about your position and start treating people badly, it may only serve to turn people against you and ultimately minimize your effectiveness.
Thought for the day: When you are exalted by others, humble yourself to serve them rather than oppress them.
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