Haman’s gallows were built with the whispers of his wife and friends. I’m mortified by the power of these diabolical words. Though their intent was to plot for the downfall of Haman’s enemy, Mordecai, they instead set the stage for the execution of Haman and his sons (Esther 9:25). In the most jarring way, Zeresh and Haman’s friends serve as archetypes of the kind of person I never want to be.
There are other examples embedded in this chapter of Esther. Let’s start with Haman. His appetite for power was insatiable. His pride, it seems, knew no bounds. When Mordecai refused to stand and honor him, Haman became enraged. In his anger at Mordecai, he became a threat to the well-being of all the Israelites living in Persia.
In Haman, I’m reminded of a more powerful enemy, the one who seeks to harm all of God’s children everywhere. The devil is the enemy of God and His people, seeking to devour and destroy (1Peter 5:8). Haman’s plot to eradicate the Jewish people in Persia is simply one strand of a larger, deadlier sickness. The devil’s efforts to destroy God’s people began long before Haman ordered the genocide of God’s people, and they have continued long after.
This danger compels me to open my Bible, to remember the hero who can rescue me from unrelenting evil. In today’s reading, we find that because Esther had found favor with King Ahasuerus, he offered her whatever she wanted, “even to half of the kingdom” (Esther 5:3). How much better is the offer from our good and perfect King? King Jesus is our true hope. Our Jesus extended grace to us, inviting us into the work of His kingdom, one that could not be shaken (Hebrews 12:28).
This reality takes the story of Esther out of the history books and into our lives. The threat continues. The enemy is still plotting the destruction of the people of God. He is set on our death through sin. The proverbial gallows have been built for us. But look! Our good King has extended grace toward us. He invites us to boldly approach His throne, “so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Plan ahead to read Joshua and Mark with us starting February 15. Shop the collection now for Digital Study Books for Lent!
It is after her praying and fasting that Esther is at her strongest! She has emptied herself to be completely filled by God! And now she is ready for this mission.
DAY 5: WOW, Esther is a smart woman and I see her plot thickens… this is the Jesus time of a novela. She asked for half the kingdom, cannot wait to see how the story unfolds… this story has me on the edge of my seat! John the Baptist, unfortunately it always saddens and breaks my heart to hear how he dies and how it was a little rotten girl who ordered it too. What is worse the King gave her, her way!
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When pride becomes your downfall! Whew!!!
I love the build up from the previous chapter. The fasting. The praying. The group fasting. All for this moment when Esther walks in. And he extends the scepter. ❤️
I also cannot see Jaedyn’s comments yesterday or today. Perhaps a glitch in the system is happening. Praying for quick healing and recovery over Jaedyn’s family, from reading others’ comments.
Praying for Dorothy, may you have a great birthday lunch,. Happy birthday!! May the weather be good, may you have a wonderful time celebrating, in a loving atmosphere with all those who attend. God loves you.
@Lynn Paiter: Praying for your father. The righteous cry out, the Lord hears and delivers them from all of their troubles. May He deliver you from all troubles you are facing and grant you your heart’s desires. Amen.
Praying for Greg’s mother to be supernaturally healed even though having life support removed. May Jehovah Rapha be with her. By Jesus’ stripes, she was healed and is now healed.
I am very thankful for all the wisdom and insights posted. I have been growing a lot bolder and wiser because of you all! You make a big difference in my life since knowing this SRT platform. May we grow together for the glory of Jesus!!!
Praying against the enemy’s temptations in my own life – that although the world can be so tempting at times – that I may cling to the Truth of the Gospel and cling to Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith
I will “boldly approach His throne.” I will take the offer from Jesus my one and only King. I accept the invitation “into the work of His kingdom, one that could not be shaken (Hebrews 12:28).” Most of all I will accept with open heart, open mind and open soul the grace and hope Jesus has extended to me.
Sisters, please pray for me tomorrow, my son and d-i-l are having a birthday celebration lunch for me a few friends of mine. A couple of my friends can be very negative and try to spread that negativity. It’s an hour drive from my friend’s place to my son’s place and there might be some snow, not a lot. The friend that is driving has an all wheel drive so we will be fine but it’s the negative attitudes I don’t like. Thanks ahead of time.
Have a blessed weekend all my sister in Christ.