Hello, and thank you for joining us to wrap up Esther. Today we will discuss topics from chapters 6-10.
We will see how God’s absence causes people to struggle. Then we learn how a sense of entitlement and misplaced pride can lead to disaster. Today’s verses show us that the Lord rewards those who seek him.
Struggles
In the opening sentence of chapter 6, King Xerxes is having trouble sleeping. His trusted colleague, Haman, had led astray him.
I would not want to be a king. The responsibilities of even a small kingdom would be enormous. King Xerxes ruled over the Persian empire, which reached from India to Cush (Est 1:1).
For modern reference, that would reach from Pakistan to the border of Greece, up to the border with Russia and include Egypt and parts of Libya.
The tribes and peoples of that vast area were always at war with each other. They continue to fight today.
A leader of such an extensive empire could not watch every detail. Therefore, he surrounded himself with advisors he could trust.
His own actions did not trouble Xerxes, but God was preventing him from finding peace.
My mother always knew if I was out causing trouble. She had an inherent sense, which caused her uneasiness.
I may have thought I was getting away with whatever action I was doing with my friends. She would question me in a way which always brought out the truth.
Part of what was bothering him was he knew there were people trying to assassinate him in verse 6:1. This would be disturbing to any ruler.
Today we have former FBI Director James Comey posting a message saying 8647.
Bigthana and Teresh, two of King Xerxes insiders who were supposed to be protecting him. Instead, they were plotting his demise.
Mordecai exposed the plot, but Haman’s anger meant he went unrewarded. This did not set well with the king.
Dangers of Pride
Haman had let his own pride go to his head. He felt entitled to be honored.
He had done nothing of significance, but Haman felt the king was talking about him when Xerxes asked how he should honor someone (v6:7).
I love how this backfires on him, resulting in him being required to honor Mordecai.
When we serve the Lord, it should be out of love. We should not be expecting the Lord to bless us. The Lord is our blessing.
We must not want more. To say something is more implies it is greater than God. There is nothing greater than walking with God.
Haman had access to Xerxes and everything that came with this honor. Instead, he wanted public notoriety.
Rewards
Mordecai was watching out for God’s people. Knowing this, God orchestrated events, allowing Mordecai to gain respect. He also gave him the power to vanquish his enemies.
This included Haman, who would face impalement on the pole he had constructed for Mordecai (v7:10).
Esther describes him as “An adversary and enemy!” (v7:5).
Our adversary is the devil (see 1 Pet 5:8). Like Haman, he lurks around, scowling. Trying to get the King to accuse and destroy us.
One cannot deceive God (see Gal 6:7). He knows what happens in the dark, when we think we have escaped detection (Matt 6:6).
Not only was Mordecai rewarded, his actions saved the Jewish race.
Purim memorializes this every year. Acknowledging Esther’s bravery and God’s faithfulness toward his people, which we see in verse 9:20-28.
This story teaches us that our actions will always come to light. We should avoid harboring hatred toward anyone. Our allegiance should always be in following God. God will reward this. There is nothing greater.
Tomorrow we will read Job 1-4