Reading: Esther 4-7
And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified (Esth. 7:9-10).
Although God’s name is never once spoken in the Book of Esther, His presence is so clearly displayed that the book could efficiently serve as standalone proof of His existence. So many different things had to simultaneously fall into place to preserve the Jews that the chance of everything occurring by happenstance is infinitesimally small. Unless one is willfully spiritually blind, it is impossible to read this account and not see a higher power at work. Esther provides one focused scenario, but this same sentiment can be applied to all of God’s creation. The proof of His existence is all around us. It takes more of a leap of faith to deny God than to believe in Him. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse (Rom. 1:20).
Can you imagine being so evil that you would be willing to commit genocide just because you felt disrespected? That is precisely what happened with Haman. He sought to destroy the Jews simply because Mordecai would not bow before him. Little did he know that God was at work in the lives of this man and his family. Haman confidently moved ahead with his plan, including the construction of giant gallows from which to hang Mordecai. He knew he had the favor of the king, so he had no reason to believe that things would not go exactly as he had planned. Unknown to Haman, God was moving behind the scenes to expose his great evil. No amount of clever plotting will ever overcome the wisdom of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual (I Cor. 2:13).
While Haman plotted and Esther prepared for a feast at which she intended to reveal her Jewish heritage and express her grief at his plans, King Ahasuerus was troubled by insomnia. While attempting to tire himself, he read of Mordecai's heroic deed. The king realized that he had not offered much appreciation at the time, so he resolved to honor Mordecai. Early the following day, he called upon Haman to bestow the honors upon Mordecai. By the time of the feast, Haman was unsettled by how quickly his plans were falling apart, especially after Esther revealed her heritage and exposed his plot. The day ended, not with the death of God’s faithful servant Mordecai, but with the hanging of the man who had plotted against him.
God's Word clearly states that He is in control, and He will win out in the end. Mordecai and Esther trusted that the Lord was there and that He was larger than their troubles. When we find the same trust inside ourselves, we, too, will be able to recognize the fullness of God’s involvement in our lives.
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever (Rev. 11:15).
Thought for Today: There is no such thing as coincidence in a world directed by His perfect plan.
Christ Revealed: In the honor shown to Mordecai as he was led through the streets (Esth. 6:10-11). Jesus was greatly honored in His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:8-9).
Word Studies: 4:1 rent = tore, as an act of grief and mourning; 6:13 be of the seed of the Jews = is of Jewish origin; 7:4 countervail = justify, compensate, or make up for; 7:5 that durst = who dares to.
Pray for Staff: Gilbert Palafox • Government Officials: Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY), Gov. Roy Cooper (NC) • Country: Russia (142,470,272) Northeastern Europe and Northern Asia • Major Languages: Russian, Dolgang, German, Chechen, Tatar • Restricted Religious Freedom • 15-20% Russian Orthodox; 10-15% Muslim; 2% Other Christian; Large population of non-practicing & non-believers • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for national leaders and their families (Ezra 6:10).
Optional Reading:Galatians 2