Post by Lynnette Easter
It’s that time of the month again when we delve once again into The Chronicles of Esther. Let’s see how prior course of events come full circle in Esther 6.
The Beginning of Something New
King Xerxes could not sleep, so he ordered for the book which held the recordings of his reign be brought in and read to him. In the book’s recordings was documentation about Mordecai, who worked at the king’s gate and exposed two gatekeepers who plotted to kill the king. Hearing about this heroic act, King Xerxes asked what type of honor and recognition had been bestowed upon Mordecai. The attendants informed the King that nothing had been done for Mordecai.
Readers let me ask you this: can you recall a time in your life when you were overlooked. If so, how did it make you feel?
Rectification
King Xerxes had just asked his attendants who was in his court as Haman entered into his court; the attendants informed the king that it was Haman. So King Xerxes ordered for Haman to be brought to him. Xerxes asked Haman what he should do for the man which he is pleased with, in regards to a method of honoring him. Hearing the king’s inquiry, Haman assumed that the King was speaking about honoring him. Haman gave his input:
The attire should consist of the royal robe worn by the king which should be accompanied by one of the horses with the crest on its forehead that the king has ridden. These things should then be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes who will robe the man the king is pleased to honor. The noble prince will also lead the man on the horse throughout the streets announcing, “This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!” v. 7-9
After hearing Haman’s riveting suggestion, King Xerxes told Haman to retrieve immediately both the robe and horse. The king then told Haman to complete every act he suggested, withholding nothing for Mordecai, the Jew who was seated at his gate. Haman retrieved both the robe and the horse; he placed the robe on Mordecai and led him on horseback through the streets announcing, “This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!”
Afterwards, Mordecai returned to his post at the king’s front gate, while Haman swiftly went home deeply troubled. Haman spoke to his wife and friends about what had just transpired. After listening to Haman’s course of events, his wife and friends pointed out to him that his downfall began with Mordecai. They also told Haman that he would be ruined because he was not capable of standing against Mordecai due to his Jewish origin. As they were discussing this, King Xerxes’ eunuchs came to Haman and hurried him off to the banquet Queen Esther had prepared.
And we are now at the end of the story, which we will continue next month.
Self-Evaluation
Seeing God fulfill His promise to Mordecai speaks volumes to me. I have had situations in my life where I decided that I knew how to handle my enemies. If only I had surrendered my enemies to God and allowed HIM to handle them! Haman thought he won but ended up having to honor Mordecai instead! The outcome of my situations would have turned out for my good because I allowed God to vindicate me and show me HIS powerful hand.
“…Until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” Luke 20:43
Q&A
As a Christian, when it comes to surrendering your enemies to God, what do you find to be the hardest part of this process?
For me, it is surrendering my enemies to GOD and allowing HIM to do whatever is deemed necessary within the situation. We have to get to a place of releasing control regarding those who have done us wrong! Prayerfully, I will do better so that my outcome will consist of nothing but God’s best, just as He did for Mordecai.
