This decree gave the Jews everywhere permission to unite in the defense of their lives and their families, to destroy all the forces opposed to them, and to take their property. Esther 8:11 TLB
Yesterday we left Esther making the life threatening choice to go into the king uninvited, even though she was the queen. She has asked that everyone fast for three days to prepare the way God was showing her. So with God’s help, she went into the king’s throne room and the Bible says, “he was pleased with her and held out his scepter and she touched it and was accepted.” At this point he said he was willing to give her up to half his kingdom! Wow, look at God! Anyway, she said all she wanted was for him and Haman (the enemy) to come to a banquet, and so he accepted for both of them. They went, but the surprise was, she wanted to give another banquet the nexxt day, filled with expectation of course they accepted. At this point Haman was feeling pretty good about himself, for he had no idea she was a Jew. Oh, by the way, he had a gallows made to hang Mordecai on, and overnight the king read the Chronicles of Susa because he couldn’t sleep (good choice) and found out Mordecai had saved his life but was never honored. So to make a long story short, Haman had to lead Mordecai on horseback around the town saying “this is what is done for the man the delights to honor.” Can we say LOL!
Then the next evening came and Haman entered the dinner with great pride and arrogance. The king couldn’t stand it anymore, and asked Esther to tell him what she wanted. Then she dropped the bomb, she said, “grant me my life-this is my petition” And the lives of my people. The king was stunned and asked who would do this, and she graciously looked and Haman and said, “the vile Haman”! And the king was furious and leaves, but wait, it gets better. Haman then tries to plead the mercy of the queen and as he’s falling on the couch she’s sitting on, the king comes in and catches him, then on the heels of the king a servant comes in and says, hey, he built a 70 ft. gallows behind his house for Mordecai and the king responds, hang him on it! Now the king makes a new decree that the Jews are allowed to defend themselves. And so the Jews were not anihilated and Mordecai was given Haman’s position as second to the king.
God’s name is not mentioned once in the Book of Esther, but His fingerprints and power is written all through it. This historical account helps us see that even when we can’t see or feel God, He is working in and through our lives and He truly does use all things (yes, even the bad) to work out for good when we follow and trust Him. Are you facing an impossible situation where there seems all the odds are stacked against you? Do you feel there is no way out? Go to God and asked for His help through wisdom and discernment, leading and guidance. Then listen to His leading and He will help you through. Remember it may not be immdiate, but He is working. If you haven’t asked Him to forgive you of your sins and become your Lord and Savior this is a wonderful time to accept His salvation and a brand new life.
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