Foundations Week 27, Day 5

Scripture Read: Esther 3 - 4
Title:  Haman and Mordecai

H.E.A.R. 
(H) Highlight verse: "Go gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.  I and my young women will also fast as you do.  Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:16

(E) Explain:  Enter Haman.  Haman was appointed above all the officials, and the king's servants.  People revered him and paid him homage.  The king had commanded that all people bow to him, but Mordecai refused.  We are not given a reason why he refused, but we know that his refusal infuriated Haman.  In response Haman went to the king and told him about Mordecai's obstinance.  So Mordecai asked the king if he would approve a plan that would eliminate all the Jews in the land.  He offered to pay 10,000 talents to anyone who wuld oversee this and put the money in the king's treasury.  Once word got out about this plan of destruction Mordecai tore his clothes and clothed himself in sackcloth and cried out in the city center.  This deeply distressed queen Esther and she contacted Mordecai through one of her attendants.  He told her about the decree and asked Esther to go and talk to the king on his and all the other Jews behalf.  She told him to do so would be a death sentence to her because nobody could enter the king's court unannounced.  Eventually she agrees to go to the king, even though she may be put to death for doing so.  Her words "If I perish, I perish" is her way of saying, "I am willing to do this even though I may lose my life over it, but so be it."

(A) Application:  God is completely in control of all aspect of life.  He is not surprised by anything, including the mess that Mordecai and the Jews were facing.  It is here that the plot thickens and the outcome seems bleak.  A call to completely obliterate all Jews in Persia is announced by an evil man and endorsed by the king.  All hope seems lost, the Jews destruction is imminent, but Mordecai has one hope and that hope is in Queen Esther.  The unfortunate problem is that the queen does not have access to or influence over the king.  Although we don't specifically read that she put her future and life in the hands of God, we can certainly come to that conclusion.  Esther knew her future and destiny was out of her hands and in the hands of one greater than her.  I think it is safe to say that she put her trust in God's protection as she agrees go before the king.  She was not afraid to die and she was hopeful that he would respond positively to her.

We would all do well if we were able to take on the attitude of Queen Esther.  Our lives, and future are in the hands of the true King.  We may not know what our future looks like, we may not even know what the day may hold for us, but we do know that our lives are in the hands of our loving, merciful and gracious King.  For me I trust God completely with my life and future.  I don't take this to mean that God will give to me an easy stress free life without complication, pain or suffering.  No, I know all of that is part of my future and even present.  But I am good with that.  I know God has me in his hands and whatever happens in my life, good or bad, He is still with me and guiding my way.  He does the same for you as well.

(R) Respond: Lord I do not know what today, tommorrow or next week hold in store for me, but I trust that you are with me and I will live my life completely submitted to your will.