Bible Reading: Esther 5; Hebrews 4:1-8
“…And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made” – Esther 5:14b (KJV)
As the saying goes ‘power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’. Many are in the world today who use their position to oppress people. They are not bothered about the feelings of the less-privileged around them. They could go to any length just to wipe off the memory of those who are not dancing to their tune. This is unfortunate!
Haman was invited to a banquet by Queen Esther who had been looking for the best way to stall the plan, which had received the approval of the king, to eliminate the entire Jews in his kingdom. As noted yesterday, Mordecai had made the move to Esther that she should open her mouth at this critical time to protect the inheritance of God. The Queen, in turn, requested that her people should go on fasting for God’s intervention on the issue. (Esther 4:15-17). The people obeyed the proposition of this selfless Queen and God intervened.
The request that has heaven’s backing is always difficult to turn down by any earthly king. And that was what played out when Esther appeared before king Ahasuerus in her royal apparel contrary to the law of the land. The Scripture aptly puts it: “ Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house” – Esther 5:1(KJV)
While Esther’s request was granted, the king hurriedly sent for Haman. Upon his arrival, the king also demanded if there is any other request that Esther needed to which Esther responded by inviting the King and Haman to a banquet the next day. The Scripture says, “dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” – Romans 12:19 (KJV). Haman did not know that this was divine arrangement for his destruction.
Even though he was happy with the arrangement, the sight of Mordecai infuriated him. Never mind, anyone that is angry with you without a cause shall soon go down for your sake. Just maintain the path of righteousness with Christ. Why do you think Haman could not process the suggestion given to him by his wife and his friends? It was because it aligned with what he had been nursing against Mordecai. Whosoever digs a pit for you shall fall into it. Relax in Christ.
Prayer Point: I receive grace to keep to wise counsel only in Jesus name.
Rev. Julius Oluwole