Week of November 27th, 2013

Esther Chapters 6-8

Pride goes before a fall

Special thanks to Grace W. for doing our wrap up talk this week!  What a blessing!!

The king cannot sleep.  He calls for the royal diary to be read to him.  This is when he is reminded of the incident where Mordecai saved his life, and he learns that nothing had been done to reward Mordecai.

Then he asks his closest advisor, Haman, to help him plan a way to properly honor Mordecai, without revealing who the honors were for, so actually Haman, being selfish and prideful, believes it must be for him!

How ironic then, when Xerxes demands that all the rewards be done unto Mordecai!  Can you picture Haman's reaction!?

And then Esther reveals the edict to the king and reveals her identity as a Jew.

The king is outraged, and then finds Haman fallen upon Esther, taking the scene to mean he had assaulted her as well.  Enraged he demands that Haman be impaled on the pole he had erected for Mordecai, when one of the kings eunuchs explains that a gallows had been built at Haman's house. Again, an ironic turn of events!

A new edict is passed and the Jews celebrate!!

In Chapters 6 to 8 God's sovereignty is powerfully evident.  We see that Mordecai finally receives honor for his role in saving the king's life.  We see Haman get what he deserves, and that his pride in hoping for glories and honors for himself actually cause him to present those honors upon Mordecai!  Xerxes clearly was unaware of the feud/hatred between Haman and Mordecai. Esther's position enables her to influence the king through her courageous and brave approach to make her request and eventually save her people.  Wherever we are, we are of use to God.  How will God use you today?

Some questions for optional further consideration:
Scripture tells us that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6 quoting Prov 3:34).  How do you see this principle in Esther 6-8?  How have you seen this principle work out in your life and the lives of those around you?
These chapters of Esther portray a sudden reversal in the lives of the Jews, from dispair and distress to dancing, feasting and celebrating.  How have you seen God turn grief into joy in your life or in others you know?