Scripture:
On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them. (Esther 9:1)Reflection:
The book of Esther portrays a story of how God can turn events into our favor.In chapter 3, it is narrated how Haman convinced King Xerxes to mandate all Jews to be killed on the selected day and month identified through casting of the pur. However, with the efforts of Mordecai and Esther, things pivoted in reverse when the king was then convinced to summon an opposing decree allowing the Jews to kill and annihilate anyone who might attack them.
What is surprising is that God was not mentioned even once in the entire book. It wasn’t also indicated that Esther and Mordecai, or any of the Jews lived a life pleasing to the Lord. Probably, this is a message for us that even though God seems not in the vicinity, truth is that He is. That even in our sinfulness that we tend to forget to acknowledge Him and His presence, He remains faithful to His promises and He is working for us.
Moreover, it is also notable how anger and pride can lead us into jeopardy.
Haman was enraged with Mordecai that he plotted to put all Jews to death, and even had a pole reaching fifty cubits set up where he would ask the king for Mordecai to be impaled. In the latter, he ended up pierced through that pole.
Additionally, Haman was too egotistical that he saw no one fit of King Xerxes’ delight except himself. All the honorary rewards that he told the king to be done for the one that the king gladdens, thinking that it was for him was awarded to Mordecai.
In this moment of crisis, where we get overwhelmed by what is happening and have ourselves unguarded, may we be reminded that God is with us and has made all things work together for our good.
This isn’t merely isolation; this is God’s call for consecration.
Photo by: Jirú Laugo
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