For Such A Time As ThisChikamu

After King Xerxes’ servants delivered the news of Mordecai’s refusal to bow to Haman, Haman’s heart became so enraged and he decided to take it out on the entire Jewish population- not just Mordecai. (Esther 3:6) 

Mordecai soon learned of Haman’s plan to annihilate all the Jews that resided within the 127 provinces of King Ahasuerus’ reign. 

Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king's laws, so that it is not to the king's profit to tolerate them. -Esther 3:8 (ESV) 

Haman was an evil man. The Lord had no place in his dark heart, which is why his decision to destroy God’s people came without a single ounce of guilt or hesitation. 

Without the power of the Holy Spirit in us, we would be like Haman. We would commit evil without a care in the world. Thanks be to God for His saving grace!  

Haman rejoiced as his plan pleased the prideful ears of his king. The king literally took off his signet ring and handed it to Haman to seal the deal on his behalf. This would be like handing over a credit card to your assistant or an associate without a second thought. However, the king had no idea this would include his wife and queen. At this point in time, Esther’s Jewish heritage is still a secret. 

The plan to destroy the Jewish population was to take place nearly a year from the time the edict was signed. We can infer from this that Haman not only wanted to kill the Jews, but he wanted them to know it was coming. He wanted to torture them with the day of destruction that lurked. 

Haman thought he had the world in the palm of his hand, but he had no idea just how much of an unexpected plot twist awaited his evil heart. He was truly powerless! 

When we consider Haman’s plan to destroy God’s people, let us be reminded that evil may have its day, but God will always—always—have the final say. The ultimate example of this is seen through the life of Christ. 

Reflection

1. What verses in Esther 3:5-15 stood out to you?
2. In this life, we may be mocked for taking a godly stand on something. How should we respond if we find ourselves face-to-face with this situation?
3. Have you ever had the opportunity to stand up for God? If so, did you? Why or why not?