Scripture to Read: Esther 3-4
In Esther 3, Haman was promoted by King Ahasuerus. Because of his promotion, Haman expected everyone to bow to him. Mordecai refused because he was a Jew. Although this is not recorded, we can assume that Mordecai would bow only to God. When Haman found out that Mordecai was Jewish, he turned his anger toward the Jews and decided he would kill them all. Haman asked King Ahasuerus to issue a decree authorizing the annihilation of all Jews. Haman convinced the king that the Jews were disloyal and worthy of death. The king simply agreed and gave Haman the authority to carry it out. God reveals to us how evil is manifested through wounded egos, corrupt political powers, and deception. Esther 3 ends with the evil decree going throughout the land, the king and Haman drinking together, and the city of Susa in confusion. In Esther 4, Mordecai learned of Haman’s decree to destroy the Jews. Mordecai responded with deep mourning. That same grief spread to all the Jews in all the provinces. Esther learned of Mordecai’s grief but didn’t know the reason at first. She sought to comfort him, but Mordecai, through Hathach, revealed to Esther why he grieved and asked her to go to the king and plead for her people. Esther was fearful since she knew it could cost her her life. Mordecai challenged her by saying, “Who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” Esther asked Mordecai to ask all the Jews in Susa to fast and pray for her. She knew that only God could deliver her and them.
Challenge & Application
Why are pride and anger such destructive forces in a person’s life? (See James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5–6, 1 John 2:16, Ephesians 4:26–27, and James 1:19–20 for help.)
When Esther faced a life-changing decision, what did she request, and why should we practice the same?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!