Good morning,
The Book of Esther shows us how God keeps His promises, how God saves the Jews from annihilation, and the sovereignty of God. Did I mention the name of God is not mentioned in the whole book? Yet God is in every circumstance that happens to save God’s people.
Chapter Outline for Book of Esther
Chapter 5 shows us Esther’s courage and the pride of Haman. Esther adorns herself in her royal apparel, goes into the inner court, and prays that the King will extend the golden scepter. He does. She invites the King and Haman to a banquet. When the King asked what her request was, she requested to prepare another banquet for the King and Haman the next day.
Haman goes from the banquet joyful and with a glad heart. He sees Mordecai and is mad because he will not bow down to him. When he gets home, he assemblies his wife and friends and tells them how great he is. The one thing he does not have is Mordecai’s reverence. His wife suggests building a gallows to hang Mordecai. They all agree and the gallows are built.
Chapter 5 Courage of Esther and the Pride of Haman
“And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter.” (5:2)
“And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and tomorrow am I invited unto her also with the king.” (5:11-12)
Things to think about. Esther’s heart was tender towards the Lord. She trusted that God would protect her. She was willing to provide for the King and Haman.
Haman on the other hand was all about self. It is all about me. No one else mattered. Since Haman loathed Mordecai, he chose to murder him.
Two lifestyles, with two perspectives on life. The question then becomes which one do we follow. It may seem obvious, but there are times even Christians, or those who claim to be Christians, do what Haman did. They scheme on how to get rid of someone they do not like or agree with. Maybe not death, but intimidation, false accusations, or character assassination.
Courage in the face of wickedness is God’s course of action. Believers in Christ need to be obedient to the Biblical commands in all circumstances.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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