Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. (Esther 5:9)
Outraged is probably an understatement of what Haman felt when, after feeling so superior because he'd just been invited to a banquet by the Queen of Persia (along with the King), he passed through the gate only to be reminded of Mordecai's refusal to bow to him as he passed. He was bound and determined to get rid of Mordecai and all the Jews who refused to bow to him, or anyone else for that matter. He went home and at the suggestion of family and friends, built a gallows to hang him from. He'd had enough of Mordecai's insolence.
Meanwhile, back at the castle, King Ahasuerus could not sleep, so he called to have his chronicles read to him and thus realized he'd never honored Mordecai for saving his life. Oh, what a plot we have building here!
When we look at the events that took place in a matter of hours, we can see God's hand swiftly orchestrating every detail of what was happening. We see the results of pride and the blessings of humility in one fell swoop. We, of course, know how this story ends - Haman did not. His pride so blinded him that he truly believed he was "all that and then some". How sad that this man, who was so highly respected by the King, thought that he was as great as the King. What he would learn as he hung on the gallows he had built for Mordecai was that you should never underestimate the power of God when the lives of his people are threatened.
Our heavenly Father protects all of us who come to Him and honor Him. He's made a way for justice to be served and the humble to shine as bright as the stars He's placed in the sky. He will not allow His people to perish from this earth before His appointed time. He will cut down anyone who stands in His way - be it by the means of a gallows or plagues, earthquakes or raging waters. His power is not to be tested. In the end, He will be victorious! He will set all of the records straight and the sentences He passes down on all people will reflect their level of guilt with regard to the entire matter. Refusal to submit to His commands can leave an entire nation mourning. Do all that you can do, to the very best of your given abilities to place yourself in the presence of the Father in a humble state. Do not raise your head up at any time. Listen for the sound of His voice in your soul. He will justify you and vindicate you. He will protect you and defend you. Make your actions (or inactions) reflect His will for all people - not just the ones you like. Remember, he loved Haman as much as He loved Mordecai - the difference was that Mordecai loved God - Haman loved Haman.
Don't get caught up in the "political" trappings of this world. Pray for their conversion, pray for their acceptance, pray for them to use the power given them by God in a manner that shows honor to God. They need our prayers now more than ever before. Add their names to your daily prayer list and lift them up to the King of Kings! They are passing through that gate where Mordecai sits...
(photo by Sandra Wood)
