People You Will Meet In This Chapter:
- Esther
- King Xerxes
- Haman
- Mordecai
- Zeresh, Mordecai's wife
- Mordecai's friends
God was in control, yet Mordecai and Esther had to act. We cannot understand how both can be true at the same time, and yet they are. God chooses to work through those willing to act for him. We should pray as if all depended on God and act as if all depended on us. We should avoid two extremes: doing nothing and feeling that we must do it all.
Hatred and bitterness are like weeds with long roots that grow in the heart and corrupt all of life. Haman was so consumed with hatred toward Mordecai that he could not even enjoy the honor of being invited to Esther's party. Scripture warns us to watch out "lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby may be defiled." (Hebrews 12:15) Don't let hatred and its resulting bitterness build in your heart. Like Haman you will find it backfiring against you. If the mere mention of someone's name provokes you to anger, confess your bitterness as sin. Ignoring bitterness, hiding it from others, or making superficial changes in behavior is not enough. If bitterness isn't completely removed, it will grow back, making matters worse.
Haman's family and friends, who were as arrogant as he, suggested that the gallows be 50 cubits -- 75 feet -- high, built on the city wall or some prominent building. They wanted to make sure that all the people of the city saw Mordecai's death and would be reminded of the consequences of disobeying Haman. (Ironically, these high gallows allowed everyone to see Haman's death.)
Applying the Lesson
We need to realize that the battle for self-control is fought primarily within our own minds. It is a battle of our passions, desires, and thoughts. If we fail to get our emotions and appetites under control, we will fall to ruin. We need to become disciplined in every area of our life. Say no to the temptation to indulge every appetite. Substitute an old habit with a new one: praise, don't complain; support, don't argue; encourage, don't brag.
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the day you have given me; for the time I've been able to spend in Your Word. I thank you for providing for all of my needs this day; I know I have no worries about tomorrow. Father, my new life in You has already been more rewarding than I deserve. I've learned so much about Your plan for my love, and of the love you have for me. Father, please forgive me of all my sins, those known -- and those unknown. Help me rid myself of my bitterness. Teach me how to be forgiving. Help me to learn self-control in all areas of my life. In the name of Your Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Applying the Lesson
We need to realize that the battle for self-control is fought primarily within our own minds. It is a battle of our passions, desires, and thoughts. If we fail to get our emotions and appetites under control, we will fall to ruin. We need to become disciplined in every area of our life. Say no to the temptation to indulge every appetite. Substitute an old habit with a new one: praise, don't complain; support, don't argue; encourage, don't brag.
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the day you have given me; for the time I've been able to spend in Your Word. I thank you for providing for all of my needs this day; I know I have no worries about tomorrow. Father, my new life in You has already been more rewarding than I deserve. I've learned so much about Your plan for my love, and of the love you have for me. Father, please forgive me of all my sins, those known -- and those unknown. Help me rid myself of my bitterness. Teach me how to be forgiving. Help me to learn self-control in all areas of my life. In the name of Your Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.
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