That life moment you always remember
ESTHER ENTERS XERXES’ COURT
As we continue the story of Esther, I'm struck by this thought: when we realise the issues we've faced and survived were painful but worthwhile experiences, it's an opportunity for gratitude.
Esther's moment was the entrance to her freedom and the blessing of her people....
When King Xerxes elevated Haman, the
Agagite, to the position of prime minister, the court and the officials kneeled
at his feet, but Mordecai refused to pay his respects because he was a Jew. Mutual
hatred existed between the Amalekites and the Jews. Haman was an Agagite of the
Amalekites. King Saul, a Benjaminite of the same tribe as Mordecai, had slain
the Amalekites and the prophet, Samuel, had killed their king, King Agag, four
hundred years earlier. Mordecai also refused to offer obeisance to Haman
because he worshipped God rather than a man. In Exodus 17:16, God prophesied
there would be war between these nations throughout their generations.
The court officials let Haman know Mordecai was a Jew and his ire rose
to a fever pitch. To kill Mordecai would do nothing to assuage his anger.
Better to annihilate the entire Jewish population of the Persian kingdom. He advised
the king of his plan, but with a schemer’s cunning, he referred to the Jews as ‘a
certain people.’ He’d probably guessed Queen Esther was a Jewess.
“The king should not tolerate them since they don’t obey his laws. Let the king issue a decree and I’ll deposit 375 tons of silver in the treasury.”
The king issued the decree, and the Medes and Persians’
laws were binding.
A date was selected by lot, and Xerxes sealed the decree with his ring. The secretaries prepared the dispatches, declaring it would be executed eleven months hence. The king and Haman drank a toast to honor their decree, but as the shocking news spread through Susa, the city was bewildered. Mordecai’s heart filled with sorrow, and he dressed in sackcloth, the recognized coarse garments of mourning. In every Jewish home, the people wept and fasted. Some covered themselves with ashes.
Esther’s maids and eunuchs brought her news
about Mordecai.
“Your Majesty, Mordecai has dressed himself in
sackcloth and he cannot enter the court.”
“Where is Hathach, the eunuch? Tell
him to give Mordecai new clothes and find out why he is troubled.”
Hathach found him at the entrance to the king’s gate. Mordecai provided
the eunuch with a copy of the edict to show Esther, explaining the vast sum of
money Haman had invested in the treasury. He begged her to plead for the king’s
mercy towards her people.
But how could Esther enter the king’s presence if he hadn’t asked her? She could face the death penalty if the king did not receive her by
extending his scepter. Besides, a month had elapsed since the king had last seen
her.
When the eunuch told Mordecai about Esther’s fears,
he knew he must counteract them, and he sent her an urgent warning and a fresh
plea.
“You may live in the king’s house,
but your position won’t save your life. Our deliverance will arise from another
place, but you and your family will perish. Who knows, maybe you’ve become
queen for this very moment?”
And so, Esther faced her dilemma… Go to the king and risk her life, or
keep silent and hide behind her fear? Suffer guilt and shame or face an
honorable death? Honor her beloved cousin’s plea and enter the king’s presence
or risk the scorn of her people?
But Esther was a Jew at heart. She would muster her courage and face the
king with the support of her people.
“Go, gather all the Susa Jews and fast for three days. I will fast with my
maids. Then I’ll go to the king, even though it’s against the law. If I perish,
I perish.”
The period of fasting complete, Esther planned her entrance into the
king. Did her heart throb wildly? If it did, she hid her anxiety behind supreme
dignity and oriental diplomacy. The king warmed to her charm and her ability to
please him, and he extended his scepter.
She
approached and touched its tip. A secret smile must have crossed her lips as he
offered her half of his kingdom for her request. But this required a careful
strategy. Esther invited her king and her enemy to two banquets. She would
arouse the king’s curiosity, and Haman would attend, proud he was the royal
couple’s exclusive guest.
Haman boasted to all of Susa, but privately he
wanted Mordecai dead. Every time he set eyes on the Jew, his anger intensified,
and he complained to his wife.
“Build a set of gallows and ask the
king tomorrow to have him hanged.” That was her dastardly solution.
And so, the key players are pitted against
each other.
Do you recognize the perfect timing
in God’s sovereignty and Satan’s wily ways? …
Mordecai placed his faith above his life, and he pleaded with Esther to
follow his example. But God upheld their courage and raised a Jewish queen at
the precise moment to combat Haman. While Satan was determined to undermine her,
God tested her and strengthened her allegiance to her family and her people.
When her life hung in the balance, God was working behind the scenes. Esther
could not fail, although she didn’t know it.
God cast Satan from heaven because of his arrogance. Haman, the arrogant
politician, didn’t know who manipulated him. ‘Pride comes before destruction
and a haughty spirit before a fall.’ Proverbs 16:18. He thought he was
autonomous. But by fasting, a symbol of prayer, Mordecai and Esther trusted in
God. Susa didn’t know the God of the Jews, but his presence guided his chosen
people as they lived within her precincts.
There are spiritual battles in high places we can’t hear or see. ‘We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world.’ Ephesians 6:12.
I praise Jesus because he lives in me, and his power outweighs opposing forces.
When he calls me to serve him, he walks with me through the problems and
he ensures the success of his plans.
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