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 wou...