Tag: Arrogance

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What hubris leader ignores warnings?

Reading Time: 4 minutes

So Jeremiah sent for Baruch son of Neriah, and as Jeremiah dictated all the prophecies that the Lord had given him, Baruch wrote them on a scroll. Then Jeremiah said to Baruch, “I am a prisoner here and unable to go to the Temple. So you go to the Temple on the next day of fasting, and read the messages from the Lord that I have had you write on this scroll. Read them so the people who are there from all over Judah will hear them. Perhaps even yet they will turn from their evil ways and ask the Lord’s forgiveness before it is too late. For the Lord has threatened them with his terrible anger.” Baruch did as Jeremiah told him and read these messages from the Lord to the people at the Temple. ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭36‬:‭4‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What kind of leader, king, president or ruler ignores a clear warning from God? One that believes they are untouchable, too powerful to be affected by truth. Zedekiah was told exactly what was going to happen, what God was going to do. And yet, his kingly power had gone to his head, infecting him from common sense.

Gotquestions.org writes, “Zedekiah was the last king of Judah and was king when Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed by Babylon in 586 BC and the majority of the people were carried into exile. Zedekiah was 21 years old when he became king, meaning he would have only been about 10 when his father, Josiah, died and his brother Jehoahaz became king. Zedekiah ruled for 11 years but continued on all the evil of his brothers and nephew Jehoiachin. Zedekiah rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, and, as a result, Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem. Zedekiah was confident of Egypt’s help, which never materialized. In the eleventh year of Zedekiah’s reign, the city fell to Babylon.” As we can clearly see from Zed’s inflated ego, he thought he was savvy at playing political games, gambling with the lives of the people of Judah.

What is interesting is how Jeremiah’s prophetic word actually made it to the king. It seems like it was a very circuitous journey, gingerly making its way to Zedekiah, the king. Jeremiah’s scroll, given to Baruch to present at the temple did get the attention of the temple priests. Micaiah heard the messages from the Lord (36‬:‭11‬). Micaiah got the message to Elishama the secretary and other officials. When Micaiah told them about the messages Baruch was reading to the people, the officials sent Jehudi son of Nethaniah to ask Baruch to come and read the messages to them, too. So Baruch took the scroll and went to them. “Sit down and read the scroll to us,” the officials said, and Baruch did as they requested” (36‬:‭12‬-‭15‬).

Obviously, the officials serving king Zedekiah took it seriously. It was so serious, they investigated who the message actually came from, “When they heard all the messages, they looked at one another in alarm. “We must tell the king what we have heard,” they said to Baruch. “But first, tell us how you got these messages. Did they come directly from Jeremiah?” So Baruch explained, “Jeremiah dictated them, and I wrote them down in ink, word for word, on this scroll.” “You and Jeremiah should both hide,” the officials told Baruch. “Don’t tell anyone where you are!” Then the officials left the scroll for safekeeping in the room of Elishama the secretary and went to tell the king what had happened” (36‬:‭16‬-‭20‬). It was looking like Jeremiah’s message and the chance for mercy if the king listened to God ‭would resolve the whole situation.

But Zedekiah’s response was shockingly hubris! As the scroll makes its way to the king, Jeremiah records the environment and mood of Zedekiah. He was chill, comfortably sitting by the fire seemingly worry-free. “The king sent Jehudi to get the scroll. Jehudi brought it from Elishama’s room and read it to the king as all his officials stood by. It was late autumn, and the king was in a winterized part of the palace, sitting in front of a fire to keep warm. Each time Jehudi finished reading three or four columns, the king took a knife and cut off that section of the scroll. He then threw it into the fire, section by section, until the whole scroll was burned up. Neither the king nor his attendants showed any signs of fear or repentance at what they heard. Even when Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah begged the king not to burn the scroll, he wouldn’t listen” (36‬:‭21‬-‭25‬). Section by section he cut it up as it was read and threw it into the fire! Understandably, he then ordered the arrest of Baruch and Jeremiah, but the Lord had hidden them. Every word of Jeremiah’s words, promises from God came true. Israel and Judah were put into a 70 year timeout by God, captives in Babylon.

How did it end for the hubris king? During the siege, Zedekiah fled the city by night but was captured. Zedekiah’s sons were killed before him, and then Zedekiah was blinded and taken to Babylon in chains. Even still, in God’s mercy, Zedekiah died a peaceful death, as God promised in Babylon years later.

We think, “if we were just clearly warned of what’s ahead, what are the results of our arrogance and sin – we would turn and repent.” Zed’s heart like many of our human hearts are far more complicated, far more stubborn, far more determined to have our own way even when we know it will end badly. James says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). It was true then and still true today!

Prayer

​Dad,
I don’t want myself or anyone I know to be a Zed! Wow. I know it’s in our human hearts to have the propensity to self serving and selfishness. But to be told, to be warned that judgement is coming AND miss the opportunity to repent – is just sad. Even with what little power I have, I want to maintain a soft, pliable heart before you. I am not perfect, but I certainly know how to repent and ask for forgiveness and mercy.

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David’s Hit Country Western Song.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one! ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭53‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It is believed that this Psalm was written by David while he was king of Israel. A few interesting things about this Psalm.

One: The most notable… is that this was a song – A SONG! The mysterious instrument was a Mahalath. It was possibly some kind of guitar. And, a couple of fairly infamous people were named Mahalath – Ishmael’s daughter and third wife of Esau ( Genesis 28:9 ), Isaac’s granddaughter! Also the name of David’s own son (Jerimoth). She was one of Rehoboam’s wives ( 2 Chronicles 11:18 ).

Two: This Psalm shows up twice in the book of Psalms (14 & 53).

Three: These Psalms became popular while Israel was in captivity under Babylon’s rule. Ezra brought it out of the archives of David’s writings and introduced it to the nation, his people, while they were king-less, leader-less and in a foreign land.

But just look at the words of this song that people actually sang while in the lowest of circumstances. It totally reminds me of a “woe is me, country-western” song. I’m sure it was a big hit during its day! David starts the song with a strong theme – “only the fool.” This word for fool is “nabel,” the most evil of fools mentioned in Proverbs. Nabel is the bent and seriously broken fool whose heart has completely been given to evil and the destruction of others. It’s a great, cryptic, rally-cry to declare the kings, the Nebuchadnezzar’s of Babylon to be these most evil fools.

The Israelites were living among the most wealthy, powerful, world conquerors of the ancient days. David sings of God’s perspective of all the might and influence of the nations during his own day – God searches for wisdom among the nations and finds NONE. And it sounds so fitting for the captives of the great Babylon to sing this as their own top song on the playlist. I imagine they gathered together while symbolically “crying in their beer,” finding solace and comfort in the fact that God would have the last word for the evil fools who blatantly, boastfully declare there is no God!

Babylons will rise, but all of them will eventually fall. This Psalm is perfect for the lament of our own soul when we look around and see evil flourishing while wisdom and common sense are fleeting. Thanks David! Play it one more time.

Prayer

​Dad,
These Psalms are timeless as reminders and even comfort when our world feels very much like the evil fools in charge are getting away with so much. Sadly, we have even declared a whole month to celebrate our own arrogance! David’s song, his lament, rings loud and clear even today. I pray as you look out over the human hearts today, that you would find pockets of wisdom, places of good. I know you will have the final word – and it will be just, right and true. Amen.

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God makes a deal.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Mount Sinai. The Lord did not make this covenant with our ancestors, but with all of us who are alive today. At the mountain the Lord spoke to you face to face from the heart of the fire. I stood as an intermediary between you and the Lord, for you were afraid of the fire and did not want to approach the mountain. He spoke to me, and I passed his words on to you.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭5‬a NLT‬‬

Moses calls the people of Israel, now free from Egyptian slavery to listen to the deal God wants to make with them. This deal is unprecedented! There has never been a deal like this made between any other god and humankind. The ancient gods only made deals where they were the takers, the receivers. They made the rules for people to benefit them and no one else. A deal with those gods were all about them, not us. Yahweh God was different. His decrees and regulations were all to benefit humanity. The first four were about keeping the relationship with him, much like a marital contract. Even the sabbath rest was demanded for our own good and called for a weekly investment into a relationship with Him. The other six were given to protect and uphold the sanctity of human relationships. Starting with parents and working through the normal breaches and breakdowns of relationships – murder, betrayal, theft, lies, and coveting or desiring someone else’s belongings. These are still the big five of relational failures.

Moses announced this covenant, this promise or agreement between God and His chosen people. These stipulations would fulfill God’s promise to Abraham and as Moses told them, it would protect and prosper them as they made their journey to their own land. “So Moses told the people, “You must be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God, following his instructions in every detail. Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy” Vs 32‬-‭33‬.

We may look at this entire process as a simple arrangement. Keep the commandments and reap the benefits of living in relationship with God. We now know that it would not be possible to keep God’s rules. It isn’t God’s fault, it’s our own sin that would prove time and time again that we are promise breakers and choose our own way, our own rules. All of which leads us to leave or wander from a relationship with God. God knew we couldn’t keep the rules and provided one and only one that would not only keep every single law in the covenant, but also become the physical and spiritual sacrifice for our sin, our selfishness, our rebellious desires – that is Jesus! In one way or another I have broken every one of the big ten commandments. But God is faithful. He is always right, true and just!

Prayer

Dad,
Knowing myself a lot better than I did when I was young. And knowing you much better as well. I can see how keeping the law, the contract would be impossible. I am thankful that you provided a way back to you even before I came to fully understand how it all worked. Thank you for your grace, your gift of forgiveness and reconciliation. Thank you for rescuing and restoring me when I was so lost and broken.

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Advice to the arrogant.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.” Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I have come across Proverbs that are clear, but I can’t stand them. I didn’t want to face the facts of this radical candor saying.

Confession: I only want to hear or take advice from folks who know MORE than I do or those who have MORE experience than myself, in the advice they are giving.

Proverbs nails my hollow heart issue as I type this – that is soooo arrogant. I understand I shouldn’t be taking advice from proverbial fools. But I have this emotionally triggered response when someone tells me how to do my job or run my life when I don’t think they are doing so well themselves! Doesn’t that just reek with pride? I mean, it causes a full on physical reaction in me. It’s ridiculous.

I believe the wisdom writers are pointing out the fact that pride is the numero uno reason for many conflicts. But in this case, the conflict is INSIDE of me! Why in the world can I NOT listen and look for wisdom from conversations with just about anyone? Why do I get all judgey? The truth of this proverb picks at some origin story wound that I just can’t seem to remember. Why do I get defensive? Why does it ruin my day? And, more importantly, what can I do about it? It’s a recurring theme that I am so tired of struggling with.

Through a process of humility and listening to the Holy Spirit, I want help in deconstructing some childhood defense that is no longer necessary nor helpful. Isn’t this is so apropos that God’s word would get in cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow, exposing my innermost thoughts and desires? (Hebrews 4:12). Cut away God, do your work in me!

Prayer

Dad,
This proverb hurts. It hurts because it pinpoints a blindspot, a wound, an irritation that I just can’t seem to see clearly, and allow healing to take place in my heart. Now that your word has pierced me, what do I do now? I’m confessing my arrogance and asking for help here. Show me, lead me and be patient as I take the time to figure why this is a reoccurring issue and time to work it out with your Holy Spirit. Thank you in advance for the upcoming outpatient surgery I am sure to be experiencing soon!

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When God quizzes humans

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.” ‭‭Job‬ ‭38‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

​We think we know so much. God created us to be curious and creative, so we think we’re so smart. God quizzed Job with some simple questions… for God that is! Two full chapters of amazing scope and sequence of questions, sixty-eight verses regarding the breadth and depth of Job’s “knowledge.” The tree of knowledge of both good and evil did not give humans a total understanding of how everything works! The tree didn’t make humans know-it-alls. But somehow it made us think we do. God’s questions are breathtaking, like a docudrama from NatGeo. Here’s a few:

° Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
° Who kept the sea inside its boundaries as it burst from the womb?
° Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and caused the dawn to rise in the east?
° Have you explored the springs from which the seas come?
° Do you know where the gates of death are located?
° Do you realize the extent of the earth?
° Where does light come from, and where does darkness go?
° Have you visited the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of hail?
° Where is the path to the source of light?
° Where is the home of the east wind?
° Who created a channel for the torrents of rain?
° Who laid out the path for the lightning?
° Does the rain have a father?
° Who gives birth to the dew?
° Who is the mother of the ice?
° Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens?
° Can you direct the movement of the stars— binding the cluster of the Pleiades or loosening the cords of Orion?
° Can you shout to the clouds and make it rain?
° Can you make lightning appear and cause it to strike as you direct? ° Who is wise enough to count all the clouds?
° Who provides food for the ravens when their young cry out to God and wander about in hunger?
° Have you given the horse its strength or clothed its neck with a flowing mane?
° Is it your wisdom that makes the hawk soar and spread its wings toward the south?

This is just a sampling of the pop quiz God gave to Job. How did you do? It doesn’t take long to realize that explorers and scientists have painstakingly, patiently taken YEARS to find the answer to some of these questions. But not all. The more discoveries reveal more mysteries and more questions. In both micro and macro biology science is still pondering how infinitely small and immensely complicated even one living cell can be. And how massively expansive the yet unexplored multi-universes appear to be. These are still within the physical sciences!

There are even more questions regarding the soul. Where do emotions come from and why do we have them? Understandably Job, like most of us failed the quiz. And, even if we could say we “know” the answer, it is likely that we heard or or learned it from someone who heard it or learned it from someone else! Who actually has firsthand, observational knowledge of any of these questions?

When God asked Job about the “extent” of the earth, do we know who has physically measured the earth? Scientists use mathematical theories that “prove” sizes, ages and dates, but which one of these physically and spatially limited scientists existed in history.

God’s final question to Job is the best! “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” Job‬ ‭40‬:‭2‬. Job had to apologize for his arrogance by saying this, “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.” The wise person realizes we really know very little! This doesn’t work well for apologetics (defense of religious doctrine), but God’s quiz should spotlight our pride for putting Him on trial for things we have no real understanding of. Read Job 40 when God ask Job more questions about justice! Job final reply to God, “You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.”

Prayer

Dad,
All I know is that I know very little. I ask questions out of curiosity, not out of some arrogant critique of how you run things. I have a lot of tough questions, but they are all contained in a complete and total trust that you are always right, true and just. Any confusion or variances are because of my lack of knowledge and wisdom. I have faith and I believe in you.

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Deal or no deal.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Blow the ram’s horn in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. Gather all the people— the elders, the children, and even the babies. Call the bridegroom from his quarters and the bride from her private room. Let the priests, who minister in the Lord’s presence, stand and weep between the entry room to the Temple and the altar. Let them pray, “Spare your people, Lord! Don’t let your special possession become an object of mockery. Don’t let them become a joke for unbelieving foreigners who say, ‘Has the God of Israel left them?’” ‭‭Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God’s spokesperson, Joel, previously said, “try saying your sorry and changing your ways!” In previous verses, he writes, “Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse. Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine to the Lord your God as before.” Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬. What a line! Don’t tear your clothes, tear your hearts! You never know, maybe God will listen to a broken, contrite heart instead of an arrogant, angry one?

The book of Joel was written just before the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel had fallen to foreigners. The leaders, priests and people had wandered so far off God’s plan, and so spurned their promises to keep God’s rules that literally- all hell was going to break lose! Enter the plagues and total destruction of the locusts.

However, Joel, gives Israel an out, an escape – try repentance! It’s in the verses that Joel emphasizes not just WHO should join in this national contrition, but also the urgency of which they should do it. First, gather EVERYONE. Call the people; elders to babies. Second, do it immediately. The husband and wife from their intimate honeymoon suite and the priests from their quarters to their post. Third, just pray one prayer in UNITY – spare us! Get with it – NOW! And, quit embarrassing your God and yourselves by your own stubbornness and stupidity! Then…. maybe, just maybe God will forgive and relent from his just judgement and have mercy.

Lesson: when I sin, as an individual, I should recognize it and repent. I should not justify it, excuse it or pretend it will not have consequences. I should be quick to confess and admit my sin and turn from it. However, as a group, a people, a community or a church – it is even more imperative and urgent that we follow Joel’s Spirit inspired advice (warning). Call the group together- everyone of them. Quickly prioritize the gathering. And pray one unified prayer – spare us! In other words, admit, commit and confess TOGETHER.

Chances are really good that God will not only forgive, not only pour out his mercy but also FIX STUFF. Kick out the enemy, establish justice, and send new, fresh supplies of grain (to satisfy our needs), new wine (celebrating a second chance) and oil (fuel for our future) Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬. Our repentance means that God may repair the breech (covenant/contract) and restore the supply lines to our souls! What do we say? Deal or no deal?

Prayer

Dad,
I can absolutely understand trying to hold on to our personal, even national autonomy. But when it has gone so bad for so long because of our self-determined will? It just starts sounding ridiculous. To think that I would ride my will/my way off the cliff, to complete and utter destruction is just insanity. Oh, I could see myself doing it. And, sadly, I see our country doing it right now, every single day. Our little arrogant protests and parades. Our cancel culture, boycotts and incivility is ridiculous. I confess. I repent. I ask that you would help us unite in contrition and release our control back to you. Lord, hear our prayer!

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Proverbs catches a conundrum.

Reading Time: 3 minutes 
“Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

How can God be all powerful, all knowing and all present and NOT be arrogant? Is pride the opposite of humility? Pride certainly destroys lots of things: relationships, trust, faith and opportunities. Pride and humility cannot share the same space. One defeats and displaces the other. Pride also has an oder, it stinks. People smell it and it’s repulsive. Don’t mistake confidence for pride either, one is admirable, the other deplorable.

The wisdom writers tell us that humility brings honor. Honor? I think honor only comes from the honorable. To the proud, humility brings jealousy and confrontational complexity.

Robin and I watched the brand new Season 3 of The Chosen the other day. This season is far more intimately gritty. Dallas Jenkins and the writing team have decided to dig deeply into the characters and our unique human dilemmas. Questions are asked that we’ve all wanted to ask, but have never had the guts or the platform to facilitate them.

In episode 3, Jesus returns to his childhood hometown of Nazareth. I don’t know how Dallas pulled it off but Jesus, played by Jonathan Roumie, comes off naturally, if not even awkwardly humble! Jesus is portrayed as an introvert!

And he’s not just quiet, he’s shy! He quietly arrives at night. The next day is a big celebration, a Jewish holiday that honors the day God created the world. Families and friends are all out in a field like a massive community fair. Word had spread about Jesus’ miracles and fame. Thousands had come to hear him speak, the paralyzed cure, possessed were freed from demonic slavery. The news was everywhere! Yet the writers chose to portray Jesus as almost embarrassed by all the attention! Roumie playing Jesus, deflected praise, and avoided direct questions of who he was. While playing a childhood game, they had Jesus LOSE after clumsily dropping the ball several times! When meeting with Jesus’ childhood teacher and master Rabbi. They had Roumie genuinely honoring his own teacher and giving us the feeling that it was strange to have the roles reversing as now the student was becoming the master.

Jesus, who IS God and had stared down power, veiled threats, demons and doubters, was seemingly uneasy with this shift happening in his own hometown. Oh, it’s all true, but we’ve never seen it acted out like this.

There is a scene in the local Nazareth synagogue where Jesus opens the scroll to read out of Isaiah. Roumie rolls it up and gives it back to the attendant. He then sits down and scans the room, his eyes taking in everyone that has known him and his family since he was born. His eyes, his body language are amazing. He stares at his mother, Mary. He stares at his own Rabbi. And as he stares you feel the angst and anticipation of what is about to happen. Dallas, puts you in the synagogue, the room packed with emotion.

Jesus, at this moment seems to struggle. He does not want to tell this group, his childhood friends, his own mother, and his Rabbi what MUST be revealed. It is the most powerful moment of humility that I have ever seen! Jesus, being fully God and fully human, understands the pain and confusion this news will bring to his family, friends and all of Nazareth. But Jesus HAS to tell them! He has to reveal what God has spoken, what God has declared as His will. “Today,” Jesus says, “this scripture has been fulfilled today.” In the show, the crowd that’s gathered gets super aggravated and aggressive and they press Jesus. The Rabbi comes out and asks him, are you saying you are greater than the law of Moses? Ahhhhh, here it is. How will Jesus respond, what will he say? Dallas had Roumie say this, “I AM the law of Moses!” It gave me chills, it made me cry. It wrecked me! And, it must have wrecked them as well, because they took him out on the cliffs in Nazareth to stone him for blasphemy!

Jesus would leave and never come back to his hometown because he said he was God, but didn’t act like they thought God should act!

Prayer

Dad,
When I think about humility and remember the stories Jesus told and lived. When I think about Jesus’ mannerisms and attitudes, his gentleness and kindness, it is then that I begin to understand how Your ways are above and mostly unknown to me! How could any of us be so arrogant, so puffy proud? Am I above God? Do we think we are better than you, know better than you and can finagle our own way without you? That’s just insanely ridiculous! I am sorry for my own arrogance and independence.

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I love it when a wicked plan fails!

Reading Time: 3 minutes 
“When he saw Queen Esther standing there in the inner court, he welcomed her and held out the gold scepter to her. So Esther approached and touched the end of the scepter. Then the king asked her, “What do you want, Queen Esther? What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!” Esther‬ ‭5:2-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If one was to say, “this story reads like the script from an Oscar worthy movie.” I would agree. Except, this story is not a fairy tale or even a classic ancient novel. This is a real story captured and written to provide insight to God’s faithfulness and His justice. Maybe all the greatest stories come from real life occurrences written long ago.

This scene is dripping with tension and anticipation. It’s a plan put together from Esther and her uncle Mordecai. But, will it work? Esther is very aware of the consequences in this recorded moment. If she was not summoned, she should never just APPEAR before the king! It wasn’t just a plan, it was her life. Before Esther goes through with it, she says, “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” Esther‬ ‭4:16‬. Notice, it was “against the law,” and she was prepared to die. Whew. So, King Xerxes, seeing her in his inner court, welcomed her and held out the scepter! Wow. The King spoke those famous words, “what do you want, Queen Esther?” Up to half his kingdom if she were to ask. Esther could have just told the King her tragic story, and the future genocidal act of killing off her race, but she didn’t. The plot, the story thickens.

She wants to not only catch Haman off guard, but she wants his own pride and hubris behavior to be his greatest downfall. Esther invites the King to a great banquet and she makes sure that Haman is invited. I think the King knows there was something much deeper going on and asks Esther about it, but she sticks with the plan and tells him, just come to the banquet and you’ll find out. I don’t think Kings like surprises, but he agrees.

Haman, obviously believes it is all about him and that a great honor is coming his way. After leaving the first banquet, his arrogance, his hatred for Mordecai only grows. And his bravado only amplifies as he throws a party for himself, his family and friends all while telling them how rich and important he is. The night before the second banquet something extraordinary happens. The King had trouble sleeping. And, strangely, he asks for the royal book of records that tell of all that he and other Kings before him had accomplished. And, what do you know, King Xerxes finds this brief mention of a man that saved his life from an attempted assassination from his own trusted men. And, as he searches further, he finds no record of honoring that man for saving the king’s life. That man was Mordecai.

And as providence would have it, the King looks for the first high ranking official in his court that he can find. And who is waiting in the outer court? Yep, Haman. And why is Haman waiting to see the King? To ask the King to impale his own hated enemy – Mordecai. The King speaks first. And says, “What should I do to honor a man who truly pleases me?” Haman has no idea how off he really is. He has selfishly and wickedly thought only of himself and he wanted MORE. Haman thought to himself, “Whom would the king wish to honor more than me?” Oh my goodness! Who could make this stuff up?

This story is a picture of what our own wickedness and bent perspective does to human beings. But it is also a picture of how God’s justice works. There were multiple times Mordecai could have turned, repented, changed his ways and humbled his heart to God to do what was right. But he would not turn. He would not yield. He would not change. You’ll have to read the rest of the story for yourself, but remember God knows how to take care of those who do right and knows how to being justice to those who continually do wrong.

Prayer

Dad,
I am always amazed at the ease that you direct our affairs to bring about our best (for those who love you) and justice to those who work wickedness to hurt others and bolster their own egos.