At the Face of Enmity and Opposition

Meditation from Esther Chapter 9 & 10

If God is for us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).
The concluding chapters of the book of Esther share the amazing incident of how the people who were faced with a powerful enemy, became victorious and were saved from destruction.

These two chapters show us what the Lord does to His people, who face the foe and what should be our response & responsibility to God's deliverance.

God's Doing

1. Turn Around:
The enemies of the Jews hoped to gain power over them, but it was changes to a day in which the Jews gained power over their foes (9:1).

The Lord turned around an impossible situation which was unfavourable to the Jews to their favour.

2. Fear:
No one could withstand the Jews, because the fear of them had fallen upon all the people (9:2).

The Jews were a minority and were supposed to fear the others. But the Lord had put fear in the hearts of the majority in regards to the minority.

3. Support:
All the officials of the provinces were supporting the Jews (9:3).

The Lord brought those who opposed to their support!

4. Fame:
Added to all of this, Mordecai was powerful in the King's house and his fame spread throughout all the provinces and he grew more and more powerful (9:4).

The one who was despised became popular and powerful!

Our Response & Responsibility

1. Greed-less:
The Jews defended themselves & destroyed the enemy, but they did not touch the plunder (9:10,15,16).

Haman's plan was to destroy the Jews and to plunder their goods (3:13).

But though the Jews had the opportunity they did not plunder the goods of the enemy.

Greed will lay waste the grace that God supplies in our life. Mind that which is on possessions & materials will not be fruitful in fulfilling the purposes of God.

2. Gratefulness:
The Jews wanted to ever remind grateful to God for the miraculous deliverance. That's how the festival of Purim began to be celebrated (9:22,26).

We should not forget the past, that is, our beginnings and should always remain grateful to God and to people who helped us.

3. Goodness Shared:
The Jews showed their gratefulness in action by sending gifts to one another and to the poor (9:22).

Our gratefulness needs to be shown in action.

4. Goodness Seeking:
Mordecai was advanced by the king, his honour, power and popularity grew. But he did not misuse his power and popularity. Rather he sought the good of the people (10:3).

If we truly know and have experienced God's deliverance, we will not misuse our position, power or popularity and will not harm people, but will only seek their good.

5. Intercede:
Mordecai also interceded for the welfare of the people (10:3).

Our position is not to interrupt the welfare of people, but to intercede for their welfare and well-being.

At the face of enmity and opposition we need not be anxious and fearful, but we need to be assured in the Lord. We should never forget God's deliverance in our life and we should always live in gratefulness, for the good of the people.

Be blessed!

Am I righteous or wicked? Godly or Ungodly?

Meditation from Esther Chapter 8

We will compare and contrast the life of Esther and Haman to understand the attitude and works of the righteous and the wicked, the godly and the ungodly.

1. Evil Intentions or Plans:
Haman made the evil plan to destroy the Jews (3:9a). But Esther wanted to "avert the evil design" (8:3).

The wicked devises evil against someone, but the righteous cannot plan anything evil against anyone. Rather when the righteous knows of an evil plan he or she will
a) Pray for the evil plan to be averted
b) Act upon it, if it's in their influence, to avert it.

This is the attitude and responsibility of the righteous.

How is your heart? How are your intentions?
Do you cry at the news of evil & misfortunes in someone's life or do you rejoice?

2. Right or Wrong Act & Approach:
In order to fulfil his evil agenda, Haman promises to pay huge wealth for the king to send out the decree to destroy the Jews (3:9b).

Haman was bribing to fulfil his evil plans.

Esther had more influence on the king than Haman. Yet she didn't use her influence wrongly.

Second, even though she had influence, she wanted to do the right thing and though she was doing the right thing she wanted the King's approval.

She says to the king,
If it pleases the king...
If I have won his favour...
If the thing seems right...
(If) I have his approval... (8:5)

This shows Esther's right intentions and humble attitude.

How is your attitude, approach and act? Are you trying to fulfil your agenda alone or are you willing to listen to others' perspectives to arrive at the right perspective.

3. Reject or Accept:
Haman reasons out to the king that because the laws of the Jews are different "it is not appropriate for the king to tolerate them" and so they must be destroyed (3:8,9).

But Esther could not bear the calamity that was coming upon the people (8:6).

Are you not able to tolerate someone because he or she is different from you? Different in culture, colour, food habits, language, religion, region (geography), class, etc.?

Do we reject people because of these differences or just tolerate them unwillingly or accept them?

We are called to love our neighbours as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18) and to accept one another (Romans 15:7).

4. Confusion or Joy:
When Haman and the King celebrated, the city of Susa was thrown into confusion (3:15).

But when Esther and Mordecai were honoured, the city of Susa shouted & rejoiced and there was light, gladness, joy and honour (8:15,16).

What does your presence, actions and influence do to the lives of people? Do people rejoice or does it bring confusion?

Corrections apart, our dealings should bring joy to the people. Correction will add grief, but it should restore a person (possible when he or she cooperates).

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan."
Proverbs 29:2 NRSV

Let our intentions be pure, good & godly and not evil; let us not rejoice over someone's misfortune but pray & help such people; let us do the right thing & be humble to learn other's perspectives and to not reject & not just tolerate but accept people.

Have a blessed day!

Why do we seek Favour?

Meditation from Esther Chapter 7

God makes a nobody into somebody and that somebody becomes instrumental in saving the lives of everybody - this is the story of Esther. The Lord takes us from humble backgrounds and transforms us, what for?

Esther's life teaches us that it is not for our personal benefits, but for the larger good.

1. Petition: The second time the King asks Esther her petition and request; that it will be granted to her, even half of his kingdom (7:2).

Esther does not request for personal matters nor uses the opportunity for greed.

What is our petition and request before God? It's not wrong to go before God for personal needs, but if we stop only with that, we have failed to be a true Christian.

First, God is not a genie who is at our disposal to fulfil our commands.
Secondly, it is not about what we want or desire, but about what God wills.

The Lord is looking for people who are selfless in their petitions, prayers; who pray for the people, the nation and the world.

"And I sought for anyone among them who would repair the wall and stand in the breach before me on behalf of the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one."
Ezekiel 22:30 NRSV

Ask yourself, "Will I be that one who will stand in the gap (intercede) for others?"

2. Favour: Esther found favour in the eyes of the king. That's why her life was spared (5:2).

Esther did not use that favour for her own personal benefits, but for the people, to save them (7:3).

She asked for her life because it would mean more serious to the king. She used that favour to save the people.

Another woman found favour.

"The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."
Luke 1:30 NRSV

Mary found God's favour, not for her benefit, but for the salvation of all mankind.

The mother of James & John came to Jesus and asked Him a favour, “Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.”
Matthew 20:21 NRSV

Jesus tells her that she doesn't know what she was asking.

Why do we seek favour? When we receive favour from someone what do we use it for - our profit or for people?

3. Influence: Esther through her character and hospitality had influence on the king. The king was so pleased with her that twice he accepted her invitation.

She could have influenced for her personal or for Mordecai's welfare. She used her influence in two ways,

a) To expose the wickedness & evil act (of Haman)
b) To save the people from destruction

Haman tried to use his influence on the Queen to save his own life, but ended up losing his life for his wickedness (7:8,10)

Everyone of us have our own circle of influence.

How do we use our influence? Do we expose wickedness (because it puts many in danger) or we just overlook it? Do we use the influence for our personal profit or for the people?

Paul writes, "All of them are seeking their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 2:21 NRSV

Only when we seek the interest of Christ, His kingdom and that of people, our petitions, favour and influence will be pleasing unto God and our life will be meaningful.

Have a blessed day!

Forgotten, Despised and Unrewarded?

Meditation from Esther Chapter 6

When people don't honour you; when you are despised; when you are deprived of your deserving goodness in return for your good work; how do you respond?

Mordecai was in the same place of despise and was forgotten. In this chapter of Esther we can learn principles to respond in such a situation and to know what it takes to be honoured and used by God.

1. Forgotten: The king loses his sleep one night and reads the records and finds about how Mordecai saved his life (6:1,2).

We worship & serve a God who disturbs the sleep of people, so that we and our deeds may be remembered.

2. Unrewarded: Mordecai's deeds were forgotten and he did not receive any reward for the good deed of saving the king. It was found that nothing was done to him (6:3).

Yet, Mordecai was not seeking the recognition or reward and he was not worried for not being honoured for the good work. His worry is not self-centered; for he is worried only for the people who are facing destruction.

When we sincerely look at the needs & destruction of people, we will not be seeking rewards for ourselves.

Haman is the example of a man who is always self-centered; seeking to be honoured and rewarded all the time.

3. Nothing to Everything: Nothing was done to Mordecai for saving the king (6:3) and now the king orders nothing to be left out in honouring and rewarding him (6:11).

When we don't seek or expect anything, God surprises us! Don't spoil the surprise!!

4. Unelated: One of the most important learning is this. We can see a distinct contrast between the characters of Mordecai and Haman.

After Mordecai was rewarded and honoured, Haman went home mourning (6:12)

He could not withstand Mordecai's honour. Haman should have actually realized and repented for his mistakes.

Mordecai was mourning for the people (4:1) and Haman was mourning for himself (6:12).

Even after being rewarded, Mordecai shows no elation. He is not overjoyed or celebrating his honour. Mordecai was neither sad because of unrecognisition nor elated because of being rewarded. He just returns back to the King's gate.

Neither despise or rejection or unrewarding should affect us, nor recognition and rewards.

When we think we deserve honour or recognition and that we have received what we truly deserve, we have lost it. For only the Lord deserves worthy and "we are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” 

Luke 17:10 NIV

When we work to be seen or recognised or appreciated and when we don't receive what we expect we will be discouraged. As a true Christian, our self is crucified with Christ and we work not for people, but for God. We will do our work excellently well, for we serve God. We will not be disappointed at the face of despise & unrecognisition.

Jesus said, "Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor."
John 12:26 NRSV

Let's not seek the glory, honour and approval that comes people, but only from God (John 5:44).

Have a blessed day!

What makes you Happy?

Meditation from Esther Chapter 5

Happiness is never experienced constantly and various causes affect one's happiness. Haman's life is a good example for us to understand where lies our happiness.

1. Respect & Rewards: Haman was happy that day because the Queen had invited him for a banquet and to enjoy it with the King (5:4, 9a).

When we are invited by someone high in authority to a place of prominence and given respect, we feel happy. For some (or many???) even the invitation to a good food brings happiness!!

Haman's life shows that this happiness is short-lived. The moment he stepped out of the palace his happiness was lost. When he saw Mordecai at the King's gate, he lost his happiness and became angry (5:9b).

He forgot the honour that he received from the most powerful people of that kingdom and lost his happiness because one man didn't respect him.

When our happiness depends upon the respect or acceptance we receive from people, our happiness will undergo levels of variation.

But when we understand our identity in Christ we will be secure and joyful always.

2. Money & Wealth: Infuriated Haman who lost his happiness shows off all that he possesses to people. He recounts the splendor of his riches (5:11).

If money & wealth is where lies our happiness, we will be happy only when we have plenty & are prosperous and we will lose our joy when we face crisis.

The more we seek money & wealth, the more we will need, never to be satisfied.

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil..."
1 Timothy 6:10 NRSV

We need to be like Paul who says,
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Philippians 4:12 NIV

3. Family: The second area that Haman shows off is his family, the number of his sons.

It's a good thing to cherish one's family and to develop happiness within the family. But if our happiness lies in our pride of the abundance or well-settlement in our family members, our joy is misplaced and when misfortune strikes we will lose our joy.

We derive happiness when our family members love us and at the same time we lose our happiness when we fail to receive love.

Our love and happiness within our family needs to be centered around Christ; only that can bring forgiveness, hope and true love. We are called to love Christ more than anyone (Matthew 10:37).

4. Promotions & Position: Haman shows off the promotions and advancement he received from the King; that the king had advanced him above all his ministers.

If our happiness lies in our promotions, position and advancement at work & career it will only cause false-pride, misunderstood purpose and anxiety. We will not understand God's purpose for our work. Our happiness will be lost when we lose promotions or positions.

Our worth is not in what we are or what we do, but it is in who we are in Christ. It's not our professional identity that truly defines us, but our identity in Christ.

Even after showing off all of these, Haman says that these do no good as long as he sees Mordecai!

None of these can truly make us happy. They can make us happy for a while, for they are short-lived.

Esther exhibits the right attitude for true happiness. The king in whose eyes she finds favour asks her, "What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom" (5:2,3).

And Esther requests nothing, but the king to come to the banquet.

God is our Eternal King and we receive true joy when He himself becomes our joy and not what we receive or want from Him. When we understand this we will begin to seek Him, His presence and not what He gives.

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"
Romans 8:35 NIV

Being rooted in Christ, His word and His love is the secret of true happiness; every other means of happiness is sinking sand.

Have a blessed day!

What is your Concern?

Meditation from Esther Chapter 4

The response of Mordecai and Esther to the news of King's command to kill the Jews, is focused in this chapter. We can learn several truths on how we, as a Christian should respond to news, especially that which is of crisis.

1. Concern: As soon as Mordecai leant of the King's decree, he tore his clothes and cried loudly and bitterly (4:1).
He cried not for his life but for the lives of all the Jews.

World Vision's founder Bob Pierce prayed, "Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God".

What breaks your heart? What is your Concern?

As a true Christian we cannot allow selfish & worldly desires to be our concern or to break our heart, but only that which is of God.

2. Care not for Self: When Esther learnt about Mordecai she was concerned about Mordecai and sent him clothes, but he would not accept them (4:4)

He was not concerned about his personal welfare, but for the people. More than his clothes he was concerned about people's condition.

More than his reputation he was concerned about people's protection.

3. Share: Mordecai passes in detail the decree and the coming destruction on the people to Esther, so that she can plead for the people (4:8).

A truly concerned person will act and will also make others act upon. This is what Nehemiah did when he learnt about the ruins of Jerusalem.

We are not called to Gossip; but to share the Good News for people to be saved and the bad news so that saved people may act upon it.

4. Purpose: When Esther hesitates to act fearing her life, Mordecai reminds her of her life's purpose. That God had brought her to that place and at that time for the purpose of saving the people (4:14).
He also warns her to not be lethargic.

When we realise that it is for God's purpose that God has put us in a particular place, in this time and with a circle of influence, we will neither waste opportunity nor time and will use everything for God's purposes.

5. Live or Die: When Esther understands her life's purpose & responsibility, she accepts to go to the king for the people and fears not death (4:16).

One who knows the Lord who died for him, will live for Him and for people.
"And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them."
2 Corinthians 5:15

John Knox prayed, "Lord, take my life, but give me Scotland".
Mary, the Queen of Scotland said, "I fear the prayers of John Knox more than all the assembled armies of Europe".

Do we pray for the concerns around us? Do we act upon what we hear?

Let our heart be broken (and cry in prayer) with the things that break God's heart and let our concerns be not selfish, but for people and let us live for the Lord and for people.

Have a blessed day!

H for Haman or (In)Human?

Meditation from Esther Chapter 3

Haman is introduced in this chapter as being promoted by the king to a place of honour, but his character and life doesn't reflect godly values.

His name starts with the letter 'H' and here are four observations from his life starting with the letter H, so that we can can easily learn, relate and apply the truths to our life.

1. Honour-Seeking: The king had commanded his people to honour Haman and he was getting it. But he was troubled and infuriated because one man did not honour him! (3:2,5).

He could not accept that one man was not honouring him which shows that his identity comes from people's honour.

This is what Jesus says about the Pharisees & Scribes, "Woe to you Pharisees! For you love to have the seat of honor in the synagogues and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces."
Luke 11:43

“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets."
Luke 20:46

If we are troubled because someone is not honouring us, because we think we deserve honour for our age or experience or for anything in comparison with the other person, we are behaving like these Pharisees.

True honour comes from God! We are called not to seek honour, but to be humble.

2. Hatred: Haman began to hate Mordecai for not honouring him and when he learnt of his community he began to hate the whole community of Jews. (3:6)

Favouring or hating someone because of their caste or community or colour is evil. It is sad (and hypocritical) that some (or many??) Christians give importance to caste when it comes to marriage of their sons & daughters.

3. Half-Truth: Haman shared half-truth about the Jews to the king. It was true that the Jews had different laws than the people of the land, the laws God gave through Moses. But it was not true that they did not obey the Kings laws; because Haman doesn't give any evidence for that. (3:8)

Secondly, he also hid the identity of the people. Because his intention was not true or right.

Half-truth is dangerous than full lie. Because when someone says half truth, you tend to believe that the rest will be true. It is an act of deception.

We have received the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Truth. We have not received the spirit of the devil, for only he is a 'liar and father of lies'.

4. Harming: Haman wanted to kill and destroy the Jews and he influenced the King to bring out such a decree (3:9,12,13).

He wants to destroy the people, but plunder their possessions! On the other hand godly person is more concerned about people than possessions. Godly person loves people and uses things; he does not uses people and loves things.

Haman's character and life is a learning for us on how not to be. May these truths cause true repentance and transformation in us, so that we may be godly.

Have a blessed day!

In the Plan of God

Meditation from Esther Chapter 2

God's plans on earth are done through people and He is looking for those through whom He can fulfill His plans. Esther's character is an excellent example of how we should be for God's plan to fulfil in & through us.

1. Unfavourable Circumstances: Our circumstances need not be favourable for God's plan to fulfil. Esther was orphaned as a child and grew up not in the land of her forefathers, but in exile (1:7). 

Her life wasn't comfortable or favourable.

2. Rejoicing Amidst Sorrow: Adding to her difficult background, Esther didn't have a choice over her life; she didn't choose to go to the King's harem.

Yet, no where we see Esther mourning over her life. She was so pleasing, even at the place where she was taken away from her uncle, that she found favour (2:9)

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 6:10, "as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything."

Either we can cry over our misfortunes or rejoice in the Lord.

3. Obedience: Esther obeyed her uncle Mordecai. He had instructed her to not reveal her people or kindred and she obeyed, with no questions asked. She obeyed him before and after coming to the King's harem. (2:10,20).

Mordecai's age & experience had definite advantageous reason for forbidding Esther from revealing her kindred; which Esther at that point wouldn't have understood. We may not understand the reason, but obedience is a blessing.

Obeying God & leaders is a godly Virtue.

How much are we obedient to our leaders, in the team, family?

4. Undemanding: Esther had found favour in the sight of the overseers in the King's harem. Yet she was not demanding, she asked for nothing. (2:15).

The Bible says that Esther was admired by all. More than her external beauty, Esther was admired for her internal beauty of character, which also enabled her to be the person through whom God could fulfil His plans.

Contentment is godliness!

5. Due Honour & Recognition: When Mordecai found the plot to kill the king and informed the King through Esther, she didn't take credit for it. Esther told of the plot to the king in the name of Mordecai (2:21,22).

We become trustworthy when we are truthful.

Esther means 'star' and through her character she did shine like a star.

"...you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world." Philippians 2:15

Esther's original name Hadassah means 'myrtle' which is used in the Old Testament as a symbol of forgiveness to the people of Israel.

Esther was to become a symbol of God's forgiveness and salvation of people, who are in exile for their sins & rebellion against God. Through her godly character she shone like a star through whom God could fulfil His plans.

Let's commit our character and life to be transformed to be godly that we too may shine like stars amidst crooked & perverse generation, so that God's plan may be fulfilled in and through us.

Have a blessed day!

Godly or Ungodly Life

Godly or Ungodly Life

Meditation from Esther Chapter 1

Book of Esther is special to Indians, for our country's name is mentioned in this book. This book is also a testament to the fact that Bible celebrates not just deeds of men, but women.

The first chapter teaches us how not to live or lead our life (maybe that's the reason why the king's name has two 'X', a mark commonly used to strike off)! King Xerxes' problems were with 3Ws - Wealth, Wine and Woman (which is applicable until this day in the lives of many).

1. Display of Pride: In his banquet, King Xerxes showed off his wealth, splendour & pomp to people (1:4).

God is against the proud and gives more grace to the humble. The much learned & laboured Paul the Apostle says that he boasts only on the cross and counts himself as least of the apostles and as chief of sinners!

2. Desire of the Mind / Heart: To the drunk people, the king orders that they can do as they desire (1:8).

We are called to do not according to our desires but according to God's desire; to walk not according to the carnal desires of our mind & heart but according to the spiritual desires of the Spirit.

We need to disobey the desires of our heart (that are not pleasing to God) and make them obedient to Christ!

3. Display of Beauty: Xerxes wanted to show the beauty of his wife Queen Vashti to the people (1:11).

Today everyone of us have the opportunity to display ourselves to the world, because of social media. We need to be careful what we post or display through WhatsApp or Facebook or Instagram, etc. We need to check whether it glorifies God or defames His name.

We also need to be careful in what content (photos or text or video) we share about others.

4. Disrespect of Relationship: One another thing that we can observe is Xerxes taking his relationship with Vashti for granted and using her to gratify his desires, with no respect for her dignity.

When someone uses others to fulfil their desires, it's an ungodly relationship. In a godly relationship there is mutual respect.

5. Unwise or ungodly counsel: Xerxes did a good thing of seeking the counsel & consulted people for the issue (1:13).

It's not only important to seek counsel, it's more important to seek the right & godly counsel.

Wrong counsel will lead to wrong decisions.

6. Misusing or Misunderstanding Biblical Principles: The order was biblical in saying that man should be master in his own house (1:22). This was established in Genesis with Adam itself, by God.

But two major elements are missing.
One, unless Christ is the Head and then the man & the wife, the relationship will lack godly love and mutual submission. The man will fail to love his wife like Christ loves the church, by giving Himself and the wife will fail to be submissive to their husbands, as they submit to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22-24).

Two, we cannot use biblical principles to suit our selfish agendas, without submitting ourselves to the whole counsel of God's word.

May the Lord help us to apply these truths to our life that we may not walk in ungodly ways, but may live pleasing to God.

Have a blessed day!