Day 226- Esther #3

• Wow, what a story today! I hope you had great fun reading it.
• Esther bravely entered the presence of the king, as today’s readings open. She was there, you’ll remember, because she needed to use her position to rescue the Jews from the upcoming attack from Haman. The king, happily, was pleased to see her. What did he say to her? What did Esther request? Is it a surprising request, perhaps?
• Why do you think she invited Haman to the meal? How did Haman respond to the invitation in Esther 5:9? See how boastful he was in the verses that followed!
• Haman continued to demonstrate his utter hatred for Mordecai. What, under the advice of his wife, did he build?
• That night, the king couldn’t sleep. What news does the king hear in Esther 6:2-3? Who, by chance, was in the court at the same time? What question does the king ask Haman in verse 6? Don’t let the delicious irony involved in this moment. Haman, thinking that the king was talking about homouring him, suggests that the king should offer “the one the king delights to honour” plenty status and wealth. He had no idea that he was setting up all these things for his enemy Mordecai.
• Do you think Haman enjoyed the events that took place in Esther 6:10-11!?
• Haman didn’t have time to mourn for long, as he was ushered to the king’s palace to take part in Esther’s feast. What does Esther reveal about herself at the feast?
• How did Esther persuade the king to change his mind? What wise arguments did she use?
• The king knew, of course, of Haman’s plans to kill the Jewish people. But now that plan involved the potential death of his beloved wife, Esther, and so the king’s mood changes. Haman’s day was going from bad to worse, wasn’t it!
• What does Haman do? Whilst attempting to plead for his life, he “fell” on the couch. What did the king thing he’s doing?
• How, in a twist of poetic justice, are Haman’s gallows used?

It’s worth comparing the lives of Mordecai and Haman. Mordecai lived a life of integrity, devotion to God and service to the king. He was initially overlooked for his role in saving the life of the king, but this didn’t change how he acted. Today he “reaped what he sowed” as he was given status and honour in recognition of his actions. Haman, on the other hand, had everything good in life, but also pride and deep hatred. Haman’s blinkered view of Mordecai led him to create the device on which he, himself, was later killed. He, too, reaped what he sowed.

The questions for us is simply this – are we “sowing” the right things in our lives? We might not be reaping the rewards we might privately hope, but are we continuing to do our job, trusting in God for His good timing for the results?

As you finish, you might want to pray for justice in this world, and in specific situations you know where people are facing injustice, or honouring God despite a tough situation.