#636 "Consider My Servant Job"

There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. 2 There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. 3 He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east. 4 His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed[a] God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.
Satan Allowed to Test Job

6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan[b] also came among them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” 8 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” 9 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? 10 Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” 12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
Satan Takes Job's Property and Children

13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, 14 and there came a messenger to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants[c] with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 16 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 17 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 18 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, 19 and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

22 In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. Job 1 ESV

This is the first of the Poetic books, one of the most ancient writings in our Bible, and if I have failed to mention it before, God is sovereign and that is my understanding of all that occurs herein. This is the Mariana trench, and while we may be able to describe depth, we cannot deal so easily with the pressure. Shall we walk away for fear of drowning then, or the terror of being exposed? Will all I think I know of God or believe about myself hold up? 

So here I have come back to this place, and I remember on a Sunday in Volusia county, at a church in Ormond Beach, close to the birth of Lily, I remember a preacher saying, "Consider my servant Job." He said it trembling, in awe and wonder, and each time he said it, I felt it all the more, "consider my servant Job." Oh God, I thought, please do not have such conversations about me. 

It says that Job is blameless, and in the whole counsel of God, I understand there to be original sin, and I do not think this implies that Job is sinless, but rather on a horizontal plane, there is nothing that anyone could say against him, yet they will. He fears God and that this is so old, it seems to be after the order of Melchizedek, he seeks to walk upright and to turn away from evil. His affection is toward the true God, Creator of all things. I remember sitting in my pew that day, thinking that there was good reason for God not to have this conversation about me. I was not blameless before men, it was just a short time before that day, that I was a drunk and before that a drug addict. I had claimed the name of God's Son, that I was one of His followers, but I had never denied myself, never taken up that cross. I was not blameless before men, in saying "Christian", but living like the vile wretch I was, greedy, envious, violent, a thief, I did not have the love of Christ in me.

It says that Job was great in the land as pertains to the wealth of that time. He enjoyed family, and even though his children were grown, he was still a priest to them, sacrificing for each member of his family. This was a rich and materially blessed life, but also a life that acknowledged sin and the need for atonement, even for those hidden sins, that which we may not have recognized as sin in our heart.

The sons of God came and their leader was among them. Now these were the angels of old, created to the glory of God, to worship Him, His messengers. These are the third of the stars that fell from heaven, and Satan (Lucifer), is the one who tried to exalt himself before God. He fell for the sin of pride, a created thing, wanting the position of the Creator, to be exalted, to be worshiped. He cannot fill the place of Creator, of the infinite and eternal God, and yet God being light, the devil thinks there is this niche, to be God's opposite equal in the dark. The only close comparison to himself is not God, for God is, He is "I Am", God does not come into being, but rather is being, so there exists no yen and yang between the two. His closest reasonable adversary would be Michael or Gabriel, for they are also angels, created things. Yet here we find that when asked to give account of himself, he was out roaming the earth, like a lion, seeking whom he may devour, pointing the finger always against man, hoping to find fault in God.

"Have you considered my servant Job?"  God knows what we think, and he knows the heart of the devil is always looking, always hunting for a way to honor himself. Remember these things are for our learning, but here all the angels receive an education as well, for who among them or us is wise? The devil cannot help himself, "Job is only as good as the gifts you have given him. I know the answer to this, take away his wealth, remove the arrows from his quiver, and he will curse you." Now with David we saw that it caused pain and uncertainty, but he comes in the end and through his adversity to say, "though You slay me, yet will I praise You." When he was rich, now that was when he was actually at his worse. It says in God's word that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Solomon enjoyed great wealth, but he did not walk blamelessly before God or man; his life directed others towards folly. Job is different from all these, he may lack in his doctrine, for his is but a candle, and his Theology may want for this as well, but God says there is none like him. What an affront this must be to one who has enjoyed so much access, but has chosen delusion instead. Ok, then take his property and his children, but go no further, that is your boundary.  

Now, one day, they are all together, enjoying a birthday party or some other celebration, and think about that, it is the opposite of what we have inherited under the curse. They celebrate life, and it is death that is the promised wage for sin, but God has shown compassion, He has held back His hand for a time. There is nothing or anyone here that He cannot rightly take; it all belongs to Him, and everyone is bound in this entropy, and there is no set time, but no one is expecting it on a day like this. It is a beautiful day of family, food and wine, a wonderful and joyous celebration, but then one by one the reports come in, they are all gone, your animals, your holdings, servants and children. I do not know the heart of the devil, though I have held hands with him on numerous occasions, never to my good, but I would think this must give him some pause to consider, listen to the words of Job after he tore his clothes and shaved his head:

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return." Was I ever so humble? I did not make myself, there is no grasping at the things I have borrowed, have been made God's steward of, money, land, health, family, it was all His to begin with. "No, no,' you say, ' I have worked too hard for this, I deserve this, these are the hands and feet that have gotten me here." But did you make them my friend, did you design this planet and all these resources? 

"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord." I worship You because You are God, not because of what You do for me. I bless Your name because You are Holy and I am not. You have understanding beyond all this that I do not. I cannot now sin against You for taking back what belongs to you or for acting on the part of justice before the time I hoped. 

"Consider my servant,          ."

This wonderful triumph of faith did not come from Job acting alone, but only as Job reacted to these disasters filled with and connected to God. We are not told that the Spirit of God filled Job to react this way and say these things, but we know it to be true. Satan was acting; but so was God in heaven. “He saith to himself, ‘If Satan shall do much, I will do more; if he takes away much, I will give more; if he tempts the man to curse, I will fill him so full of love to me that he shall bless me. I will help him; I will strengthen him; yea, I will uphold him with the right hand of my righteousness.’” (Spurgeon)

 For jwe do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against kthe rulers, against the authorities, against lthe cosmic powers over mthis present darkness, against nthe spiritual forces of evil oin the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

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#635 Summation of Esther

The purpose of this book of Esther, as any in the Bible, is to call back to our remembrance the history of God's intervention. 

3For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.” 4For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. 5Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus,…Romans 15:3-5

It is really never in our interest to throw away history, unless history goes and proves against our interest, then some will throw away anything. Even then it should be the call to address our own interest, look what happened when men did this before, what makes it different now? I cringe when I see people pull down statues that remind them of painful periods in our history, for these are the things that need to be owned. These are the caution tape around the pits of fallen natures, the warning signs of what lies ahead and in the heart of every corrupted soul. 

Learn the truth, live it everyday at work and home. If you have done the first two things you are already deep into the third, teach the truth. At the end of Esther was the direction of the people to remember, to add the feast of Purim, go back and read this every year, that one was brought down and one was lifted up. Esther is told not to say who she is, for there was early a concern, but her life was an example, she carried herself well. Mordecai had taught her from a young age, and he himself was the picture of integrity. Look back and study these things, see that those who take a stand do not always do so raised up on the shoulders of thousands, sometimes they are alone, fasting, emptied out of themselves and ideas. Look at all the circumstances leading up to their deliverance, that those who stood up for right, also lived right. Learn, Live and Teach. God is not unaware of the affairs of men; it was a very dark place and yet God had already put everything in order, so just answer the call to the time and place you were brought. 

Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.…Philippians 2:6-8

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#634 Paper and Quill

Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's command and edict were about to be carried out, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them. 2 The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could stand against them, for the fear of them had fallen on all peoples. 3 All the officials of the provinces and the satraps and the governors and the royal agents also helped the Jews, for the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them. 4 For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces, for the man Mordecai grew more and more powerful.5 The Jews struck all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and did as they pleased to those who hated them. 6 In Susa the citadel itself the Jews killed and destroyed 500 men, 7 and also killed Parshandatha and Dalphon and Aspatha 8 and Poratha and Adalia and Aridatha 9 and Parmashta and Arisai and Aridai and Vaizatha, 10 the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, but they laid no hand on the plunder.

11 That very day the number of those killed in Susa the citadel was reported to the king. 12 And the king said to Queen Esther, “In Susa the citadel the Jews have killed and destroyed 500 men and also the ten sons of Haman. What then have they done in the rest of the king's provinces! Now what is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what further is your request? It shall be fulfilled.” 13 And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the Jews who are in Susa be allowed tomorrow also to do according to this day's edict. And let the ten sons of Haman be hanged on the gallows.”[a] 14 So the king commanded this to be done. A decree was issued in Susa, and the ten sons of Haman were hanged.15 The Jews who were in Susa gathered also on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and they killed 300 men in Susa, but they laid no hands on the plunder.

16 Now the rest of the Jews who were in the king's provinces also gathered to defend their lives, and got relief from their enemies and killed 75,000 of those who hated them, but they laid no hands on the plunder. 17 This was on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth day they rested and made that a day of feasting and gladness. 18 But the Jews who were in Susa gathered on the thirteenth day and on the fourteenth, and rested on the fifteenth day, making that a day of feasting and gladness. 19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, who live in the rural towns, hold the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day for gladness and feasting, as a holiday, and as a day on which they send gifts of food to one another.

The Feast of Purim Inaugurated

20 And Mordecai recorded these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far,21 obliging them to keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same, year by year, 22 as the days on which the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

23 So the Jews accepted what they had started to do, and what Mordecai had written to them. 24 For Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur (that is, cast lots), to crush and to destroy them. 25 But when it came before the king, he gave orders in writing that his evil plan that he had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. 26 Therefore they called these days Purim, after the term Pur. Therefore, because of all that was written in this letter, and of what they had faced in this matter, and of what had happened to them, 27 the Jews firmly obligated themselves and their offspring and all who joined them, that without fail they would keep these two days according to what was written and at the time appointed every year, 28 that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, in every clan, province, and city, and that these days of Purim should never fall into disuse among the Jews, nor should the commemoration of these days cease among their descendants.

29 Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew gave full written authority, confirming this second letter about Purim.30 Letters were sent to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, in words of peace and truth, 31 that these days of Purim should be observed at their appointed seasons, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther obligated them, and as they had obligated themselves and their offspring, with regard to their fasts and their lamenting. 32 The command of Esther confirmed these practices of Purim, and it was recorded in writing. Esther 9 ESV

King Ahasuerus imposed tax on the land and on the coastlands of the sea. 2 And all the acts of his power and might, and the full account of the high honor of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? 3 For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people. Esther 10 ESV

The day that their enemies looked forward to, and the first edict that must still be the smell of frankincense in the nose of all who hate them, mingled with the myrrh of their father's hatred, the resins of his final bed. The death of Haman and the rise of Mordecai fueled the fear of some, but hate has always been more blind than love. Others have this day marked on their calendar, to purge themselves of the Jews, but there is a second decree, that would only warn the prudent, it is the law of self defense. The king has declared that everything that they wished and would do to you, may be returned upon them. Those that were so mighty with Haman, have lost the office of Haman, it is held by a more qualified man than he. It is the justice of old, that God had declared to Saul, and this is the disobedience of Saul, being rectified by Esther. The local governors have the fear of Mordecai, for he is a just man.

Amalekites

Now we may cry that we are so much about forgiving, that we have no need to arm ourselves, but this is a wise decree, that follows a poor one. You cannot legislate men not to sin, not to steal or take by force, that is only the affirmation that it is wrong, and while it is the job and high calling of those who govern to also protect, they cannot be ahead of every case. Shall we die waiting for you, or shall we take up arms against our oppressors. They have also been given the right to take, but instead they choose to leave. Let the poor have the fruits of war, those who are left, but give the righteous one more day. Make sure those that hated us in our peace are silenced by their own choice of engagement. How proud and happy they were when the first edict stood, that we were the prey of everyone, unarmed and demoted to less than citizens, One more day, just one more day. This became a feast of remembrance, Purim, that everything was dark and bleak, our days were certainly numbered, but then we fasted and prayed. God moved on our behalves, so let this be read, remembered, God is Sovereign above kings and rulers. God rules and will have the final say over men. He raised up a queen in Esther, a statesman in Mordecai, the law stood, but those that humbled themselves lived. 

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.[a]
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness[b]
for his name's sake.


4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[c]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.


5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely[d] goodness and mercy[e] shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell[f] in the house of the Lord
forever.[g] Psalm 23

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#633 Customs Attendant

On that day King Ahasuerus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told what he was to her. 2 And the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

3 Then Esther spoke again to the king. She fell at his feet and wept and pleaded with him to avert the evil plan of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. 4 When the king held out the golden scepter to Esther, Esther rose and stood before the king. 5 And she said, “If it please the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king. 6 For how can I bear to see the calamity that is coming to my people? Or how can I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?” 7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows,[a] because he intended to lay hands on the Jews. 8 But you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king's ring, for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king's ring cannot be revoked.”

9 The king's scribes were summoned at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day. And an edict was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded concerning the Jews, to the satraps and the governors and the officials of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, 127 provinces, to each province in its own script and to each people in its own language, and also to the Jews in their script and their language. 10 And he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed it with the king's signet ring. Then he sent the letters by mounted couriers riding on swift horses that were used in the king's service, bred from the royal stud, 11 saying that the king allowed the Jews who were in every city to gather and defend their lives, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them, children and women included, and to plunder their goods, 12 on one day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 13 A copy of what was written was to be issued as a decree in every province, being publicly displayed to all peoples, and the Jews were to be ready on that day to take vengeance on their enemies. 14 So the couriers, mounted on their swift horses that were used in the king's service, rode out hurriedly, urged by the king's command. And the decree was issued in Susa the citadel.

15 Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown[b] and a robe of fine linen and purple, and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. 16 The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. 17 And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them. Esther 8 ESV

How do the wicked prosper? We ask that, but notice some things about Mordecai, before you think you see yourself as him in your own story. He becomes a father to the fatherless, he still guides her to do well and be successful, not just as a queen, but before the God who is over all and ruler of eternity. He has saved the kings life before, and was recognized for this in God's time, not by his own self promoting, but by what was written down. He has not even made it known that he is related to the Queen, and I doubt I know a man who would not drop such information if he thought it to his favor. Look, I am untouchable, I am related to the powerful. Surely it is a temptation, but again, even after he was paraded through the city, he returned to his post, he found his usefulness in doing his work and standing for what is right. He stood against the powerful on behalf of the weak. This is the purest resume the king has ever seen, a man whose works are above reproach, and who better to bear my ring, carry my seal? The honor that Haman aimed at, worked for, politicked and flattered for, all that power which he would use to ill gain and abuse, turned over to Esther, who gave it to Mordecai. 

Now, you have arrived, what more is there for you to do? She falls at the king's feet weeping, she sorrows over the travail of her people. Persian law is still in place and as foolish as it is for men to play at God, Who can't be wrong, their law pretends at as much that the king's edict cannot be changed. God has that right and look hard at this shadow from that direction as well, what God has deemed sin is still. What He, in His righteousness, has pronounced the sentence of death against, for that men will die, the earth will need to be remade, and the New Jerusalem established. The joy here, is that while this is established, that sin cannot be with righteousness, that darkness melts before light, there is another decree. The first would flood the earth, but the second, while not holding back the rain, would instruct in the building of the ark. This is the good news, that the wicked have been brought down, and that the righteous have been given permission to prevail. Take the fastest horses and proclaim it in every corner of the land. 

Many became Jews for fear of them, and why, because they saw God for them, with them, entering the history of men and writing a script they could not deny. If God is for us, then who can be against us? Lord, let me not seek my own glory, not drop the name of other men, but live to your honor, and spread the good news of your grace. I do not ask You to change, but to change me, remove my heart of stone and make me into the likeness of Your Son. Praise the name of Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven by which men can be saved. 

15You know that everyone in the Province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains. 17Indeed, when he arrived in Rome, he searched diligently until he found me.…2 Timothy 1:15-17

Even more, Lord, bless those that remain in our suffering, that refresh those who are hated for your sake. Let us call You friend whether we dine or we die, Amen and Amen. 

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#632 The Snare You Set

So the king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther. 2 And on the second day, as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king again said to Esther, “What is your wish, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” 3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request. 4 For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have been silent, for our affliction is not to be compared with the loss to the king.” 5 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared[a] to do this?” 6 And Esther said, “A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.

Haman Is Hanged

7 And the king arose in his wrath from the wine-drinking and went into the palace garden, but Haman stayed to beg for his life from Queen Esther, for he saw that harm was determined against him by the king.8 And the king returned from the palace garden to the place where they were drinking wine, as Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was. And the king said, “Will he even assault the queen in my presence, in my own house?” As the word left the mouth of the king, they covered Haman's face. 9 Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Moreover, the gallows[b] that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, is standing at Haman's house, fifty cubits[c] high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that.” 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the wrath of the king abated. Esher 7 ESV

They went to the feast, and Esther made sure the one she was going to accuse was there. Haman did not bring Mordecai before the king when he accused this obscure people, who were a danger to the kingdom. He left them without a face, but Esther will provide one, her own, she will claim her people and ask for her own life to be spared with theirs. She, whom the king loves, by her birth is also an object of this murderous decree. It is no longer hidden behind the veil of ignorance, the womb, viability, "sincere concern or moral outrage." This is a real human being that has done no evil against me, and then there is Haman. You do have an enemy, dear king, if you cherish me, those who are good and do good in your kingdom. The one who is against them is also against you, for he has never had your interest at heart, he exist only to serve himself, to elevate himself, to gain power and hold it. You have been deceived, but now your eyes are open.

This has to be quite unexpected; she has concealed her identity as a Jew all this time. The decree is his own, but it was without the wisdom of evidence, of the truth, it was faceless, and as he steps outside into the garden, he must question his own discernment. How did I come to trust the man who would pay me to kill my wife and her people? How did I come to accept his words without question?

If there was any hesitation in the sentencing, any cooling down due to his own negligence in this, the sprawling body of a groveling murderer, is too close to his wife. Will you attack her even in front of me, in my own house, are you that brazen? There is an apocryphal telling of this that says the angel Gabriel pushed him at that moment of the king's return, but I think he is just a coward that has lost his wits and is trying to beg for his head. Those watching knew the edict before the king said it, a life for a life, the guilty for the innocent this time. The very gallows he built as a monument to his own pride, violence and selfishness, would now satiate the anger and justice of the king. You think the end justifies the means, but the means may come back to justify your end. He was a mass murderer, a deceiver, and he did it under the guise of the law, for the good of the kingdom. Hang him on the gallows that were meant for the man whom the king delights to honor, the man who saved your life. 

Away with the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
24 But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream! Amos: 23-24

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#631 Insomniac Delight

On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. 2 And it was found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana[a] and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 3 And the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” The king's young men who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.” 4 And the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king's palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on the gallows[b] that he had prepared for him. 5 And the king's young men told him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” And the king said, “Let him come in.” 6 So Haman came in, and the king said to him, “What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?” And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” 7 And Haman said to the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, 8 let royal robes be brought, which the king has worn, and the horse that the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal crown[c] is set. 9 And let the robes and the horse be handed over to one of the king's most noble officials. Let them dress the man whom the king delights to honor, and let them lead him on the horse through the square of the city, proclaiming before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.’”10 Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry; take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do so to Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned.” 11 So Haman took the robes and the horse, and he dressed Mordecai and led him through the square of the city, proclaiming before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.”

12 Then Mordecai returned to the king's gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered. 13 And Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. Then his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.”

Esther Reveals Haman's Plot

14 While they were yet talking with him, the king's eunuchs arrived and hurried to bring Haman to the feast that Esther had prepared. Esther 6 ESV

"Be still,' He says, 'and know that I am God." I must have the guiltiest of consciences, or the most restless of minds, for its turning keeps me awake often. But it is also here that I wrestle, that I cry out, confess, admit the end of myself. When everything is quiet the hunt begins, the trail that leads into the woods where no one else is speaking. I hear the voice of the wind, the trickling of the waters, and a million chirps I cannot see let me know I am not alone. If I cannot sleep then read to me, let my rest be productive, Lord, teach my heart. Bring me the book of memorable deeds, let me remember how good is grace, how often I should have died, what angels have been sent to me. Mordecai, I remember him, and what was ever done for this man, this man who saved my life? Why nothing. Haman would have had T-shirts made that said, "I saved the king." If your life has any value at all, then how valuable is the one who helps you to keep it? Remember those who have been kind to you and rejoice when the time comes that you can show them a kindness too. I have taken and thought far too much of myself over the years, Lord that I might return it some way. 

8 The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked walks into it instead. 

9 With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered. 

10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness. 

11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown. 

12 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. Proverbs 11: 8-12

Haman, my confidant, my right hand, who has so much, so much that it should be overflowing. Who gets to stand before the king so often? You are like Lucifer, desperate to wear the crown that belongs to the Most High, but you are created, a man that has been raised to prominence by the king. So you answer like the devil, like the one who pretends to deserve the worship that belongs to the Creator alone. "What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?" I admire Xerxes that he has found the way to rest from his restlessness in this, delight, a good deed to someone who has given me a second chance at life. I owe him honor. The honor of the king is quite a prize to have, and since he is already as high as being next the king, his most inner circle, privy to the riches associated with this position, he wants something that makes him look equal. I have this much power, that so much goes through me and I can be all the more sought by the lobbyist, if I wear a robe that you have worn. I can look like you, your horse and one of your crowns can be my endorsements. Better still, have the horse be led by one of the princes of the kingdom, so the people understand the chain of command. 

Pride goes before destruction,

and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

Hardly anyone believes that they think too highly of themselves, for that is not the gospel of our day, but rather everyone believes that they do not think enough of themselves. My self esteem is running low today, yet I would not know that lest I was looking so much into it. I do not want to be fooled by myself anymore, for I have received many nice things that I did not deserve, and like Haman, I believed I had somehow merited it by just being me. Of all people, I should know to thank God, then those who have carried my often dead carcass, who have hoped and prayed for me to grow a conscience, of my true self, my lost condition. If you think you are being called to Christ, well, let me ask you what that looks like? Because if it looks like anything other than self denial, if it looks like you, then it is not Christ. He did not come to seek the righteous, but sinners, not the found, but the lost, it is the sick after all who need a Physician. Haman holds himself up above everything he has done, he must bring others down to make himself high, and now he must hold the rope and lead the king's horse for Mordecai. 

Mordecai goes through all of the motions of this and then quickly returns to his post. He gives his fellow Jews hope that the sight of him means the genocide will end, but then he immediately humbles himself to his station. This does not change Mordecai, it does not corrupt his mind or poison his ego. I am somebody because God made me in His image, and that is enough. 

Haman goes to his family and his wise men, and even they can see the writing on the wall. The one you hate is being exalted, the one you would hang has been lifted up another way. Imagine Jesus, riding in on His donkey, and the people laying down palm branches before Him, Satan has not been able to tempt Him to sin, but he has seen this from afar off. There are others though that just like the devil, they envy Christ, they want the recognition of men, the titles, the clothes and to be known as Rabbi. They want to be cheered and held up, more then they want to be healed, more than they want eternity, they want right now. The truth, uninteresting to them, this Jesus is in the way, He is a stumbling block, causing people to look to someone other than them, embarrassing them, not bowing to them, "CRUCIFY HIM, CRUCIFY HIM." 

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

5 “Say to Daughter Zion,

‘See, your king comes to you,

gentle and riding on a donkey,

and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”[a]

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna[b] to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[c]

“Hosanna[d] in the highest heaven!”

10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:4-11

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#630 Enter At Your Own Risk

On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, in front of the king's quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. 2 And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. 3 And the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.” 4 And Esther said, “If it please the king,[a] let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.” 5 Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, so that we may do as Esther has asked.” So the king and Haman came to the feast that Esther had prepared. 6 And as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king said to Esther, “What is your wish? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.”[b]7 Then Esther answered, “My wish and my request is: 8 If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king[c] to grant my wish and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come to the feast that I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.”

Haman Plans to Hang Mordecai

9 And Haman went out that day joyful and glad of heart. But when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he neither rose nor trembled before him, he was filled with wrath against Mordecai.10 Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home, and he sent and brought his friends and his wife Zeresh. 11 And Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the servants of the king. 12 Then Haman said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king. 13 Yet all this is worth nothing to me, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.” 14 Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows[d] fifty cubits[e] high be made, and in the morning tell the king to have Mordecai hanged upon it. Then go joyfully with the king to the feast.” This idea pleased Haman, and he had the gallows made. Esther 5 ESV

The dead need not eat, and so they fast and pray, but on the third day Esther enters the inner court. It says that when he sees her, he is pleased for she has won his favor. He extends to her the golden scepter, the sign of power in his hand. Her predecessor was divorced for not appearing and Esther is rewarded for showing up uninvited. The things that cause us to fear in this life, that may not even follow us into the next, but men are cruel and can also be fickle. Some wrongly and unjustly point at God to be like earthly kings, and yet He is infinitely all that He is, The Great "I AM", never changing, always opposed to sin, still sovereign above all and ever aware and involved in the affairs of men. Your knees may buckle, your face may cringe, but He is steadfast, and has made a thousand Xerxes from the dust. Fortunately there is Someone Who God is already pleased with, Who has won our favor, that we may stand before God covered in His righteousness. Esther represents a nation, and Christ represents the elect of all time from every place. We have and advocate with the Father, no one has to go alone.

For Christ also suffered[a] once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 1 Peter 3:18

Up to half the kingdom, but she does not request that, not riches, not the things that Haman would request, and yet not even the thing that is weighing so much upon her heart at this time. He ask her this same thing the second time and again she invites the king and Haman to another feast. Why doesn't she just blurt it out? Look further, follow Haman home, and rest under the shade of his head. He is so full of himself, his head is an eclipse, but only a pin prick away from destroying everything around him. Mordecai is the needle, and the sight of him after this is too much. Mordecai is unmoved, and still in protest against this evil man, he stands. Sadly, I know that I have been like Haman, every time I have puffed myself up, tried to invent my worth outside of Christ. We have all hated someone to the extent that we have laughed at their demise, or wanted it to prove our standing. "I am the moral high ground here. I need closure. You need to admit your wrong. Bow down when you see me." Who is it that says, "this is what is happening God, not my will but Yours be done. Help my enemy to see, help me to love my enemy, to continue with Your work, without need of recognition." It is not wrong to desire recognition, but it is wrong to demand what is not deserved. It is wrong to be the ungrateful servant who has been forgiven so much. Haman is ridiculous, he has all this worlds goods, more than he needs, but one man not bowing down to him leaves him in a frenzy. Now I must pull in my wife and minions and explain once again who I am, how many times I have been promoted, how deserving I am. I also have to kill Haman because he is a rebuke to me. He is a reminder that there are those yet who will stand up against me and not acknowledge my greatness, even accuse me of being delusional, unworthy. He has gallows made or as some write, a pole to lift the body of Mordecai on, so everyone can see, that you don't mess with Haman. This is what happens to those who don't bow to him. This is what a life looks like that is lived solely to it's own honor. 

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#629 Integrity Is So Passe

When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and he cried out with a loud and bitter cry. 2 He went up to the entrance of the king's gate, for no one was allowed to enter the king's gate clothed in sackcloth. 3 And in every province, wherever the king's command and his decree reached, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes.

4 When Esther's young women and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth, but he would not accept them.5 Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs, who had been appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what this was and why it was. 6 Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king's gate, 7 and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king's treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. 8 Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction,[a] that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her and command her to go to the king to beg his favor and plead with him[b] on behalf of her people. 9 And Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. 10 Then Esther spoke to Hathach and commanded him to go to Mordecai and say, 11 “All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.”

12 And they told Mordecai what Esther had said. 13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”[c] 17 Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him. Esther 4 ESV

Many will blame Mordecai for this, thinking that if he did not put so much weight on integrity then it would have never come so far. He has rent his clothes and put on the clothes of mourning, of bitter outrage, crying out and emptied of office, for those things do not matter anymore. His worst fear has been realized, his enemy has spoken out of both sides of his mouth, and now secured the papers of his fate. It's not just him though, all of his people will suffer, all of their lives have been pronounced nothing. Why, Why oh Lord?

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

He dresses to match his heart not his ego, and while some may think to dress the part they want, he dresses fit to where he is at. He is cast outside, his name has been made less, he wears the clothes to show the truth of his declared state, all else would be pretending, faking it till you make it, but this is the kings unchangeable decree. He knows the Persian law. When Esther finds out that he is in sack cloth, she finds it unbecoming of such a man. She sends him clothes but he refuses to wear them. She wants to cover him, but this cannot be covered, it is a shame to everyone in this realm, and he will bear the cross of it. Integrity is not tailored with thread, it is the fabric of the soul, the heart of those who act upon it. Blessed are they that mourn, those who are poor in spirit, who have come to their end for they shall be the ones to see God act on their behalf. Mordecai tells Esther to go to the king, but she has good reason not to. It's not that kind of relationship, not an equal marriage, and anyone who comes must be invited or extended the scepter. I don't slight her for this, for my wife has played Mordecai to me more than once. If that makes me the king's concubine then I am not so sure I like this analogy, but I feel for her. My wife would tell me, "Say something, you need to stand up for that person, write a letter, don't be a coward, speak up." I would tell her, "that's not the way it works in the real world. Do you want me to lose my job?" It is overwhelming at times and I would love to paint a good picture of myself, but I can feel the anxiety just writing about it, not just for my wife and my kids, but that I think too much of myself and how it is going to affect me. I would pray and then ask my wife again, "really, you really think this is my responsibility?" The answer, "you tell our kids to do the right thing simply because it is that, the right thing. You tell them to fight, not because you know you are going to win, but because it is the right thing to do." Damned by my own words, and none of the way has ever been easy, because I would rather step into the ring, and sometimes I think the belly of the whale isn't such a bad place after all. I look out on all the rest of humanity and think, wow, I can see why Jesus had to come, but then I look at Jesus and I know it's just me, I am the one, I needed this. 

“You have been wishing for another position where you could do something for Jesus: do not wish anything of the kind, but serve him where you are.” (Spurgeon)

iii. “I believe that in dark times God is making lamps with which to remove the gloom. Martin Luther is sitting by his father’s hearth in the forest when the Pope is selling his wicked indulgences: he will come out soon, and stop the crowing of the cock of the Romish Christ-denying Peter. John Calvin is quietly studying when false doctrine is most rife, and he will be heard of at Geneva. A young man is here this morning – I do not know whereabouts he is, but I pray the Lord to make this to be an ordination sermon to him, starting him on his life-work. I feel as if I were Samuel at Bethlehem, seedlings for David, to anoint him with a horn of oil in the name of the Lord.” (Spurgeon)

Our girl is not done yet, she knows the arm bar is in deep, but she refuses to tap. Pray for me, fast, empty yourself out of every notion that you can do anything without God, and pray. As for me, I was put here for such a time as this, so break my arm or God please intervene, but to Him be the glory and praise. She walks in there against her own first better judgment, forfeits the safety of her room and holds on to have her hand raised by God, to hear that "well done thou good and faithful servant." She has come to that place where she would rather die then dishonor her people, her position and her God. Lord, don't let me fall away, don't let me do anything that dishonors the name of Christ. God, please hear our prayers and heal our land.

Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” 39Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it ispossible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” 40Then Jesus returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. “Were you not able to keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter.…Matthew 26:38-40

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#628 License to Kill

After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, and advanced him and set his throne above all the officials who were with him. 2 And all the king's servants who were at the king's gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage. 3 Then the king's servants who were at the king's gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you transgress the king's command?” 4 And when they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai's words would stand, for he had told them that he was a Jew. 5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury. 6 But he disdained[a] to lay hands on Mordecai alone. So, as they had made known to him the people of Mordecai, Haman sought to destroy[b] all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.

7 In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, they cast lots) before Haman day after day; and they cast it month after month till the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 8 Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king's laws, so that it is not to the king's profit to tolerate them. 9 If it please the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay 10,000 talents[c] of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king's business, that they may put it into the king's treasuries.” 10 So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. 11 And the king said to Haman, “The money is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you.”

12 Then the king's scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and an edict, according to all that Haman commanded, was written to the king's satraps and to the governors over all the provinces and to the officials of all the peoples, to every province in its own script and every people in its own language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king's signet ring. 13 Letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods. 14 A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province by proclamation to all the peoples to be ready for that day. 15 The couriers went out hurriedly by order of the king, and the decree was issued in Susa the citadel. And the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was thrown into confusion. Esther 3 ESV

Well this looks a little too familiar, and I don't mean to speculate, but I think the king has promoted someone who looks good before him, but looks another way to others. I have seen this a hundred times that my bosses boss and on up the chain, will think quite highly of someone, who I have to refuse to say the same about. I try to give the benefit of the doubt in that he must present himself well before them, but sometimes I am there with all parties and wonder if they are drunk or high. We all like to be liked, but a flatterer is a dangerous employee, dangerous for you if you are so vane to believe it, and dangerous for others once he has your ear. 

Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;

their heart is filled with malice.

Their throat is an open grave;

with their tongues they tell lies. Psalm 5: 9

My companion[b] stretched out his hand against his friends;

he violated his covenant.

21 His speech was smooth as butter,

yet war was in his heart;

his words were softer than oil,

yet they were drawn swords. Psalm 55:20-21

So Mordecai does not bow down to Haman, and some will say this is because of a religious conviction against bowing. This would be true for an idol or someone who says "I am god", which would be another sort of idol, but to pay respect as a recognition, salute or submission to authority is not the same as worship. This could be the same as acknowledging that I am the submissive, you are in the position to give orders and I to obey them. I don't think Mordecai has a problem with showing respect in that fashion, but he has a problem with showing it to Haman, and this is his peaceful protest against a man who is not honorable. Haman proves this quickly in his pettiness and insecurity. If he is disrespected by Mordecai, why does he not go after just him, but no, he wants all the Jews, like Adolph and so many antisemitic people.  

Haman is respected by the king, so he has his ear, and now he has also devised a way to make it seem profitable. He will pay 10,000 talents which will be easy to obtain by taking it from those he lays waste. Hitler was able to provide his minions with a lot of nice things at the expense of those he murdered and stole it from. There is never anything new under the sun. Mordecai and Haman are sworn enemies from way back as Jews and Amalekites. Many of the Jewish exiles have fared well in the land, men like Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Many chose to stay during both of the migrations back to Israel, and this may also play into it, Haman's insecurity and an old hatred of the Jews who have done well. 

Haman makes his play with half truths. He is the dangerous one, but he says, there is a people, which does not say the whole of it, it makes it sound like a small band, a new uprising, a little cult. These people have different laws, and they do not obey your laws. When Daniel was told not to pray to any other than the king, he refused and was thrown into the lion's den. His companions were similarly thrown into a furnace for refusing to bow to an idol. There is a time for protest and civil disobedience. Moses mother hid him from Pharaoh's men, Moses later went back to confront Pharaoh with the words of God. Mordecai and his fellow Jews have been great among the citizens, serving this place well, and Mordecai is responsible for saving the king's life. This is hatred on the part of Haman, pride, and he would like to see it culminate into the genocide of an entire people. History will show this again and again, yet God has always maintained a remnant, rescued a people, the oracles, and language of Israel. It says they sat down to drink, but the city was thrown into confusion. You see, the proclamation made no sense, these were our good neighbors.

The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach.Revelation 12:14

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