Esther 3 helps to bring into focus what God is up to. Haman, a man in the king's service is promoted to chief executive of the kingdom. He functions as the number two man and oversees the day to day operations. He decides along the way that since he represents the king, that people should bow before him (again because he represents the king.)
POINT: Interesting isn't it that sometimes we (Christians) think that others should bow before us since we are with the King. We don't mean literally to bow...but that laws should be made in our favor, that tax-exemptions should be in our favor, that protection under civil laws should be in our favor. Haman had no right to the homage and consideration people gave him. We, likewise, have no right to any special considerations because we are Christians. Under our rules of law...we are entitled (as Christians) to the same treatment as others.
Mordecai (Esther's uncle) refuses to bow before Haman and Haman becomes infuriated (v.5). Haman is a shrewd leader though. Rather than looking "petty" by lopping off Mordecai's head, he bides his time. He then goes to the king and asks for permission to carry out a cleansing of the kingdom and eliminate a people group who do not worship the king. The king does not dig into the matter. He simply slips off his signet ring and give it to Haman to draw up the laws as he sees fit. (This is the equivalent of the President of the US giving his seal and signature to a cabinet member to carry out executive powers...without understanding what is to be done.)
In vv.12-14, we see the edict of Haman in the name of the king is being carried out and notifications are being made. Where is the king? Having a beer with Haman inside the palace pub (v.15).
POINT: Leaders can never delegate their responsibility. They can delegate the decision making, but the responsibility lies at their feet. The king simply rubber stamped Haman's request. He never questioned it because to him, Haman was a trusted leader. Haman manipulated the king and abused the trust given to him. He did not get his homage from Mordecai, so he decided to carry out genocide. All this is now possible because the king did nothing. Someone once said, "All this is required for evil to abound is for good men to sit by and do nothing."
While we as Christians have no right to expect special treatment because we are Christians, we still maintain a responsibility as Ambassadors of the King to live rightly and to fulfill our duties while here. Even if that means no tax exemption, no prayer time in schools, no Christmas trees on the lawn of City Hall...we are still called to stand for righteousness in our society. We cannot simply sit back and rubber stamp some goofy idea simply because a single "smart guy" says it is best. (Sounds like a commentary on the financial crisis of yesterday...doesn't it?)
One final observation: the drama with Esther is about to unfold and we are about to see why a good and just God would allow such tragedy to occur as He has allowed in Esther's life. Raised as an orphan by her uncle, then carted off into slavery to the king's harem...it would seem that this girl is getting the short end of the stick. Keep in mind though: While God is allowing this, He did not cause it. In fact, He protected her and gave her favor along the way...so that even in the midst of her trials, God gave her grace to stand. Now, having stood in God's grace (and by God's grace) He is about to use her to do something amazing. (Stay tuned...)
Proverbs 30:5-6 is my takeaway today. "Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar."
The truth and reliability fo God's words are sure. Every one is tested and proven. We can rely on Him and in His promises. We are not to add to His words because when we do, they will be tested and prove to be unreliable. That undermines the confidence that is gained from relying on that which is true and tested.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
4 comments:
I suppose, as Christians, we often do expect a lot of special treatment. We forget that God has put us in this world to live lives that glorify His name while still going through the same situations as nonbelievers. If we got all this special treatment, would our faith really be as glorifying to God. I'm sure nonbelievers would probably not think much of it. Their thought would probably be, "Of course they have so much faith in God, look at all these wonderful things they have." I had never really thought about this before, how we tend to expect special treatments for ourselves just because we know God personally. Great post!!
Haman seem like so many people today! They will want to be the point of attention. We need to remember that God is a jealous God will only allow it for a short period before He corrects the action. I applaud Esther's uncle for his stance. More people need to take a stance against the temptations and be holy.
My take away from today is the leadership piece, when to delegate. I definately have delegated some of duties in properly. This reminds me to be sure that I make the decision then task out the duties. (don't think I would have gotten that on my own... thank you)
Your final observation: What an amazing testimony to be found strong enough to handle this kind of pressure. God is so amazing how He protects us while allowing us to grow and show others His strength. There is nothing more comforting to me than to feel the big warm arms of Christ wrapped around me holding and protecting me and then to know He is still using me and my experiences. Amazing thoughts!!! Good Word Pastor:)
I've never understood Christians who want the world to conform to them to give them special privileges. As far as I can tell, they always end up conforming to the world, since politics makes for strange bedfellows. Our country enshrines the liberty of each person to make their choice on worship. "I don't agree with what you say, but I'll defend unto the death your right to say it.", is almost uniquely an American sentiment.
I do notice that as God has been withdrawn from our society, both by government action and denominations becoming more "conforming", the values that made America great are fading away. Including that quote I gave.
Good comment on responsibility: I see the concept of the narrow gate in the discussion of responsibility vs. delegation. If I try to oversee everything I'm personally responsible for, I waste my effort on doing too much and if I delegate without oversight things can be done wrong that I will have to correct later.
Yes, everything worked together for good for Esther and her people. I'll leave that for now.
Proverbs: Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. (Proverbs 30:7-9)
I found this prayer very interesting for a couple of reasons, but the main one is what exactly was asked for.
Post a Comment