The idea of control is important. Who controls what? ‘God’s Will’ is whatever transpires. HIS Will is reality, history, circumstances, relationships, health, family, current events. The story of Esther is demonstration of just how in control God is. What’s our role if God controls everything? Cooperation or Rebellion: YOU choose.
Let’s talk about doing what is right, based on Biblical principals, whether anyone knows about it or not. Whether you get rewarded OR punished for doing it
How about the idea that you can cover up your sin, that you can ‘get away with it’.
Let’s talk about how you respond when God blesses you. How do you deal with success? What happens when things go well in your life? How grateful are you? How content with the success you have VS wanting more? Who do you give credit to for the success? [In your heart & with your mouth]
Last Week:
His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a pole set up, reaching to a height of fifty cubits, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai impaled on it. Then go with the king to the banquet and enjoy yourself.” This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the pole set up. ~ Esther 5:14
Chapter 6 NIV
1 That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him. 2 It was found recorded there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.
- The Kings of that time all kept known records
- The assassination attempt was recorded but went unnoticed…
3 “What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?” the king asked. “Nothing has been done for him,” his attendants answered.
- The King assumes Mordecai was rewarded for such an important act
- He may have had a ‘self aware’ moment: ‘I would be dead if not for Mordecai’
4 The king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to speak to the king about impaling Mordecai on the pole he had set up for him. 5 His attendants answered, “Haman is standing in the court.” “Bring him in,” the king ordered.
- Haman was waiting in the outer chamber just like Esther had been
- He is totally occupied with murder, his pride driving him
6 When Haman entered, the king asked him, “What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?” Now Haman thought to himself, “Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?”
- Before Haman can make his murderous request, the king has a question
- Haman: The ultimate self absorbed dude
- It’s all about him…that is where pride always takes people
- He’s so infatuated with the idea of being honored he forgets about Mordecai
- His pride drives him to disregard what is most important [killing Mordecai]
7 So he answered the king, “For the man the king delights to honor, 8 have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. 9 Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’”
- What Haman prescribes for himself is maximum attention [what pride wants]
- Very specific and elaborate plans…like he has thought of this before today
- The previous evening he told his friends what a big deal he is
- Now everyone will know what a big deal Haman is!
Imagine Haman standing there waiting for the king to say he is going to be honored…Imagine his shock when the hears the king say:
10 “Go at once,” the king commanded Haman. “Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended.”
- Great idea, make it happen at once…for Mordecai
- You get to be the ‘one of the kings most noble princes’ and lead him around
- Do it just as you described it, don’t leave any part out [maximum attention]
- Obviously Haman didn’t think he could question Xerxes so he got right to it!
11 So Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, “This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!” 12 Afterward Mordecai returned to the king’s gate.
- Haman thought he was going to have Mordecai killed
- Instead Haman is forced to publicly honor Mordecai and behalf of the king!
- At some point he realizes there in no way the king will kill Mordecai now
- Don’t miss V12: How does Mordecai deal with his success & all the attention?
- He went right back to doing what he does…serve at the gate
- He displays humility before God and men
But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief, 13 and told Zeresh his wife and all his friends everything that had happened to him. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin!”
- Different story from last night’s arrogant boasting
- When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. ~ Prov. 11:2
- They are saying: the jig is up! You are going down!
- The king is going to find out about everything!
- He will discover Mordecai is a Jew, and his Queen is a Jew as well
- He will find out why Haman wanted him to destroy the Jews
14 While they were still talking with him, the king’s eunuchs arrived and hurried Haman away to the banquet Esther had prepared.
- Before he can comprehend how bad this is all going to become for him…
- Haman is whisked away to the banquet Esther [GOD] has set up
- Man, must he have been nervous! And the anxiety just builds and builds…
Tune in next time when we will hear Harbona say: “Your majesty, I have an idea…”
Biblical Principals & Active Application Ideas
God is watching; living by HIS standards does not go unnoticed, ‘Have you see my servant Job’? When you live by Biblical Standards you will not need to self-promote because God will become ‘Your Public Relations Agency! [1 Peter 5:6]
- #1: Pray for God’s Spirit to empower you to choose humility before God
- #2: Intentionally hang around with and learn from people who ‘Walk with Christ’
Biblical Principals & Active Application Ideas
Your pride will make you violate your values…Biblical Values! If you are a Christ follower God will use times when you follow your pride to humble you… as in HE will Humiliate you. If you don’t intentionally fight pride, it will lead to sin. [Proverbs 16:17-19]
- #1: Find someone you trust to be accountable to about your pride [confess sin]
- #2: Own your specific sins of pride and receive God’s discipline [Be Teachable]
Biblical Principals & Active Application Ideas
When things go well, when God honors you, don’t take credit for it, give God the credit, don’t steal HIS glory! Christ was humble in victory, God’s people are called to imitate HIM [Philippians 2:3-5]
- #1: Create an inventory of everything you are thankful for & give God full credit
- #2: In times of success focus on how you can share it with others [true humility]
The Last Word
The truth about Everything, including well hidden Evil, will be exposed as God wills. The truth about some things may be unknown for years or centuries…or until heaven! In the meantime, what is best for your soul Christian? Live by the Spirit of God… and when you fall short: daily practice honest repentance. Peace and Contentment are found in an honest relationship with your Creator!